How much does camping cost at Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Camping fees at Tuolumne Meadows Campground are $36 - $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tuolumne Meadows Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tuolumne Meadows 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 Tuolumne Meadows Campground before I book?

Yes! Tuolumne Meadows Campground has 10 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 Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Tuolumne Meadows Campground is open July 15 to September 26. 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 Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

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

How many campsites does Tuolumne Meadows Campground have?

Tuolumne Meadows Campground has 250 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tuolumne Meadows 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 Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Tuolumne Meadows Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Fire policies at Tuolumne Meadows Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.41

740 reviews

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

Top 3% in CASummer

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping California#2 Yosemite Mountain Camping California +1 more

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

$36.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $50.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE SITE: $60.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00;...

Group Site Fee$75.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 911 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

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Provider

209-372-4025 OR 209-372-8502

I manage this campground

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Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

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

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

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

Nearby places

Lee Vining: 10 miles, 20 minutes

Fresno: Approximately 2.5 hours

Yosemite Valley: 55 miles, 2 hours.

Weather at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Current alerts(11)

Bears and wildlife live here! Food and toiletries must be stored 24 hours/day. Food lockers are provided in all campsites (35 inches deep x 43 inches wide x 28 inches high). Absolutely NO food stored in vehicles. Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters.
Bring proof of your reservation (screen shot or paper version). There is no internet access, cell service or public phone in Tuolumne Meadows. You must sign in at the entrance of the campground or you will be considered a no show and your reservation cancelled.
For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose
Help Yosemite be a Zero Landfill park! Leave excess packaging at home. Use refillable water & propane bottles, food containers and travel mugs. Place all of your recyclable waste in designated recycling containers.

Best Time to Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers full access to Tuolumne Meadows' high-country trails, peak wildflower displays, and reliably mild daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to mid-70s °F) with crisp nights often dropping into the 30s–40s °F. This is when hiking to alpine lakes, fishing the Tuolumne River, swimming/boating in high-country waters, biking and wildlife viewing are all at their best. Expect the busiest crowds in mid-August; for fewer people and still-warm days, aim for early August or the first half of Peak months: August, September, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Best season: full trail access, peak wildflowers and mild days; summer is peak visitation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 15 to September 26. 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.

About Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Tuolumne Meadows Campground sits at high elevation in Yosemite National Park's alpine backcountry, operated by the National Park Service. The very large campground serves as a basecamp for hikers tackling high-country trails, anglers fishing the Tuolumne River, and visitors seeking wildflower displays and alpine lake access. Tent and RV sites offer flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store, with rangers and camp hosts on hand.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering designated sites for individual tents, RVs, groups, and equestrian camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full access to Tuolumne Meadows' high-country trails, peak wildflower displays, and reliably mild daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to mid-70s °F) with crisp nights often dropping into the 30s–40s °F. This is when hiking to alpine lakes, fishing the Tuolumne River, swimming/boating in high-country waters, biking and wildlife viewing are all at their best. Expect the busiest crowds in mid-August; for fewer people and still-warm days, aim for early August or the first half of Peak months: August, September, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryVast sub-alpine meadows stretch between granite domes and jagged Sierra peaks, carved out by glaciers that left their signature across the landscape. The Tuolumne River winds through the valley, feeding the meadows that explode with wildflowers in summer. Lodgepole pine, Western white pine, and mountain hemlock frame the campground. The granite formations glow at sunrise and sunset. This is classic high-country Yosemite: open, exposed, and dramatic.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground itself has no hotel-style accommodations, but surrounding areas within Yosemite National Park do offer lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms like ranger-led campfire discussions and presentations at the amphitheater are available. Some highlight the park's history, such as the Rock Climbing History presentation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit to this campground, with restrictions on consecutive stays.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Details on the exact guest limits per site are unavailable.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties with sufficient space for multiple tents and vehicles. However, reservations are highly competitive due to limited availability.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through recreation.gov. No additional details about phone or app-specific platforms were provided.

AccessibilityThe campground staff are responsive to accessibility needs. For example, one user mentioned being reassigned to a suitable campsite due to their disability.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, small RVs, and horse trailers. Some sites are reportedly on sloped terrain, making leveling a challenge for RVs.

PrivacyCampsites lack significant privacy, as many are close together, and users frequently note the clustered arrangement of neighboring sites.

Total Campsites250 campsites

Recommended SitesSites in loop A near the Tuolumne River and Lembert Dome are recommended for their beauty. Avoid sites with significant slope (e.g., C64) for tent setups.

Best CampsitesSites A50 and A78 get mentions in reviews for river proximity and relative quiet. Some sites sit on sloped terrain that complicates RV leveling, so check the specifics when booking.

Need help booking Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups at this facility; however, a dump station is located nearby.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

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.

Climbing4.0/5Top 5% in California

Granite domes and jagged Sierra peaks indicate good climbing terrain (Tuolumne climbing area).

Water Sports3.0/5

Canoeing and other non-motorized boating supported at nearby Tenaya Lake.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (8,600 ft) and alpine meadow setting imply excellent low-light night skies.

Photography5.0/5Granite domes, meadows, wildflowers, river and alpine lakes create outstanding photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities, including bear-proof dumpsters, are provided throughout the campground to help maintain cleanliness and discourage wildlife disturbances. Campers are encouraged to dispose of waste immediately.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is generally unavailable in Tuolumne Meadows. Users report spotty and intermittent reception at specific points such as Olmsted Point, but coverage is highly unreliable overall.

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

Rate Tuolumne Meadows Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.4

740 reviews

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...

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...

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

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...

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,...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Tuolumne Meadows Campground

$36.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $50.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE SITE: $60.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00;...

Group Site Fee$75.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 911 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-372-4025 OR 209-372-8502

Go if

You want a high-elevation Yosemite experience with access to alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and backcountry trailheads.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or modern restroom facilities away from crowds.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(63)

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.

Tioga Lake Campground sits at 9,700 feet on the west side of its namesake alpine lake, three miles from Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows entrance. The 12-site loop fills quickly in summer but remains quieter than lower-elevation alternatives. Sites cost $22–30 per night and accommodate tents or small RVs under 20 feet. Each has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker. The latter mandatory in this active bear habitat, with fines starting at $150 for unsecured food.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Planning Tips

About Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

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Common Concerns

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Go if

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How campers graded it

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Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

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Best Campsites

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Need help booking Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

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Things to do at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Policies & Safety

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews