Tioga Lake Campground

Star4.59
63 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 11 miles to campground on left.
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,700 ft

Price

$22 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Inyo National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Tioga Lake Campground
$22.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site fee is $30 per night. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per night. America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
(760) 647-3044
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 63 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

"User reviews generally praise the campground for its stunning views and proximity to Yosemite National Park. However, some concerns are raised about the exposure to high altitude and cold weather, as well as the close proximity of campsites."

Read all reviews

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 11 miles to campground on left.

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.

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 11 miles to campground on left. NOTE: Road sign on State Rt. 120 states: 'Steep grade, difficult for trailers.'
State Route 120 has a steep grade which can be difficult for trailers. Small RVs or short trailers only are allowed.
Nearby places
Lee Vining, CA (0.3 miles south to Tioga Pass sign
11 miles west to campground entrance)
Nearby supplies
Tioga Pass Resort offers limited groceries and fishing supplies, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additional supplies may be available in Lee Vining, CA, a short drive away.

Best Time to Camp at Tioga Lake Campground

At nearly 10,000 feet, Tioga Lake Campground delivers the full spectrum of mountain weather drama. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for hiking and exploring, but don't let the daytime warmth fool you – nighttime temperatures can plummet even in July and August, often dipping near freezing. The exposed landscape offers little shelter from afternoon winds that sweep across the lake, adding an invigorating chill to evening campfires. Winter transforms this high-elevation retreat into a snow-covered wonderland, making the campground inaccessible for much of the year and adding to its exclusive summer appeal.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer with warm days and peak access; reviews note stunning views despite cold nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into mid-Oct but alpine weather can be cold/windy; limited season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring access possible but cold, windy conditions reported even in summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season dates are outlined, but the campground operates during the warmer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 22 through October 15. Closed during winter months; tentatively scheduled to reopen on June 13, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed for winter with tentative reopening on June 13, 2025.

About Tioga Lake Campground

Perched at the edge of pristine Tioga Lake, this intimate 13-site campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience just moments from Yosemite's eastern gateway. Each carefully positioned site provides sweeping views of granite peaks while maintaining a sense of wilderness solitude. The campground's compact loop design creates a friendly atmosphere where fellow adventurers share stories under star-filled skies. Essential amenities include sturdy picnic tables and bear-proof storage lockers at every site – crucial features in this active bear habitat. While the campground welcomes small RVs and trailers, the absence of hookups ensures a peaceful, back-to-nature experience that larger facilities can't match.
Tioga Lake Campground supports a mix of camping styles, emphasizing tent and small RV setups with bear boxes and basic facilities.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Tioga Lake Campground offers a tranquil experience with opportunities to explore nearby Yosemite National Park and Mono Basin Scenic Area. Rainbow trout fishing is a highlight, as well as non-motorized boating on Tioga Lake. "Picturesque lake with plenty of places to relax lakeside," and "Just outside Yosemite, this is a gem of a campground," state user reviews.
FishingFishing opportunities focus on Rainbow trout, providing a serene activity for campers.
BoatingNon-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing are supported. "Tioga Lake is 64 acres," making it a suitable venue for leisurely boating.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area; improper food storage can lead to wildlife conflicts. Cold and windy conditions at high elevation can pose challenges.
Active AlertsCurrently closed for winter with tentative reopening on June 13, 2025.
Food Storage RequiredMandatory bear boxes provided at each site. Size: 48" x 30" x 36".

Weather at Tioga Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
63 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Tioga Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its stunning views and proximity to Yosemite National Park. However, some concerns are raised about the exposure to high altitude and cold weather, as well as the close proximity of campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

"This must be one of the most scenic campgrounds," "Very quiet at night," and "Each site has an assigned picnic table," are recurring themes in user reviews.
Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative aspects noted by users include the high-altitude exposure leading to cold and windy conditions and the close proximity of campsites leading to limited privacy.
Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure sites closest to the lake, as these fill quickly. Store food securely in bear boxes to avoid fines of at least $150.
Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Cold temperatures and windy conditions dominate reviews even during summer, while winter closures limit access entirely. Optimal camping appears during late spring to early fall.
Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Just outside Yosemite, this is a gem of a campground." 2. "It gets really cold here in the evenings and nights even during hot summer days." 3. "The camp host was the best we'd ever seen." 4....
Show more
Based on 63 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites closest to the lake are highlighted as filling up quickly and being more desirable due to their scenic views.
Based on 63 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly toilets are noted as available.
Based on 63 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed but must be leashed at all times.
Based on 63 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Tioga Lake Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Inyo National Forest
Tioga Lake Campground