Tuolumne Meadows Campground campground
Yosemite National Park, California

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
158 campsites
Open in maps

158

Total Campsites

Campground

142

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Overview Tuolumne Meadows Campground is undergoing a major rehabilitation project and will remain closed in 2024 . Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 8,600 feet. The site is situated along the scenic Tioga Road just five miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas, and so much more. Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov. Yosemite's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14. Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates Recreation Popular activities in the area include hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and fishing. The 4.8-mile roundtrip trail to Elizabeth Lake begins in the campground and climbs to a glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak. Other trails in Tuolumne Meadows include Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge, Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail, Cathedral Lakes, Mono Pass, and Glen Aulin. Nearby Tenaya Lake is a magnificent spot for picnicking, swimming and canoeing. Facilities Popular activities in the area include hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and fishing. The 4.8-mile roundtrip trail to Elizabeth Lake begins in the campground and climbs to a glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak. Other trails in Tuolumne Meadows include Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge, Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail, Cathedral Lakes, Mono Pass, and Glen Aulin. Nearby Tenaya Lake is a magnificent spot for picnicking, swimming and canoeing. Natural Features Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. The gentle Tuolumne River, Lyell For, and Dana Fork flow through the vast, colorful meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers. The meadows are surrounded by stands of Western White pine, Mountain hemlock, and Lodgepole pine. Nearby Attractions Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known, is 55 miles and two hours from Tuolumne Meadows. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops. Glacier Point is an hour from Yosemite Valley, with sweeping views of both Yosemite and Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. A visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. Charges & Cancellations Cancellation of individual or equestrian site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night’s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night’s use will not be assessed a service fee. No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

  • 158 total campsites listed.
  • 142 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (80).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground photo 2
Tuolumne Meadows Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Tuolumne Meadows Campground special

Tuolumne Meadows Campground is Yosemite's high country jewel, sitting at 8,600 feet in the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. Far above the crowds of Yosemite Valley, this expansive campground offers 158 sites spread through a lodgepole pine forest alongside the gently flowing Tuolumne River, where the air is thin, the granite domes gleam white in the sun, and the night sky blazes with stars. The surrounding landscape is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and wilderness seekers. Trails from Tuolumne Meadows lead to Cathedral Lakes, Lembert Dome, Glen Aulin and its series of stunning waterfalls, and deep into the Yosemite backcountry along the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. Rock climbers find world-class routes on the polished granite of Cathedral Peak and Fairview Dome. The meadows themselves are carpeted with wildflowers in midsummer and frequented by marmots and the occasional black bear. The campground has been undergoing major rehabilitation to improve infrastructure and restore the meadow ecosystem, so check current availability and conditions before planning your trip. When open, the season runs roughly from July through September, dictated by snowpack on Tioga Pass. Sites are highly sought after and reservations are essential. The Tuolumne Meadows store and grill provide basic supplies. For experienced campers who want to trade Yosemite Valley's granite walls for the wide-open grandeur of the Sierra high country, Tuolumne Meadows is an unforgettable destination.

Campsite Inventory

158 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

80total sites

80

Reservable

0

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

62total sites

62

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

16total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Check-in time

0:00 AM, 12:00 PM

Check-out time

0:00 AM, 12:00 PM

Food Locker

Yes

Generator Free

Yes

Max Num of Horses

6

Max guests

30, 6

Max vehicle length (ft)

18, 24, 27, 35

Minimum guests

Yes, 13

Pets allowed

Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

209-372-4025 OR 209-372-8502

Getting There

Take 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.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Tuolumne Meadows Campground.

How do reservations work for Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Reservation availability for Tuolumne Meadows Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Tuolumne Meadows Campground?

Tuolumne Meadows Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (80), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (62), MANAGEMENT (16).

Where is Tuolumne Meadows Campground located?

Tuolumne Meadows Campground is in California near Yosemite National Park. Coordinates: 37.8711, -119.3600.

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