Ellery Lake Campground

For Californians drawn to the raw, untamed beauty of the High Sierra, Ellery Lake Campground near Lee Vining, CA, offers an authentic and unforgettable experience. Perched at a remarkable elevation near the top of Tioga Pass, just outside the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, this campground is a gateway to some of California's most spectacular alpine scenery. It's not a place for those seeking luxury, but rather for intrepid campers who embrace the wild, the quiet, and the stunning natural grandeur that only the Eastern Sierra can provide. If you're ready for a true high-country adventure with unparalleled access to pristine lakes and streams, Ellery Lake Campground awaits.

As locals, we know that the true magic of California's outdoors often lies in its less-structured, more natural environments. Ellery Lake Campground perfectly embodies this spirit. Its location is a significant draw, placing you within easy reach of magnificent lakes, flowing streams, and the vast wilderness of the Inyo National Forest and Yosemite. This is a campground for those who appreciate being immersed in nature, where the primary amenities are the stunning views, the crisp mountain air, and the soothing sounds of the natural world. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and recharge, far from the urban sprawl.

What makes Ellery Lake Campground particularly appealing to Californians is its first-come, first-served availability. While this means you need to be prepared for the possibility of full sites, it also offers flexibility for spontaneous adventurers who prefer not to be tied down by reservations months in advance. The rugged charm, coupled with direct access to fishing and hiking opportunities, creates an experience that resonates deeply with those who cherish the state's wild spaces. It's a testament to the unvarnished beauty of the Sierra Nevada, providing a genuine high-elevation camping experience that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Ellery Lake Campground is located in Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA. More precisely, it is situated at the top of Tioga Pass (Highway 120), very close to the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park. This places it within the stunning Inyo National Forest, a region renowned for its dramatic alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and towering peaks. The campground overlooks Lee Vining Creek and is just a short distance from Ellery Lake itself, offering prime access to these beautiful water bodies.

For Californians, accessing Ellery Lake Campground involves navigating one of the most scenic drives in the state: Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120). From Southern California, the primary route is northbound on Highway 395, a well-maintained highway that offers incredible views of the Eastern Sierra. From Northern California, travelers would typically take Highway 395 southbound, or approach via cross-Sierra passes that connect to Highway 395. It is crucial to remember that Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120) is a seasonal road, typically opening in late May or early June and closing by late October or early November, depending on snow conditions. Therefore, checking current road conditions via Caltrans before planning your trip is essential. Once on Tioga Pass Road, the campground is easily identifiable near the lake. Its high elevation (around 9,500 feet) means that even in summer, temperatures can be cool, and weather can change rapidly. Despite the winding mountain roads, the journey itself is part of the adventure, offering breathtaking vistas around every turn and leading you directly into the heart of the high country.

Ellery Lake Campground provides a foundational set of services, focusing on the essentials for high-elevation camping. It’s designed for self-sufficient campers who are prepared for a rustic experience, embracing the natural environment with minimal modern conveniences:

• Campsites: There are approximately 14 campsites available, suitable primarily for tent camping, though some sites can accommodate small trailers or RVs (up to 30 feet). Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.
• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with vault toilets for basic sanitation. Visitors should be aware that these are not flush toilets and may not be serviced as frequently as those in more developed campgrounds.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available at central spigots. However, as noted by visitors, it is highly recommended to boil this water before use, especially for drinking, to ensure safety.
• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): Given its location in active bear country, each campsite comes with a mandatory bear-resistant food storage locker. Proper storage of all food and scented items is critical to protect both campers and local wildlife.
• First-Come, First-Served: A significant aspect of Ellery Lake Campground is that sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. There are no reservations, meaning campers must arrive and secure an available site.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available for RVs or trailers. Campers must be self-contained for these utilities.
• No Showers: The campground does not offer shower facilities.

Ellery Lake Campground is characterized by several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Californians seeking a high-altitude outdoor adventure. These attributes contribute to its unique appeal:

• Stunning Lake Proximity: One of its greatest highlights is its immediate proximity to Ellery Lake and Lee Vining Creek. This offers incredible opportunities for scenic enjoyment, photography, and direct water access.
• Exceptional Scenery: Situated at roughly 9,500 feet elevation, the campground is surrounded by dramatic granite peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and subalpine vegetation, providing breathtaking panoramic views.
• Trout Fishing: Both Ellery Lake and Lee Vining Creek are popular spots for fishing, with opportunities to catch various trout species. Anglers will find this a major draw for casting a line in a truly beautiful setting.
• Gateway to Yosemite National Park: Its location just outside Yosemite's eastern entrance (Tioga Pass) makes it an ideal base camp for exploring the park's iconic high-country areas like Tuolumne Meadows, minimizing driving time into the park.
• First-Come, First-Served Accessibility: While it can lead to full campsites, the no-reservation policy allows for more spontaneous trips, appealing to those who prefer flexibility in their travel plans.
• Quiet High Sierra Ambiance: Despite the potential for sites to be close together, the overall atmosphere is of serene mountain tranquility, especially at night, perfect for stargazing and peaceful reflection.
• Rugged & Authentic Experience: This campground offers a true high-country camping experience, requiring campers to be self-reliant and respectful of the natural environment and its wildlife, especially bears.
• Hiking Opportunities: Numerous trails radiate from the Ellery Lake area, leading to other alpine lakes, mountain passes, and offering incredible opportunities for day hikes and backpacking trips.

For inquiries regarding Ellery Lake Campground, including current conditions, operating dates, and any specific alerts (such as fire restrictions or bear activity), please note that direct contact information for individual small Forest Service campgrounds like Ellery Lake is often channeled through a larger district office. The campground is managed by the Inyo National Forest. While a direct phone number for the campground itself isn't typically available, you can reach out to the Inyo National Forest for general information.

Address: Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA (This identifies the general area of the campground).

For the most reliable information on Ellery Lake Campground, including its seasonal opening and closing dates (which are highly dependent on snowmelt and snowfall on Tioga Pass), current site availability status (as it's first-come, first-served), and details on water or vault toilet conditions, it is highly advisable for Californians to contact the Inyo National Forest's Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center at (760) 647-3044. Alternatively, you can also contact the Yosemite National Park general information line at (209) 372-0200 and ask for details regarding the Tioga Pass area campgrounds. Always confirm road conditions (Highway 120 - Tioga Pass Road) through Caltrans before heading out.

For Californians, Ellery Lake Campground is an incredibly suitable choice for an authentic and memorable High Sierra camping adventure. Its primary appeal lies in its breathtaking high-elevation setting, providing unparalleled access to Ellery Lake, Lee Vining Creek, and the vast wilderness just outside Yosemite National Park. This direct connection to pristine alpine waters and dramatic granite landscapes offers a genuine escape into the wild, which many local residents deeply value.

While the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and requires preparedness for rustic conditions and bear activity, these elements are often seen as part of the authentic wilderness experience. For those who prioritize stunning natural beauty, excellent fishing and hiking opportunities, and a quiet, uncommercialized atmosphere over modern amenities and guaranteed reservations, Ellery Lake Campground is a true gem. It allows Californians to immerse themselves fully in the natural splendor of their home state, providing a rigorous yet immensely rewarding outdoor retreat that epitomizes the spirit of Sierra Nevada camping.

Ellery Lake Campground

Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA