Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is a straightforward riverside campground in Groveland that works well if you’re heading to Yosemite with your dog and want a comfortable base camp without pretense. The location sits right on the Tuolumne River, which means easy water access for dogs who enjoy wading or cooling off on hot days. You’ll find standard camping amenities here: RV sites with hookups, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals if you want more shelter than a tent but less formality than a hotel.

The property has mini-golf and tennis courts if your camping group wants to spread out and do different things. There’s a fishing area along the river where anglers can spend hours while others in your party handle dog duties. The BBQ facilities are useful for cooking dinner without relying on campfire meals every night. It’s the kind of place where you show up, set up camp, and enjoy the river rather than getting wrapped up in organized activities.

Dogs do well here because the riverside setting gives them open space to move around, and the more relaxed, less manicured vibe of the property means dogs aren’t confined to tiny designated areas. The campground isn’t fancy—think basic but maintained—which usually translates to a more dog-friendly atmosphere overall. The Tuolumne River is right there, and while the property itself doesn’t have official dog parks or play areas, the grounds are spacious enough that dogs get real exercise.

Since Groveland sits about an hour from Yosemite Valley’s main entrance, this works as either an overnight stop or a multi-day base if you’re splitting time between the park and a quieter riverside camp. Summer weekends fill up fast given the proximity to Yosemite, so timing matters. Before you drive out, call ahead to verify current pet policies and any restrictions, since campground rules around dogs can shift seasonally or with management changes.