Junction Campground

Star4.24
27 reviews
Junction Campground, CA

Quick Facts

9,600 ft

Price

$10 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Inyo National Forest site

Official Website
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Junction Campground
$10.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use: Single Site costs $25/night. Additional Vehicle costs $10/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 27 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietclean

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews present mixed opinions about Junction Campground. Positive sentiments highlight its scenic setting, friendly camp hosts, and proximity to Yosemite National Park. Negative feedback focuses on the constant traffic of cars and RVs searching for open sites, the presence of mosquitoes, and concerns about the enforcement of campground rules."

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Campground Map

Junction Campground, CA

Junction Campground

Junction Campground, CA

Driving directionsFrom Lee Vining, CA, take US 395 south 0.3 miles to Tioga Pass sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 120 west and go 10.2 miles to Saddlebag Rd sign. Turn right onto Saddlebag Rd and immediately bear left into campground. NOTE: Road sign on State Rt. 120 states: 'Steep grade, difficult for trailers.'
Campground is accessed via CA 120 and Saddlebag Lake Road. The narrow gravel road inside the campground is not recommended for trailers or large vehicles beyond site 5. Sites 1-5 can accommodate RVs or vehicles up to 40 ft, while sites 6-13 are suitable for single vehicles up to 18 ft.
Nearby places
Lee Vining (0.3 miles, ~5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries, fishing supplies, and meals available at Tioga Pass Resort (~10 miles from campground). Additional supplies accessible in Lee Vining (~0.3 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Junction Campground

Experience the raw beauty of Sierra seasons at Junction, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of deep snow and arctic temperatures. As summer arrives, the campground awakens to perfect camping weather—crisp mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons under impossibly blue skies, while evening temperatures invite you to gather around the campfire. The dry summer conditions create ideal opportunities for stargazing and outdoor adventures, though the high elevation means you'll always want that extra layer handy.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open and scenic in summer but busy and mosquitoes are commonly reported.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Crisp high‑Sierra fall weather, good views and generally fewer bugs; open through Oct 15.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 22; late‑spring wildflowers and cool temps but possible snow patches and variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure May 22–Oct 15; winters are snowy and campground closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 through October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 22 through October 15.
  • Current Alerts: Closed for winter season; tentative reopening June 13, 2025.

About Junction Campground

Perched at the dramatic junction where Highway 120 meets Saddlebag Lake Road, Junction Campground serves as your gateway to high-altitude adventure near Yosemite's eastern entrance. This intimate collection of 12 sites sits at a breathtaking 9,600 feet, where ancient pines frame each campsite like nature's own cathedral. While sites 1-5 welcome larger rigs and RVs up to 40 feet, the more secluded sites 6-13 offer cozy spots for smaller vehicles. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—picnic tables for alpine dining, fire rings for evening storytelling, and bear-proof lockers to protect your provisions. This is wilderness camping at its purest: vault toilets near sites 3 and 10 provide basic facilities, but you'll need to bring your own water supply, adding to the authentic backcountry experience.
Junction Campground primarily supports tent and small RV camping, with sites that are first-come-first-serve.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Junction Campground offers limited on-site activities but is close to multiple recreational opportunities. These include hiking trails, fishing, and access to streams and lakes near the campground.
HikingThe Bennettville Trail, a one-mile hiking trail, leads to the historic Bennettville townsite. User reviews describe the hiking options as pleasant, with one reviewer noting it as a 'small campground with very nice hiking trail.'
FishingFishing is possible in nearby streams, and rainbow trout are reported to be available. One user mentioned 'a lot of little streams where you can take a dip or do some fishing.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires strict adherence to food storage rules. Water hazards like rushing creeks were noted in user reviews.
Active AlertsClosed for winter season; tentative reopening June 13, 2025.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at all sites (typical size: 48" x 30" x 36").

Weather at Junction Campground

Reviews

4.2
27 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Junction Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present mixed opinions about Junction Campground. Positive sentiments highlight its scenic setting, friendly camp hosts, and proximity to Yosemite National Park. Negative feedback focuses on the constant traffic of cars and RVs searching for open sites, the presence of mosquitoes, and concerns about the enforcement of campground rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the campground's picturesque views and quiet environment. Comments such as 'Beautiful views of Yosemite' and 'quiet and clean' are common. Reviewers also appreciated the...
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Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviewers noted the constant flow of cars and RVs, creating a lack of tranquility. A detailed negative review mentioned issues like poor rule enforcement, inappropriate behavior by some...
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Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users recommend bringing bug spray to combat mosquitoes. Additionally, given the lack of potable water, campers are advised to bring adequate water supplies. One user also suggested...
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Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users noted that the campground is particularly busy during peak season, with sites often fully occupied. Mosquitoes are a common issue during warmer months.
Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'First come, first serve. Beautiful views of Yosemite, and the host is really nice!' - Maddie Cowell. 2. 'Bring in your own water.' - Carson Quinn. 3. 'Awesome little campground right off Hwy 120,...
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Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes mention of sites 1-5 being the most accessible for RVs and larger vehicles, while sites 6-13 are limited to smaller vehicles. One reviewer noted issues with...
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Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground includes wheelchair-friendly vault toilets, but no further details on accessibility features or user experiences were provided.
Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed and must be leashed at all times. No additional feedback related to pets was available.
Based on 27 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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