If there's one thing that is synonymous with Yosemite Valley, other than the natural wonders at every bend, it's the fully booked campsites. Bookings open 6 months in advance and sell out as quickly as a few minutes later.

3 months before we planned to visit Yosemite, there were zero campsites available within the Valley. On top of that, there wasn't much available anywhere near the entrance to Yosemite National Park either!

In the end we had to choose the first thing that was available, which took us an hour away from the park entrance. We found ourselves in Cherry Valley Campground.

Saying it's remote, is an understatement. The reason it takes an hour is because of the incredibly steep, narrow, and bendy road that takes you there. On the way in and on the way out, it felt like it would never end!

However, once you make it to the end of the road, following the signs to Cherry Lake, you discover a beautiful and peaceful escape from the crowds of Yosemite. It has the largest campsites we've seen so far, with plenty of space for families. You get a big picnic area and fire pit, as well as a spacious place to set up any size of tent.

We went straight down to the lake after we set up camp, which has plenty of parking and easy access from the campsite. It's perfect for swimming, fishing, or boating! We spent the rest of the evening enjoying the warm sunshine and cool waters of Cherry Lake, before heading back to cook dinner.

It was an adventure in itself just getting there, but it was well worth it for the quiet escape from Yosemite. If you're stuck for somewhere to stay during your visit to Yosemite National Park, and you're up for a bit of a drive, Cherry Valley Campground is the place to be.

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Yosemite National Park was the ninth stop on The Big Trip. Follow us to see the rest of our journey as we spend 3 months exploring America’s most beautiful National Parks.