Ellery Lake Campground

Star4.52
31 reviews
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.
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Inyo National Forest site

Official Website
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Ellery Lake Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight camping fee is $28 per night for a single site. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes are...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(760) 647-3044
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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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Some mention

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"User reviews suggest that Ellery Lake Campground is valued for its serene environment, beautiful views, and proximity to Yosemite National Park. However, the lack of amenities and some issues with management have been noted."

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Campground Map

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

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.

Driving directionsFrom 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. Note: Road sign on State Rt. 120 states: 'Steep grade, difficult for trailers.'
The campground is accessible via State Rt. 120 west from US Rt. 395. However, the road features a steep grade and is noted to be difficult for trailers.
Nearby places
Lee Vining: 9.8 miles (approximately 20 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Fuel is available at the Mobil gas station at the intersection of US 395 and State Rt. 120. Additional supplies may need to be brought in from Lee Vining.

Best Time to Camp at Ellery Lake Campground

Here in the thin air of the high Sierra, nature plays by different rules. Even as July wildflowers bloom in the meadows below, snow clings stubbornly to the surrounding peaks, creating a dramatic backdrop of white against summer blue skies. Days bring crisp, dry mountain air perfect for hiking, while nights demand warm sleeping bags as temperatures plummet, reminding visitors they're camping nearly two miles above sea level. Early season adventurers should pack for winter conditions, as freezing temperatures and surprise snowstorms can sweep through well into June.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season: clear skies and pleasant nights, though some overcrowding and shade issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15; likely quieter and scenic in fall though fewer explicit reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 22; spring can include lingering snow and variable conditions at high elevation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed (open May 22–Oct 15); winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 22 through October 15.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed for winter. Tentative opening date: June 13, 2025.

About Ellery Lake Campground

Nestled at a breathtaking 9,500 feet elevation beside the pristine waters of Ellery Lake, this intimate mountain retreat offers 12 thoughtfully positioned campsites for those seeking alpine solitude. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including bear-proof food lockers, grills, and picnic tables, while some accommodate RVs up to 28 feet. For the adventurous, walk-in tent sites dot the banks of a babbling creek, offering an even more immersive wilderness experience. A hidden trail behind campsite #14 leads over a gentle hill to Ellery Lake's sparkling shores, where morning mists dance across the water. As this is active bear country, the campground's bear-proof storage ensures both wildlife and visitor safety remain paramount.
Ellery Lake Campground offers a mix of camping options, including standard tent sites and combined sites that accommodate both tents and small vehicles. Group camping, cabins, RV hookups, and glamping are not available.
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Stay Limit
14 day stay limit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers an immersive outdoor experience with activities such as fishing for Golden, Brown, and Rainbow trout. Located near Yosemite National Park, it is well-positioned for day trips, though it lacks formal hiking trails or other recreational infrastructure.
FishingFishing is available in Ellery Lake, with species such as Golden, Brown, and Rainbow trout.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area requiring strict food storage practices. Mosquitoes are prevalent due to willow shrubs. Steep grades and challenging terrain may hinder access for trailers.
Active AlertsCurrently closed for winter. Tentative opening date: June 13, 2025.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at all campsites, measuring 48" x 30" x 36".

Weather at Ellery Lake Campground

Reviews

4.5
31 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Ellery Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest that Ellery Lake Campground is valued for its serene environment, beautiful views, and proximity to Yosemite National Park. However, the lack of amenities and some issues with management have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's scenic location, quiet atmosphere, clean facilities, and proximity to Yosemite. Many highlight the stunning night skies and views of the Milky Way.
Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of shade at certain sites, limited parking for additional vehicles, unhelpful or forgetful camp hosts, and occasional rude behavior from other visitors. Some users...
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Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, a thermos for hot drinks, and all necessary food and supplies, as there are no nearby restaurants or stores. Fill up on gas before arriving, and be prepared for cold...
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Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with visitors praising clear skies and pleasant nights. However, some complaints arise about overcrowding and lack of shade. Winter closures limit accessibility.
Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Really beautiful lake outside Yosemite National Park, you can save money by camping here." (Chien-Chang Chen) 2. "Very quiet at night, with amazing views of stars and the Milky Way." (Igor...
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Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #14 provides access to the lake over a hill. Walk-in tent sites are near the creek, offering a more secluded experience but may be smaller and harder to pitch tents in due to hard ground.
Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed user reviews about accessibility, although wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific user reviews address pet facilities or policies.
Based on 31 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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