Cherry Valley Campground: Your Secluded Lakeside Escape Near Yosemite

Cherry Valley Campground Introduce

For those seeking a genuine escape into nature, far from the distractions of urban life, Cherry Valley Campground emerges as a top-tier destination within the "Camping Near Me" category. Located at an address in Groveland, CA 95321, this campground offers a unique and deeply immersive outdoor experience, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. While it might appear remote on a map, its distance from town (approximately 33 miles) is precisely what contributes to its unparalleled tranquility and exceptional stargazing opportunities. The journey itself along the forest road is described as beautiful and relatively easy to drive, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

The environment of Cherry Valley Campground is its most compelling feature, characterized by its stunning natural beauty and a distinct sense of remoteness. Situated near Cherry Lake, the campground offers glimpses of water through the trees from various sites, providing a serene and picturesque setting. The landscape is a testament to the resilience of nature, with dramatic landscapes scarred by past fires now showcasing vibrant new growth, including dense oak and manzanita undergrowth, a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, and majestic granite outcroppings adorned with a remarkable variety of moss and lichen. This diverse ecosystem supports thriving wildlife, including the majestic bald eagle, which campers have frequently sighted. The air is crisp, and the silence is profound, broken only by the sounds of nature. The remoteness also means minimal light pollution, making for truly spectacular stargazing, particularly from the gravel road on the dam. While some areas show signs of fire scars, the overall impression is one of breathtaking natural recovery and beauty, making it a prime location for photography and quiet contemplation.

Services at Cherry Valley Campground are focused on providing a comfortable yet authentic camping experience, largely facilitated by the exceptional site host, JJ, and his dog, Zeke. JJ is consistently lauded by visitors for his friendly demeanor, helpfulness, and extensive local knowledge. He acts as an invaluable resource, offering personalized tips on hiking trails, safe swimming spots, and hidden gems within a day's drive. This personalized guidance significantly enhances the camper's experience, often leading to discoveries that surpass original plans, such as the stunning hike to Kibbie Creek with its fast-moving water over solid granite and series of small, beautiful waterfalls. Restrooms are available on-site and are noted by campers for being very clean and thoughtfully maintained, even being propped open to help with ventilation. A water spigot is present, though due to the remote location and potential for high occupancy, campers are strongly advised to bring their own substantial water supply (e.g., 10-20L water cubes) to ensure self-sufficiency. For those who might forget essential items, JJ also has firewood available for purchase (cash only), further showcasing his dedication to assisting campers. While there is no cellular service for most carriers (AT&T users report no service, Xfinity users minimal for texting), this absence of connectivity is often highlighted as a feature rather than a drawback, encouraging a true digital detox. Campers are advised to download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps, AllTrails Plus) or consult JJ's detailed map at his trailer for navigation.

The features of Cherry Valley Campground are geared towards an active and explorative outdoor enthusiast. Camping sites are thoughtfully laid out, with some first-come-first-serve spots at the top of the hill offering significantly more space and superior views compared to reserved sites. Each site typically provides a sense of seclusion and connection to nature. The primary draws are the unparalleled access to hiking and swimming opportunities. The footpath from site 10 leads directly to Cherry Lake, offering a convenient route for a short hike and water access. Longer, more challenging hikes, such as the trek down to Lake Eleanor and the phenomenal journey to Kibbie Creek and potentially Kibbie Lake, are easily accessible. These trails often involve navigating granite terrain, so appropriate footwear with good grip is highly recommended. The water in Kibbie Creek is pristine and perfect for dipping feet, offering a refreshing respite. The lack of bugs, particularly mosquitos, in late April was noted by one camper, suggesting that the fast-moving water and granite environment may contribute to this, though bug spray and protective clothing are still wise precautions for summer months. The remote location ensures excellent stargazing opportunities, making it a dream for astrophotography or simply enjoying the night sky. The presence of JJ, the site host, who proudly ensures no bears come around with his dog, adds an extra layer of comfort and security, particularly for those new to more remote camping experiences.

For promotional efforts within the "Camping Near Me" platform, Cherry Valley Campground should be positioned as the ultimate destination for those seeking a tranquil, adventurous, and authentically wild camping experience near Yosemite National Park. Emphasize the stunning natural environment, the exceptional opportunities for hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing (especially bald eagles). Highlight the invaluable presence of JJ, the site host, as a key differentiator, promoting his local knowledge and helpfulness as a major benefit. For potential visitors, the promotional information should clearly communicate the remote nature of the campground, including the lack of cell service and the distance to the nearest town, setting realistic expectations and encouraging preparedness (e.g., bringing ample water and offline navigation tools). Showcase the breathtaking photography opportunities, from diverse flora and granite landscapes to starry nights. Promote the sense of escape and digital detox, appealing to those looking to truly disconnect. While specific promotional offers might not be readily available, encouraging early bookings due to the campground's popularity and the potential for acquiring prime first-come-first-serve spots could be beneficial. The strong positive testimonials, particularly those highlighting JJ's impact and the "slice of paradise" feeling, should be prominently featured to attract like-minded adventurers seeking an unforgettable outdoor retreat.

Cherry Valley Campground Photos

Cherry Valley Campground Location

Cherry Valley Campground

Groveland, CA 95321, USA

Cherry Valley Campground

Groveland

Joe Walt Run Campground

Forest Rte 3N01

Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground

Groveland

Mather Family Camp

35250 Mather Rd

Dimond O Campground

Evergreen Rd

Hull Creek Campground

Long Barn

Hull Creek / Trout Creek OHV Area (recgovnpsdata)

Long Barn

Lumsden Bridge Campground

Groveland

Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

31191 Hardin Flat Rd

Berkeley Tuolumne Camp

31585 Hardin Flat Rd

Sweetwater Campground

Groveland

South Fork Campground

Forest Rte 1N10

Carlon Day Use Area

Groveland

Cherry Valley Campground Reviews

I wish I could give this place 6 stars. Just make sure you check in with site host JJ and his dog Zeke when you arrive. He’s very friendly and helpful and we got great tips from him the whole time. We booked site 10 knowing it was by the path to the lake, but when we got there JJ made sure to tell us about two first-come-first-serve spots at the top of the hill that by far surpassed the spot we’d reserved. We ended up with significantly more space, a nicer view of the campground, a little bit of water through the trees, and a bathroom just across from us. Which, I might add, was very clean and always thoughtfully propped open to help with smell.Thanks to JJs tips we caught multiple bald eagle sightings, a hike down to lake Eleanor, a short hike down to lake Cherry (footpath from site 10), and a hike over to Kibbie Creek, which might have been the single most beautiful day of hiking I’ve ever done. If we’d had time we’d have continued to Kibbie lake, but we just had too much fun exploring and relaxing at the creek. It’s a fast moving creek over solid granite so there are few to no bugs, the water was great to dip our feet in, and there is a series of small waterfalls that were stunning. Just wear the right shoes! You will thank yourself if you have good grippy trail shoes on all these hikes.Make sure to ask JJ about local hiking and swimming spots! He’s been around and knows all the good spots within a days drive. He also knows which spots are safe to swim and which aren’t, so make sure you listen!! He knows his stuff and might just save your life. He also has firewood available for sale if you forgot it, just bring cash.Main caveats: NO SERVICE. I have ATT and was completely without it. My partner has Xfinity and got away barely enough to send a text and no more. Invest in AllTrails plus (36/year and it was VERY helpful in keeping us on the trail), download maps on Google, or just bring a map. Also, just ask JJ! He has a massive map at his trailer that is very detailed. AllTrails was slightly wrong about the Lake Eleanor trailhead, so his map helped.DISTANCE: Nearest town is 33 miles away, so bring all you need. That said, the forest road there is beautiful and relatively easy to drive. Plus, the distance makes for great star-gazing. There is a gravel road on the dam where you can walk/drive out and get some sky.BRING WATER. There is a water spigot on site, but when you’re that remote, and especially if it’s busy, don’t rely on it. Get a big 10-20L water cube or two from a sporting goods store. My general rule is 1 gallon per person, per day. So 2 people, 3 days makes 6 gallons. We boiled a lot of water for tea and coffee and went through it quickly. Extra water can’t hurt. I brought a Lifestraw to drink from the creek and was happy I did.BUGS: We went in late April at the start of the season, and mosquitos were barely noticeable. I would imagine during the summer months there’d be more. it would be smart to invest in bug spray, long sleeve Sun shirts, maybe even mosquito nets for hats just in case. We kept citronella candles burning, sprayed ourselves down, and covered our ears and neck, and were just fine. There were quite a few fuzzy bumblebees flying through “on patrol” as we said at the time, because they sure did like hovering RIGHT next to our head as if staring us down 😂 totally harmless, though.BRING A CAMERA! The whole area is stunning. Never in my life have I seen so many varieties of moss and lichen. I know this is a popular summer spot because of the swimming areas, but springtime was breathtaking. Much of our Kibbie Creek hike was through dramatic landscapes scarred by fire years prior, so there are the husks of burnt trees rising out of dense oak and manzanita undergrowth, surrounded by wildflowers of all colors and dramatic granite outcroppings adorned with moss, and overlooking lake Eleanor below. If you stop and listen to the critters thriving up there, it’s a beautiful indicator of life finding a way.Thank you JJ! We had a magical anniversary trip and will be back.
May 03, 2025 · Charlotte Dean
A slice of paradise!We booked this camping whilst we were still in Australia and apparently it would be only an hour away from Yosemite (we definitely did something wrong as it actually would take us around 2h with our rental van to the visitor center). Turns out our “mistake” took us to this stunning - and very well looked after - campsite ✨We ended up staying for 2 nights and spending a day at the Cherry Lake instead of heading to Yosemite straight away as our original plan.JJ is lovely and an outstanding host. We had a good chat and he sorted our booking out (we had 4 nights booked and he rearranged the following nights to another camping closer to Yosemite) - what a legend!The cherry valley campsite is so well looked after by him and his dog (he proudly says no bears would come around with his dog there).Thanks for it all, JJ! I hope we can visit you back soon :)
Sep 06, 2024 · Sílvia Borini
Beautiful remote campground. The lake is beautiful, there's a waterfall and great swimming area (take trail down from site #10). No cell reception here unless you have Verizon (spotty reception but works). No running water. You need to bring your water. Firewood is available on site. Night sky beautiful here because it's remote and away from light pollution. Definitely recommend.
Aug 03, 2023 · Waleed
Campground manager JJ (two j’s lol) helped make our stay worth the 5 stars. Beautiful secluded campground, amazing views and best view of the stars at night. JJ did a wonderful job at keeping the place clean and tidy for everyone and was very accommodating when needed. Just note the way up and down to the 120 is very intense so be careful! But otherwise perfect in our opinion. Definitely recommend!
Jul 28, 2024 · Karla C
I absolutely loved thia hidden gem!!The campsites are very well kept!! And the amenities are super!!I will say this is a campsite to come and stay, as the nearest store is about an hour away... only 30 miles, but the road is very curvy...You can walk to the lake, about a 15 min walk, just take your hiking boots as there is a lot of rocks... or... you can drive out to where the boat landing is and it will be easier...There are water faucets so you can refill water jugs for drinking or cleaning, just be mindful that the toilets even though they are cleaned twice a day, they are still just toilet pits...Take an axe and you can forage your own firewood!! Sooo recommend this, we used the pit at night for about 4 hours and in the morning for breakfast...We will definitely be coming here every year!!
Aug 16, 2020 · Elisa C.M.