Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Star4.42
740 reviews
PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA
Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$36 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

250 campsites

Season

Open season: August ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
$36.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campground fees range from $36 for standard tent sites to $75 for group tent areas. Additional fees apply for equestrian sites ($50). Discounts may...
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Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
209-372-4025
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 740 reviews

255 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationhikingwater

Some mention

noise

"The campground receives generally positive reviews for its natural beauty, access to Yosemite's high country, and the friendliness of staff. Some users note issues like limited privacy, lack of showers, and occasional noise disturbances."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA

Driving directionsTake Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, Highway 120 east from Manteca or west from Lee Vining (State Route 395) into Yosemite National Park. Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located 5 miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance station (Hwy 120 from the east), and is 55 miles (2 hours) from Yosemite Valley.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. The entrance is located off Tioga Road (Highway 120). Seasonal road closures may apply depending on snowfall levels. The road quality is good, but reports indicate that internal campground roads can be rough and narrow for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Lee Vining: 10 miles, 20 minutes
Fresno: Approximately 2.5 hours
Yosemite Valley: 55 miles, 2 hours.
Nearby supplies
General store and gas station within walking distance. Larger supplies can be sourced from Lee Vining (10 miles) or Yosemite Valley (55 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Summer days in this alpine paradise bring refreshing temperatures in the comfortable 60s to 70s, perfect for hiking and exploration. But don't let the sunshine fool you – as darkness falls, the mountain air turns crisp, often plunging into the 40s or even lower. Mother Nature keeps things interesting here, occasionally dusting September campers with surprise snowflakes or morning frost that transforms the meadows into a crystalline wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm days (60s–70s), peak season for hiking and access; popular but crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Short late-summer/early-fall season (Aug–Sep listed); cooler nights and generally fewer crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

High-elevation site typically closed early season due to snow; spring camping not generally available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter (snow/high-country closure).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: August 1, 2025 - September 22, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: August 1, 2025 - September 22, 2025 (peak season). The campground is undergoing rehabilitation and remains closed until 2025.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is closed for major rehabilitation until at least 2025.

About Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Perched high in Yosemite's pristine wilderness, Tuolumne Meadows Campground reigns as the park's largest camping destination, where adventurers find themselves immersed in an alpine wonderland at 8,600 feet. This sprawling sanctuary welcomes families, equestrians, and groups alike, offering the perfect launchpad for exploring the park's spectacular high country. From your tent, the beckoning trails lead to hidden lakes, towering peaks, and meadows that seem to stretch endlessly beneath the Sierra sky.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering designated sites for individual tents, RVs, groups, and equestrian camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • exact start time not clarified.
Check-out
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • exact end time not clarified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit to this campground, with restrictions on consecutive stays.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Tuolumne Meadows Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering access to iconic hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors praise its proximity to Yosemite's high country and the variety of activities available for all skill levels.
HikingThe campground provides direct access to several hiking trails, such as the 4.8-mile roundtrip trail to Elizabeth Lake and trails leading to Soda Springs, Parsons Lodge, Lyell Canyon, Cathedral Lakes, Mono Pass, and Glen Aulin. Hikes vary in difficulty and offer stunning views of the Sierra Nevada.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is a popular activity in nearby rivers and streams, including the Tuolumne River. Fishers can expect opportunities to catch species such as rainbow trout, with some users recommending specific flies and techniques.
SwimmingSwimming is available at nearby Tenaya Lake, where campers can enjoy picnicking and canoeing in addition to swimming. Some reviewers describe the water as crystal clear and refreshing during warm weather.
BikingBike paths are abundant in surrounding areas, particularly in Yosemite Valley, which is accessible by a two-hour drive. These paths accommodate casual riders and enthusiasts.
BoatingCanoeing and other non-motorized boating activities are supported at Tenaya Lake.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh elevation (8,600 feet) may pose risks for individuals unaccustomed to altitude. Bears and wildlife are active in the area. Cold nighttime temperatures necessitate proper gear.
Active AlertsThe campground is closed for major rehabilitation until at least 2025.
Food Storage RequiredEach site includes bear-proof lockers to store food and scented items. Dimensions are 35 inches deep x 43 inches wide x 28 inches high.

Weather at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Reviews

4.4
740 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Tuolumne Meadows Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives generally positive reviews for its natural beauty, access to Yosemite's high country, and the friendliness of staff. Some users note issues like limited privacy, lack of showers, and occasional noise disturbances.
Review Summaries
Based on 740 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the scenic location, availability of clean drinking water, access to hiking trails, and proximity to the Tuolumne River. Several reviewers appreciate the helpfulness of rangers and...
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Based on 740 reviews

Common Concerns

Some common complaints include the lack of showers, crowded campsites, and insufficiently maintained restroom facilities during peak periods. Noise from neighboring campers has also been reported...
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Based on 740 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing warm clothing due to cold nighttime temperatures, packing bug spray to combat mosquitoes, and arriving early to secure a preferred campsite. Many recommend exploring nearby...
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Based on 740 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, attracting crowds and resulting in higher competition for campsites. While summer offers warm days, temperatures can drop to 40°F or lower at night. In contrast,...
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Based on 740 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Tuolumne Meadows is peaceful, with amazing views and easy access to trails like Elizabeth Lake and Cathedral Lakes." 2. "The rangers were friendly and knowledgeable—be sure to attend the evening...
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Based on 740 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviewers frequently mention sites near the Tuolumne River or Lembert Dome as highly desirable. Sites A50 and A52 receive specific praise for their proximity to water and scenic views.
Based on 740 reviews

Accessibility Features

One user reported being accommodated with a suitable campsite due to their mobility issues, highlighting the staff's responsiveness.
Based on 740 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in the campground but must be leashed at all times. They are, however, prohibited on hiking trails and in bodies of water within the park.
Based on 740 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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