Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Hodgdon Meadow Campground sits at 4806 feet on the west side of Yosemite, near Highway 120. A low-elevation entry point to the high Sierra with moderate wind and cooler nights than the valley floor.
Spring and early summer bring steady afternoon wind; mornings are typically calm. The 30-day average wind of 7 mph masks afternoon gusts reaching 21 mph by mid-day. Exposure is moderate; afternoon thermals funnel up the Merced River drainage. Head here on calm mornings to avoid the wind climb.
Over the last 30 days, Hodgdon Meadow averaged a NoGo Score of 15.0 with an average temperature of 45 degrees and average wind of 7 mph. The week ahead will track typical spring patterns; watch for afternoon wind spikes as daytime heating intensifies. Crowding averages 12.0 across the rolling month, lighter than Yosemite Valley but climbing as Highway 120 approaches full seasonal opening.
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About Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Hodgdon Meadow Campground is a walk-in facility at 4806 feet on the west boundary of Yosemite National Park, accessed via Highway 120. The campground sits in the Yosemite corridor, roughly 20 miles west of Yosemite Valley proper. Primary access is via Highway 120 from the town of Groveland; the drive from Sacramento or the Bay Area via Highway 50 or 80 to Highway 49 to Highway 120 is a half-day journey. The location marks the western threshold to Yosemite's high-country system, making it a staging point for visitors who want earlier-season access before the Valley and higher elevations open.
Conditions at Hodgdon Meadow follow classic Sierra spring behaviour. The 30-day rolling average temperature of 45 degrees reflects transition-season patterns; annual minimums reach 33 degrees in winter, maximums 62 degrees in summer. Wind averages 7 mph over the rolling month but peaks at 21 mph in afternoon gusts, typical of canyon-bottom locations where heating drives air upslope. Crowding averages 12.0 on the rolling month, lighter than nearby Yosemite Valley sites but rising as Highway 120 opens fully. Late September through October offers the calmest and most stable window; winter access depends on Highway 120 closure timing, which varies yearly.
Hodgdon Meadow suits car campers and families seeking a gentler Yosemite entry without the Valley's infrastructure strain. Elevation and exposure mean snow can linger into April and overnight temperatures drop sharply year-round; bring layers and cold-weather bedding even in summer months. The walk-in design keeps foot traffic to committed visitors. Nearby trails connect to the larger Yosemite backcountry; day hikers often use the site as a base for moderate elevation day loops. Parking fills fastest on weekends immediately following Highway 120 opening; arrive mid-week or plan to camp weekdays if visibility and calm conditions matter.
Visitors comparing Hodgdon Meadow to Yosemite Valley sites will find lower crowds and simpler facilities in trade for less dramatic scenery and greater exposure to wind. The elevation and western exposure make this a warmer base than Tuolumne Meadows or higher Sierra camps. For those seeking a quieter Yosemite entry without the premium on Valley lodging, Hodgdon Meadow offers reliable springtime access and a working-person's campground ethic. Highway 120 closure in winter limits autumn and spring shoulders; confirm seasonal opening before committing to a trip.