On The Wagon: Glamping in Groveland, California
Approximately 22 miles from the western gate of Yosemite National Park, in the Californian town of Groveland, stands an RV park quite unlike any other.
Yosemite is well known tourist attraction. Besides, the familiar trappings of traditional cabins and yurts, the Yosemite Pines RV Resort boasts some magnificently restored Conestoga Wagons for the more adventurous glampers.
These evocative campers are made from wood and white canvas tops. They bring to mind classic western movies. Indeed, wagons like these were used by pioneer families, which were heading west in the 18th and 19th centuries.
However, while the exteriors are steeped in nostalgia, the interiors offer an altogether more contemporary vacation experience. Each wagon is fitted with soft beds, a microwave, cell phone chargers, and air conditioning.
By offering a unique chance to experience first-hand a relic of a bygone era, while luxuriating in modern-day comforts, a stay in a Conestoga Wagon may be unusual. Still, it’s also likely to make for one of the most enriching stays at an RV park ever.
Address: 20450 Old Highway 120, Groveland, CA 95321
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, Groveland, California, USA (resort-campus reference)
- Coordinates
- 37.825966, -120.1955855
- Access
- Private overnight resort. Reserve a Conestoga wagon; the operator states renters must be 21 or older. The resort says YARTS coaches run from the property to Yosemite Valley in spring through September; confirm current schedules and fares.
- Admission
- The Conestoga wagons are paid overnight lodging with date- and occupancy-dependent rates. Check the operator's live reservation calendar; no separate day-visit admission tariff is published.
- Time needed
- This is overnight lodging, not a timed sightseeing attraction. The operator permits one-night stays Monday–Friday; a three-night minimum applies over Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day holiday weekends, and date-specific minimums may apply. Choose the stay length in the live booking calendar.
- Best season
- No single best season is recommended. The resort and wagons operate year-round; the operator lists its 2026 peak season as May 22–September 7 and says some amenities have limited availability off-peak. Wagons have heat and air-conditioning. If using YARTS to reach Yosemite Valley, resort information says the shuttle runs in spring through September; confirm current dates and fares.
- Opening hours
- The resort operates year-round. Conestoga wagon check-in is 4:00 pm and checkout is 11:00 am. Some amenities are limited outside peak season.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-29
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-07
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
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