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Camp SpotterCamping Near MeCaliforniaCamping in Tuolumne CountyMay Lake High Sierra Camp
May Lake High Sierra Camp ico

May Lake High Sierra Camp

Tuolumne County, CA, USA

4.0
My daughter's name is May, so we just had to hike up to May lake, and it was just beautiful!! - Natalie ben israel
May Lake High Sierra Camp Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

May Lake High Sierra Camp Introduce

For Californians with a deep love for the wilderness and a yearning to explore the majestic backcountry of Yosemite National Park, May Lake High Sierra Camp offers an unparalleled and truly immersive experience. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, May Lake is one of Yosemite's cherished High Sierra Camps, providing a unique opportunity to venture deep into the park's stunning high country while enjoying a level of comfort not typically found in the wilderness. It’s a place where breathtaking scenery, challenging yet rewarding hikes, and serene lakeside tranquility converge to create an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

May Lake High Sierra Camp is renowned for its idyllic setting by the pristine May Lake, offering a respite for hikers and backpackers seeking a break from roughing it, or an introduction to multi-day backcountry treks for those new to the high Sierra. The journey to the camp is an integral part of the experience, leading you through diverse landscapes that culminate in spectacular views. For locals across California, from the bustling Bay Area to the sun-drenched communities of Southern California, May Lake High Sierra Camp represents an accessible yet wonderfully remote opportunity to connect with the raw beauty and peaceful solitude of Yosemite's less-traveled gems.

Location and Accessibility

May Lake High Sierra Camp is situated within Yosemite National Park, with its address broadly listed as Tuolumne County, CA, USA. More specifically, it is located at May Lake, a stunning alpine lake in the high country, roughly north of Tenaya Lake and accessible via a trailhead off Tioga Road (Highway 120).

Accessing May Lake High Sierra Camp is achieved entirely by foot, making it a true backcountry destination. The hike to the camp is generally considered moderate and relatively short, as described by a visitor: "Pretty quick hike over 1.2 miles, beautiful scenery, and a decent amount of elevation gain." The trailhead for May Lake is located off Tioga Road, a major east-west route through Yosemite's high country. Visitors will typically park at the designated trailhead parking lot near the May Lake turnoff from Tioga Road. From there, the well-maintained trail leads directly to the lake and the camp.

Due to its high elevation (May Lake itself is at approximately 9,270 feet), May Lake High Sierra Camp operates seasonally. Like all of Yosemite's High Sierra Camps, it is only open during the summer months, typically from late June or early July (depending on snowmelt and the opening of Tioga Road) through early to mid-September. It is absolutely crucial for Californians planning a visit to check the latest opening and closing dates for both Tioga Road and the High Sierra Camps directly with Yosemite National Park. The brevity of the hike makes it particularly appealing for those looking for a rewarding day hike with a unique overnight stay, or a convenient stop on a longer backpacking trip.

Services Offered

May Lake High Sierra Camp, like its counterparts in the High Sierra Camp system, offers a unique blend of rustic wilderness living with essential comforts, allowing campers to experience the backcountry without the full burden of carrying extensive gear.

  • Tent Cabins with Beds: The primary accommodation consists of sturdy canvas tent cabins. These are equipped with comfortable beds, mattresses, and blankets/linens, providing a significant upgrade from sleeping in your own tent on the ground.
  • Prepared Meals: A major highlight of the High Sierra Camps is the provision of delicious, hot meals. Typically, dinner and breakfast are served, often family-style, fostering a convivial atmosphere among guests. This eliminates the need for campers to pack in and prepare their own food, allowing for lighter packs and more time to enjoy the surroundings.
  • Communal Dining Area/Lodge: The camp features a central lodge or dining tent where meals are served. This also serves as a gathering place for guests to relax, share stories, and warm up on cooler evenings.
  • Basic Restroom Facilities: The camp provides basic restroom facilities. These are generally pit or composting toilets, maintained for cleanliness.
  • Washing Facilities: Simple washing facilities, such as cold water sinks, are usually available for basic hygiene.
  • On-Site Staff/Host: Dedicated staff are present at the camp to prepare meals, maintain facilities, and assist guests, contributing to a welcoming and well-managed environment.
  • No Showers: While more comfortable than primitive camping, these camps typically do not offer hot showers. Campers should be prepared for basic hygiene only.
  • Limited to No Cell Service: Be prepared to fully disconnect, as cell phone service is generally not available in this remote high-country location.

Features / Highlights

May Lake High Sierra Camp is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, its unique backcountry lodging, and the incredible opportunities for exploration it provides.

  • Stunning May Lake: The centerpiece is the pristine May Lake itself, a beautiful alpine lake known for its clear waters and dramatic backdrop of Mount Hoffmann. As one reviewer aptly put it, "The lake was so worth it," and it's "just beautiful!!"
  • Accessible Backcountry Hike: The "pretty quick hike over 1.2 miles" with a "decent amount of elevation gain" makes it one of the more accessible High Sierra Camps, appealing to a wider range of hikers, including families.
  • Unique High Sierra Camp Experience: This offers a rare chance to experience Yosemite's backcountry with the comforts of prepared meals and a bed, a significant advantage over traditional backpacking.
  • Gateway to Mt. Hoffmann: May Lake is a popular base for those looking to summit Mount Hoffmann, which offers panoramic views of much of Yosemite National Park, including a direct line of sight to Half Dome.
  • Peaceful and Secluded Atmosphere: Being a hike-in camp, May Lake High Sierra Camp offers a much more tranquil and less crowded experience than the drive-in campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.
  • Scenic Beauty: The entire journey to May Lake and the camp itself is surrounded by "beautiful scenery," including granite domes, pine forests, and expansive views.
  • Stargazing: With minimal light pollution at this high elevation, the night sky over May Lake is often spectacular, perfect for stargazing.
  • Wildlife Viewing: The high country is home to various wildlife, including deer, marmots, and a variety of bird species, offering opportunities for observation.

Contact Information

For reservations and inquiries about May Lake High Sierra Camp and the Yosemite High Sierra Camps system, please use the following general contact details for Yosemite National Park:

Address: Tuolumne County, CA, USA (This general address indicates its location within Yosemite's high country.)

Phone: (209) 372-0200 (This is the general information line for Yosemite National Park, which can direct you to High Sierra Camp reservation information.)

Mobile Phone: +1 209-372-0200 (Same as above, providing an international format.)

Reservations for the High Sierra Camps, including May Lake, are notoriously difficult to secure due to high demand. They operate on a lottery system, and applications must typically be submitted many months in advance (often in the fall/winter for the following summer season). It is crucial to consult the official Yosemite National Park website or the concessionaire's website (often Aramark/Yosemite Hospitality) for the specific lottery application period, rules, and latest operating dates. Availability is extremely limited, so early planning is essential.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

May Lake High Sierra Camp is an extraordinary destination perfectly suited for Californians seeking an authentic, yet uniquely comfortable, backcountry adventure in Yosemite National Park. For locals across the state, particularly those who have explored the more accessible areas of Yosemite and are ready for a deeper dive into its wilderness, May Lake offers an ideal stepping stone.

What makes it especially appealing for Californians is the balance it strikes between rugged wilderness and provided amenities. The "pretty quick hike over 1.2 miles" makes the backcountry accessible even for those with moderate hiking experience or families with older children, while the supplied "tent cabins with beds" and "prepared meals" eliminate the need for heavy backpacking gear and extensive food preparation. This allows locals to fully immerse themselves in the "beautiful scenery" and "stunning" lake experience without the usual logistical complexities of a full-on backpacking trip.

The chance to witness the high Sierra's unparalleled beauty, perhaps even at a lake sharing your daughter's name as one reviewer charmingly noted, combined with the peaceful seclusion away from the Valley crowds, offers a truly rejuvenating escape. For Californians who cherish the wilderness but appreciate a touch of comfort, and are willing to plan far in advance for such a coveted experience, May Lake High Sierra Camp promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Yosemite's majestic high country.

May Lake High Sierra Camp Photos

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May Lake High Sierra Camp Location

May Lake High Sierra Camp

Tuolumne County, CA, USA

May Lake High Sierra Camp Reviews

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