How much does camping cost at Moraine Campground?

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

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

Moraine 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 Moraine Campground before I book?

Yes! Moraine Campground has 4 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 Moraine Campground?

Moraine Campground is open No specific peak season dates mentioned.. 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 Moraine Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Moraine Campground?

Fire policies at Moraine Campground: No specific campfire policies mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Moraine Campground have?

Moraine Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Moraine Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Moraine 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 Moraine Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Moraine Campground?

Popular activities at Moraine Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Moraine Campground

3.85

36 reviews

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

Quick Facts

7,350 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,350 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Moraine Campground

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

Standard Site Fee$28.00

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USFS

Provider

(760) 647-3044null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Moraine Campground

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

Nearby places

Lee Vining (approximately 2.5 miles, 5 minutes travel)

Nearby supplies

Lee Vining, approximately 2.5 miles (5 minutes travel) from campground, offers fuel, groceries, firewood, and other camping supplies.

Weather at Moraine Campground

Current alert: No specific alerts except seasonal flooding and road damage.

Best Time to Camp at Moraine Campground

Summer delivers the reliable access window. Tioga Road into Yosemite opens mid-June through September. Daytime highs reach 60–80°F, nights drop to 30–50°F. Afternoon thunderstorms show up occasionally. Winter closes the road and brings freezing temperatures and snow. Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable camping weather, though sites fill fast during peak summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Reliable summer access; sites fill quickly and it's the busiest season for Yosemite visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates as an overflow site and may close seasonally or due to conditions like flooding.

About Moraine Campground

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.

Moraine Campground provides a mix of camping options suitable for tent campers and RVs. It is also popular due to its proximity to Yosemite National Park.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the reliable access window. Tioga Road into Yosemite opens mid-June through September. Daytime highs reach 60–80°F, nights drop to 30–50°F. Afternoon thunderstorms show up occasionally. Winter closes the road and brings freezing temperatures and snow. Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable camping weather, though sites fill fast during peak summer.

ElevationPerched at 7,350 feet above sea level, Moraine Campground offers a true high-altitude camping experience. This elevation places you in the crisp, thin air of the Sierra Nevada, where days are brilliantly sunny and nights are refreshingly cool. The altitude creates a unique environment where alpine and desert ecosystems meet, and where the stars seem close enough to touch. Visitors should prepare for the elevation's effects—cooler temperatures year-round, intense UV rays, and the need to stay hydrated as your body adjusts to the mountain air.

Natural Features and SceneryLee Vining Creek cuts through the campground, with some sites directly along the water. The landscape mixes high desert sage and volcanic soil with scattered conifers and granite boulders. Views extend toward the Mono Basin and its tufa towers. The creek stays cold and clean enough for swimming and fishing. Sites closer to the water get shade and the sound of running water. Sites away from the creek sit in more exposed, open terrain with desert brush.

Geological RegionMoraine Campground claims its place within the magnificent Inyo National Forest, where the eastern Sierra Nevada creates one of the most dramatic mountain fronts in North America. This unique ecosystem blends high desert resilience with alpine forest beauty, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, glaciation, and tectonic uplift. Lee Vining Creek has carved its path through this varied terrain, creating a vital water source that supports diverse plant and animal life. The nearby Mono Basin adds another layer of geological wonder, with its ancient lake and distinctive tufa towers visible in the distance, reminding visitors they're camping in one of California's most geologically fascinating regions.

Scenic ViewsSites near the creek provide views of flowing water; others offer east-west views of the surrounding high desert and forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time provided.

Check-out

No specific check-out time provided.

Stay Limit

No specific stay limits mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limits mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSmall loop with sites split between creekside locations and higher ground in desert terrain. Some spacious sites can handle larger setups. Privacy varies: bushes shield some spots, others are open and close together.

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made through federal recreation sites or platforms that handle US Forest Service reservations.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable as walk-up sites, but the campground fills up quickly due to proximity to Yosemite National Park.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not provided.

Site SizeSites vary in size and include spacious areas by the river, making them suitable for different types of camping setups.

PrivacySome sites are private and shielded by bushes, while others are more exposed and clustered.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites next to dumpsters due to noise concerns. Prefer sites near the creek for privacy and views.

Best CampsitesSites closer to the river get higher marks for privacy and scenery. Avoid spots near the dumpsters. Reviewers mention some sites have good privacy from bushes, while others sit more exposed and clustered together.

Need help booking Moraine 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

Potable water is not available at this site.

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers various outdoor activities due to its location near a river and Yosemite National Park. Campers can enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the surrounding forest.

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area; improper food storage can lead to damaged vehicles. River water may be dangerously cold.

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. Portable toilets are provided for restroom needs.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at each site and must be used due to active bear presence. Typical dimensions are 48" x 30" x 36".

Fire PolicyNo specific campfire policies mentioned.

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

Emergency ServicesMono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541. Phone: (760) 647-3044. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but campers are advised to be cautious about bears near dumpsters.

Water FeaturesLocated near Lee Vining Creek, offering opportunities for fishing and limited water access.

Camp HostMixed user reviews about campground hosts. Some praise their helpfulness, while others criticize rude behavior.

Cell CoverageNo details regarding cell phone service quality or availability were provided in user reviews or official sources.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

3.9

36 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Moraine Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Moraine Campground is generally well-received for its beautiful setting near the river, proximity to Yosemite National Park, and rustic camping experience. Some reviewers appreciate the privacy and natural beauty of certain sites, while others raise concerns about noise, bear activity, and limited facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the campground's location near Yosemite and Tioga Road, clean river for swimming and fishing, and the privacy provided by some sites. 'Great fishing once again' and 'Camp Host Dawn is...

Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include portable toilets, lack of potable water, and noise from early morning Yosemite visitors. One reviewer noted, 'Don't camp by the dumpsters if you can help it. They are loud...

Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the river are highly sought after for their views and proximity to water. Site #4 was specifically mentioned as being directly by the river. Spots near the dumpsters should be avoided due...

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water and shower setup, avoiding spots near dumpsters, and arriving early due to its popularity. Some suggest exploring other nearby campgrounds for...

Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer due to its proximity to Yosemite. Winter snow and early spring flooding may limit accessibility. Bear activity and noise levels vary by season, with early mornings...

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This camp ground is right outside Yosemite National Park! Some of the sites are very private and very close to the river.' - Rachel Hanowski 2. 'Great little campground. We had a nice spot for...

Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. No other pet-related feedback was provided.

Based on 36 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Creekside sites, especially site 4, are the reason to book this place. Anglers pulling trout from the creek and day-trippers using Tioga Road to reach Yosemite in under an hour will get real value from the $28/night location.

Skip if

No potable water and vault toilets only are non-negotiable here. Add highway noise from early Yosemite traffic and the dumpster cluster that reviewers specifically warn against, and light sleepers or comfort campers will be miserable.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.