About Crane Flat Campground
Crane Flat, at 7,000 feet west of Big Oak Flat Entrance, features 166 sites in pine forests near Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove trails. Open summer-fall, it's quieter than Valley, suiting intermediate campers. Access Wawona Road hikes; reserve ahead. Giant sequoias nearby demand fire caution.
Safety Considerations
Bear activity requires using bear boxes; counterbalance if none. Forest fires are a major threat; monitor InciWeb and evacuate if ordered. Poison oak lines trails; learn identification via NPS. Ticks carry Lyme; check after hikes. Roads windy; no speeding. Water safety: boil or treat from sources. Camp only in sites; no roadside sleeping, per regulations.
Night temps drop; prepare for frost. Pets leashed, vaccinated.
Essential Gear
Essentials: Nemo Hornet tent, Ursack bear bag, Katadyn filter, bug net headcover, fire starter kit, and layered wool base (Patagonia).
Emergency Tips
Fire smoke? Mask up, follow Big Oak Flat Rangers. Tick bite: remove, monitor. Nearest aid at Crane Flat Store.