How much does camping cost at Aspen Campground?

Camping fees at Aspen Campground range from $10-$28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Aspen Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Aspen Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Aspen Campground before I book?

Yes! Aspen Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Aspen Campground?

Aspen Campground is open Memorial Day Weekend marks the opening of Tioga Pass for access to Yosemite National Park.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Aspen Campground?

Aspen Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Aspen Campground?

Fire policies at Aspen Campground: Fire pits provided at each campsite. Firewood is sold by camp hosts.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Aspen Campground have?

Aspen Campground has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Aspen Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Aspen Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Aspen Campground?

Aspen Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Aspen Campground?

Popular activities at Aspen Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Aspen Campground

4.05

58 reviews

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Top 2% in CAFall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Fall Camping California

Quick Facts

7,490 ft

Price

$10 - $28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,490 ft

Price

$10 - $28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Aspen Campground

$10.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $28 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $10 per vehicle per night

Standard Site Fee$28.00

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I manage this campground

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Aspen Campground

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Nearby places

Lee Vining (approx. 4 miles, 10 min drive), Yosemite National Park entrance (approx. 20 miles, 20 min drive)

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Lee Vining, including restaurants and grocery stores. "The town of Lee Vining has some restaurants and a grocery with supply of almost everything."

Weather at Aspen Campground

Best Time to Camp at Aspen Campground

Fall is the standout season, when aspens turn color and daytime highs range from 45 to 70°F. Nights drop into the 20s and 30s, cold enough for serious sleeping bags. Weather fluctuates. Pack layers. Creek-side walks and fishing stay productive through autumn, though hunting season overlaps part of the period, so wear blaze orange if you're heading into the backcountry. Peak leaf-peeping weekends draw crowds, but weekdays stay quiet. Summer brings warmth and occasional winter snow dusts the landscape.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Standout season: aspens turn gold; reviewers and overview highlight fall as the best time to visit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day Weekend marks the opening of Tioga Pass for access to Yosemite National Park.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round but certain facilities may close during winter.

About Aspen Campground

Aspen Campground sits at 7,490 feet in Inyo National Forest near Lee Vining, where aspen groves meet pine forest along Lee Vining Creek. The 45 sites accommodate tents, RVs up to 40 feet, and primitive camping, with fees ranging from $10 to $28 per night. Trees surround most sites, providing solid privacy in what reviewers call a 'magnificent serene and peaceful' setting.

Aspen Campground provides spaces for tent and RV camping. It does not feature cabins or group sites, and no glamping options like yurts are available.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season, when aspens turn color and daytime highs range from 45 to 70°F. Nights drop into the 20s and 30s, cold enough for serious sleeping bags. Weather fluctuates. Pack layers. Creek-side walks and fishing stay productive through autumn, though hunting season overlaps part of the period, so wear blaze orange if you're heading into the backcountry. Peak leaf-peeping weekends draw crowds, but weekdays stay quiet. Summer brings warmth and occasional winter snow dusts the landscape.

ElevationPerched at 7,490 feet where the air grows thin and pure, Aspen Campground offers a true high-altitude escape. This elevated sanctuary brings refreshingly cool temperatures that provide relief from summer heat, though wise campers come prepared for the occasional surprise snowfall that reminds everyone of nature's unpredictable mountain moods.

Natural Features and SceneryAspens and pines create a mixed forest canopy throughout the campground, with Lee Vining Creek running close enough to hear. The setting mixes ecosystems typical of the Eastern Sierra. Aspen groves that turn gold in fall, conifer forest for shade, and creek corridors that support wildlife. Mountains surround the campground. Trails lead to small waterfalls and creek-side spots. The elevation keeps temperatures moderate in summer and brings early cold in fall.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast embrace of Inyo National Forest, Aspen Campground sits at the perfect intersection of diverse ecosystems. Here, distinctive aspen groves mingle with stately pine forests, while Lee Vining Creek carves its timeless path through the landscape, creating a rich tapestry of habitats that showcase the Eastern Sierra's natural splendor.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers beautiful views of creekside areas, waterfalls, and towering canyon walls. "The view of the canyon walls on both sides is beautiful."

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available at Aspen Campground. It is strictly a camping facility.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutAspens and pines provide shade and spacing between sites. Reviewers note that trees surround most spots, creating good privacy. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, though no running water or flush toilets exist. Only vault toilets. Bear lockers are provided at sites. No cell service, particularly for T-Mobile, though Verizon and Sprint work at other campgrounds down the road.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served sites observed. "You can walk up to this campground and get a site.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityThe campground includes spaces for tents and small RVs (up to 40 feet), but detailed accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length.

PrivacyThe campsite offers good privacy with tree cover and a quiet setting. "Sites are surrounded by trees and give privacy," said one reviewer.

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the creek or waterfall for scenic views and tranquility, but avoid overcrowded weekends.

Best CampsitesSite 19 sits next to the falls and gets mentioned most often. Reviewers call it great for the proximity to water. Some sites offer creekside views.

Need help booking Aspen Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking water is not available. Vault toilets are available.

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Aspen Campground offers a mix of activities, including hiking, fishing, and enjoying the serene natural surroundings. "The river is never far by," noted one reviewer, and the area is described as "great for fishing and hiking by the river." There are no structured programs or swimming facilities.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a frequent concern, with some reviews citing close encounters. "There was a bear that kept showing up in the campground... having a bear creep up on you 3-times within 5-feet was quite an ordeal."

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground provides vault toilets, which have been described as clean and well-maintained by several campers.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at all campsites due to active bear presence. Typical size is 48" x 30" x 36".

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire pits provided at each campsite. Firewood is sold by camp hosts.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesMono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center (1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541, Phone: (760) 647-3044)

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not detailed in the provided information.

Water FeaturesLee Vining Creek runs through the campground, and waterfalls are accessible nearby. "Beautiful river flows through the campground."

Camp HostCamp host available during peak season. Reviews mention hosts being polite and helpful. "Camp hosts were extremely polite and helpful."

Cell CoverageThere is no cell phone service at the campground. One reviewer mentioned, "No service and no running water." Another stated, "No cell phone service, especially T-Mobile, but drive to other campsites down the road, and Verizon and Sprint work."

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

58 reviews

Satisfactory

Aspen Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Aspen Campground are generally positive, highlighting its serene environment, beautiful natural setting, and proximity to hiking and fishing opportunities. However, some campers have noted the challenges posed by the active bear presence and lack of facilities like potable water and showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

"Surrounded by mountains" and "good privacy" were commonly noted. Many appreciate the beautiful river running through the campground and its quiet, off-the-grid experience.

Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include the lack of potable water, no cell service, and the presence of bears. One user reported a bear damaging an unoccupied tent.

Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 19 next to the falls is highly recommended by a user.

Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water, be vigilant about bears, and consider visiting when it’s not peak season for tranquility.

Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer weekends tend to be busy, but off-season visits (e.g., early October) are quieter. Seasonal weather variation includes cold nights and warmer days.

Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Aspen Campground sits in a grove of aspen trees, with other pine trees giving shade to every spot." "We chose a nice site with a lot of shade and right up next to the rushing stream." "No service...

Based on 58 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility, but the campground may pose challenges due to its rustic facilities.

Based on 58 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are permitted but must be leashed. However, one user was disturbed by a noisy dog brought by another camper.

Based on 58 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Fall color-chasers and anglers get the most here: site 19 near the falls is worth requesting, aspens peak gold in autumn, and Lee Vining Creek produces solid fishing. Bring all your drinking water and a warm sleeping bag for nights that drop into the 20s.

Skip if

No potable water, no showers, and an active bear population aren't dealbreakers for everyone, but recurring close-contact bear encounters (including one that destroyed a tent) plus T-Mobile dead zones make this rough for campers who aren't prepared for fully off-grid conditions.

Nearby Campgrounds

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Big Bend Campground sits at 7,800 feet along Lee Vining Creek in Inyo National Forest, minutes from Yosemite's east entrance. The 17 sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet and tents, with standard amenities including vault toilets, potable water, bear lockers, and fire rings. Sites cost $30 per night. Reviewers call it a quiet, forested escape that fills quickly on weekends.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541

Moraine Campground sits at 7,350 feet in Inyo National Forest, minutes from Yosemite's eastern entrance via Highway 120. The 25 sites run $28/night and fill quickly in summer. This is rustic camping: portable toilets only, no potable water, bring what you need. Lee Vining Creek flows through the property, and the location is hard to beat for Yosemite day trips.

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.3

(120)

Lower Lee Vining Campground

Inyo National Forest

Lower Lee Vining Campground sits at 7,300 feet in Inyo National Forest, offering 51 sites along Lee Vining Creek. The campground charges $28 per night and attracts visitors with its location near Mono Lake and access to Eastern Sierra trails. Sites include bear lockers, picnic tables, and fire rings, with vault toilets serving the campground loop.

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Less Visited

4.2

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Ellery Lake Campground

From Lee Vining, CA, take US Rt. 395 south 0.3 miles to Tioga Pass sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 120 west and go 9.8 miles to campground on left.

Ellery Lake Campground sits at 9,500 feet along Tioga Pass near Yosemite's eastern entrance, offering 14 tent sites in the high Sierra. Fees run $28 per night. Sites include bear lockers, fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Campers consistently praise the stargazing and quiet, but note the sites are small and can fill on summer weekends.

14 campsites

Tents

5.159 km

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Junction Campground, CA

Junction Campground sits at 9,600 feet in Inyo National Forest, where Highway 120 meets Saddlebag Lake Road near Yosemite's Tioga Pass entrance. The campground's 12 sites occupy a pine-covered stretch with grass understory alongside Lee Vining and Mine Creeks. Sites 1-5 accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, while sites 6-13 take single vehicles no longer than 18 feet. Fees run $10-25 per night.

$10.00 - $25.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.5

(63)

Tioga Lake Campground

From Lee Vining, CA, take US Rt. 395 south 0.3 miles to Tioga Pass sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 120 west and go 11 miles to campground on left.

Tioga Lake Campground sits at 9,700 feet on the west side of its namesake alpine lake, three miles from Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows entrance. The 12-site loop fills quickly in summer but remains quieter than lower-elevation alternatives. Sites cost $22–30 per night and accommodate tents or small RVs under 20 feet. Each has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker. The latter mandatory in this active bear habitat, with fines starting at $150 for unsecured food.

$22.00 - $30.00 / night

Less Visited

3.8

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Sawmill Walk-In Campground

Sawmill Walk-in Campground, Saddlebag Rd, Lee Vining, CA 93541

Sawmill Walk-In Campground sits at 9,700 feet along the Hoover Wilderness boundary, where a half-mile walk from the parking area filters out casual visitors. The 11 primitive sites run $17-25 per night and come with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear lockers. No piped water. You pack everything in and pack your trash out.

$17.00 - $25.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

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Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp

INYO

Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp sits at high elevation in Inyo National Forest, operated by the National Forest Service for group reservations only. The alpine setting offers direct trailhead access, non-motorized boating and fishing on Saddlebag Lake, and wildflower meadows during the summer season. Reviewers consistently praise the clean flush toilets, spacious group site layout, and helpful camp hosts.

$125.00 - $125.00 / night

P.O. Box 472, Bridgeport, CA, 93517, USA

Trumbull Lake sits at high elevation in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Bridgeport, operated by Westrek Services with seasonal access during peak months. The alpine setting offers tent, RV, primitive, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Anglers and boaters take advantage of calm morning water, while hikers explore surrounding trails amid wildflowers and meadows.

$34.00 - $65.00 / night

Less Visited

3.5

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Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517

Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground sits at 9,200 feet in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Bridgeport, offering 12 primitive sites among Jeffrey pines along Virginia Creek. There's no potable water, no picnic tables, and just one vault toilet. You'll pack out your trash and bring all your own water, but reviews consistently praise the quiet atmosphere and clean facilities.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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Lower Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

Lower Virginia Creek Primitive Campground sits at 9,183 feet in Utah's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, offering walk-in tent camping beneath a Jeffrey pine canopy. This is true primitive camping with fire rings and little else, drawing visitors who want high-elevation solitude and cool summer nights. The creekside location and forest trails appeal to hikers and stargazers comfortable with backcountry-style amenities.

Aerie Crag Picnic Area

Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541

Aerie Crag sits on a flat sagebrush plateau at 7,200 feet near Rush Creek, offering 15 RV sites without hookups. It's a practical overflow option when other June Lake Loop campgrounds fill up, with flush toilets and easy access to fishing. Sites cost $15-23 per night and require cash or check payment.

15 campsites

RVs

16.425 km

$15.00 - $23.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Aspen Group sits high in the Inyo National Forest near Bishop, operated by Recreation Resource Management as a small group site for those seeking alpine solitude. The campground offers flush toilets, potable water, and bear boxes amid the Sierra's eastern slope, where Rock Creek flows and aspen groves blaze gold in early fall. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and generous space for group setups, though one bear locker has gone unrepaired and some sites can be muddy depending on conditions.

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Silver Fork Campground

Eldorado National Forest

Silver Fork Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Eldorado National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service along a scenic river corridor. The campground offers tent camping with clean facilities and attentive camp hosts. Summer brings warm days ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding forest, with cool nights typical of the elevation.

Mountain Glen Campground

Bishop Creek, South Lake Road, near Four Jeffrey Campground, CA

Mountain Glen Campground sits at 8,200 feet in Inyo National Forest, offering just five primitive sites along Bishop Creek. Aspens and willows provide natural screening between sites. The $25 nightly fee includes vault toilets, picnic tables, and bear lockers. This is walk-in camping, though reviewers note it's not far from parking.

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Obsidian Campground

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Campgrounds

Inyo National Forest

Aspen Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Aspen Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Elevation: 7,490 feet., 45 campsites are available. Campsites can accommodate a 40 foot vehicle. Drinking water is not available. Vault toilets are available. Each campsite has a bear locker. This is Bear Country. Please store food properly and don't feed the bears.</p>