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The Indian Flat RV Park is located on the Merced River just eight scenic miles from the Highway 140 western entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Thundering misty cascades, magnificent giant Sequoia groves, and towering granite cliffs that shimmer in the moonlight – that is Yosemite National Park. Theodore Roosevelt called it “The most beautiful place in the world.” If you have not been to this magical outdoor recreational kingdom, you should put it on your Bucket List. When you go – here’s a relatively unknown and delightfully interesting place to stay.
The RV Park
Indian Flats RV Park is nestled in the woods along the Merced River. You will know you are close to your destination on Highway 140 when you cross over two temporary metal bridges that span the Merced River and bypass the 2006 landslide. Drive slow and look for the Indian Flat sign on the right (just past Cedar Lodge) – but don’t blink, or you might miss it.
If you love the great out-of-doors, and don’t mind roughing it a little, this is a great place to spend your next vacation. Here’s why we like it.
Three options in accommodations
There are 25 easy access RV sites with hookups varying from water and electric to full service. All the sites are well positioned among a stand of lofty cottonwood trees.
If you prefer tent camping, the park has 25 tent sites with close access to recently remodeled bath and laundry facilities. The park is small, so the facilities are all nearby. Most of the tent sites are designed for up to six campers and have fire rings, tables, and food lockers. Two of the tent sites are very large and can accommodate groups of up to 30 people.
Don’t have a tent, but like the concept? Try one of the five tent cabins conveniently snuggled in the trees along the back and sides of the property.
If tenting is a little too rigorous rustic for your taste, step up to one of the two cozy cabins in the park. Each of the cabins has two queen beds, is heated and air-conditioned, has living and sleeping rooms, a private bathroom with shower, cable TV, and a kitchenette with sink, microwave, stove, and refrigerator. The accommodations are clean and simple, and ready for your commune with nature.
The pièce de résistance for relative luxury is a large room with two queen beds located in the same building as the manager’s office. Practical and comfortable, this is a nice base from which to explore Yosemite.
Walking distance amenities
Besides having all the necessities for camp life, we like Indian Flats because during the summer season guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool at Cedar Lodge, a full service hotel located next door. Cedar lodge is a year-round hotel and has a mini-mart, large gift shop, a bar, restaurant and a 1950s style grill. The food is quite good.
River Rafting
The Merced River is directly across highway 140 from Indian Flat. During the season, Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions provides river rafting trips, and has an office right on the banks of the Merced near the campground. In the U.S., the toll-free number for information is 800.431.3636.
Fishing
You can also try your hand at fly-fishing for trout or bass on the Merced. Ask the Indian Flat Manager for more information.
Drive to amenities
Yosemite Park is open all year. The Park in winter is spectacular. From your base at Indian Flat campground, it is a short drive to Badger Pass for downhill and cross-country skiing. During snow season, Glacier Point Road terminates at 7200 feet and the Badger Pass Ski Area.
Bring your dog(s)
Yosemite and Indian Flat are both dog friendly. Click here to read important information about dog rules in Yosemite Park.
Our recommendation
John Muir helped to preserve Yosemite, Ansel Adams photographed Yosemite, we got married in Yosemite, and everyone who visits – just loves Yosemite National Park. You will too.
If you go
Indian Flat is open all year and is the closest campground to Yosemite on state highway 140. Note: Highway 140 is known as the all-weather highway to the park because it is the lowest elevation route to Yosemite.
The park is about a four-hour drive from San Francisco, five-hours from South Lake Tahoe, and six-hours from Los Angeles.
For more information about Indian Flat RV Park, and directions, visit their website at www.indianflatrvpark.com
Reservations are highly recommended May through September.
You may also be interested in these additional pertinent articles by the authors:
Seniors Save in National Parks
Plan Your Wedding in Yosemite National Park
Here is an interesting historical clip you might enjoy “When Roosevelt met Muir” www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gJ43sReByo
Many photographs are located at the end of this article, but if you prefer to read this story with in-line photos, please click here.
© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff
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