Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Are you a California adventurer eager to experience the breathtaking high country of Yosemite National Park? Tuolumne Meadows Campground is your ultimate gateway to this iconic wilderness. Situated amidst vast sub-alpine meadows, towering granite domes, and the winding Tuolumne River, this campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground has long been a beloved destination for campers, hikers, and nature lovers from California and around the world. After a significant, multi-year rehabilitation project, this large and popular campground is ready to welcome visitors back, with enhanced facilities and improved accessibility. Imagine waking up to cool mountain air, stepping out of your tent or RV, and being surrounded by magnificent pines and the majestic peaks that define Yosemite's high country. This is the daily reality at Tuolumne Meadows, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Visitors consistently praise the campground's stunning location and the sheer abundance of outdoor activities right at their fingertips. Whether you're looking for challenging backcountry treks, leisurely strolls along the river, or engaging ranger programs, Tuolumne Meadows serves as an ideal basecamp. Reviews highlight the quiet and respectful atmosphere, especially in areas like the backpacker's campground, and the dedication of the staff, like "Cindy" who ensures a pleasant experience for all. Don't miss the chance to attend an amphitheater program, often led by inspiring park rangers, providing unique insights into the park's natural and climbing history.

While the high-elevation setting means no showers are available directly at the campground (a common feature in high country parks), the clean flush toilets and accessible drinking water ensure a comfortable stay. The beauty of the nearby Tuolumne River also offers an invigorating, if "icey," option for a quick dip after a day of exploration. For California locals, Tuolumne Meadows is more than just a campground; it’s an accessible portal to the pristine wilderness of Yosemite’s high country, offering boundless opportunities for adventure and rejuvenation.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground is majestically located on Tioga Pass Rd, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA, placing it centrally within Yosemite National Park's stunning high country. Situated at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet, it offers an authentic alpine experience.

For California locals, accessing Tuolumne Meadows is primarily via the scenic Tioga Road (Highway 120). This iconic mountain pass road connects Yosemite Valley with the eastern Sierra Nevada. It's crucial for visitors to note that Tioga Road is typically closed due to snow from November through May or June, meaning the campground is generally only accessible during the summer and early fall months. Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for current road opening and closing dates, as they can vary significantly based on snowpack and weather conditions.

The campground is conveniently located about five miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station when coming from the east (Lee Vining area) and approximately two hours (55 miles) from Yosemite Valley to the west. Within Tuolumne Meadows, a free shuttle service typically operates during the summer season, providing easy transportation between various points of interest, including the Visitor Center, general store, and trailheads. This reduces the need to drive and search for parking once you've arrived at the campground, enhancing your ability to explore the area freely.

Overnight parking is available on Tioga Road for backpackers, making the campground a convenient last stop before or first stop after multi-day wilderness adventures. While vehicle access to the high country is seasonal, Amtrak and YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) also provide public transportation options to Tuolumne Meadows during the summer, offering an alternative for those who prefer not to drive the mountain roads or wish to reduce their carbon footprint. For California residents, its high-country location provides a distinct Yosemite experience, different from the Valley, offering unique access to a vast network of trails and alpine landscapes.

• Family Campsites: The campground offers a large number of family campsites suitable for both tent camping and RVs (with length restrictions).
• Horse Sites: Specific sites are available for campers with horses, catering to equestrian enthusiasts.
• Group Sites: Dedicated group campsites are available, ideal for larger parties.
• Backpacker Sites: A designated Backpacker's Campground provides a specific area for those embarking on multi-day wilderness trips (wilderness permit required).
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and convenience.
• Fire Rings: Individual campsites feature fire rings for campfires, subject to current fire restrictions.
• Food Storage Lockers: Critically important in bear country, bear-proof food storage lockers are provided at every campsite to safely store food and scented items.
• Flush Toilets: The campground boasts new and upgraded restroom facilities with flush toilets, meeting accessibility standards.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground at various spigots.
• Amphitheater: An amphitheater is on-site, which hosts ranger-led evening programs and presentations.
• Nearby General Store and Post Office: A general store, grill, and post office are within walking distance in Tuolumne Meadows, offering basic supplies and services.
• RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is located on Tioga Road just west of the campground.

• Stunning High-Country Location: Situated at 8,600 feet amidst broad sub-alpine meadows, granite domes, and majestic peaks, the campground offers breathtaking scenery unique to Yosemite's high country.
• Proximity to Tuolumne River: The gentle Tuolumne River flows through the meadows and is within walking distance of campsites, offering scenic beauty and opportunities for an "icey dip" to cool off.
• Endless Day Hiking Opportunities: Tuolumne Meadows is a premier hub for hiking, with numerous trails originating from or near the campground, catering to all skill levels. Popular trails include Elizabeth Lake, Soda Springs, Parsons Lodge, Lyell Canyon (John Muir Trail), Cathedral Lakes, and Lembert Dome.
• Backpacker-Friendly: The dedicated backpacker's campground and its location on Tioga Road make it an ideal starting or ending point for multi-day backpacking trips, with overnight parking available.
• Ranger-Led Programs: The on-site amphitheater hosts engaging ranger programs, including presentations on local ecology, wildlife, and the history of rock climbing in Yosemite, providing educational and entertaining evenings.
• Wildlife Viewing: Being in a natural habitat, the area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, though strict food storage rules are enforced to protect both animals and campers.
• Access to Nearby Attractions: While remote, the campground offers access to other high-country gems like Tenaya Lake (for picnicking, swimming, and canoeing) and is a scenic drive to iconic Yosemite Valley attractions, Glacier Point, and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.
• Newly Rehabilitated Facilities: The campground recently underwent a major rehabilitation, resulting in modern and accessible restroom facilities and updated campsite furnishings, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Address: Tioga Pass Rd, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA

Phone: (209) 372-4025

Mobile Phone: +1 209-372-4025

For additional inquiries and reservation information, especially regarding the highly competitive campsite bookings, it is recommended to visit Recreation.gov or the official Yosemite National Park website.

For California locals, Tuolumne Meadows Campground offers a distinctly elevated Yosemite experience, literally and figuratively. While Yosemite Valley is undeniably iconic, the high country provides a different, often less crowded, and equally awe-inspiring perspective of this national treasure. For those residing in California, the journey along the scenic Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows is an adventure in itself, leading to a truly immersive alpine escape that feels a world away from urban life, yet remains within reasonable driving distance for a memorable summer or fall trip.

The recent multi-year rehabilitation project has revitalized the campground, ensuring that the facilities are modern, accessible, and comfortable, making it even more appealing for families and individuals. Locals will appreciate the convenience of flush toilets and potable drinking water, while the well-maintained sites with bear lockers provide peace of mind in this active wildlife area. The on-site shuttle system further enhances the experience, allowing seamless access to the vast network of hiking trails and points of interest without the need to constantly move your vehicle.

More than just practicalities, Tuolumne Meadows offers unparalleled recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. From exploring the endless day hikes that branch out into the pristine wilderness, to engaging with park rangers at the amphitheater programs, there's always something to do and learn. For California residents seeking a profound connection with nature, challenging outdoor activities, and the chance to witness some of the most spectacular landscapes the state has to offer, Tuolumne Meadows Campground is not just a place to stay; it's a quintessential Californian high-country adventure waiting to be discovered, year after year.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Tioga Pass Rd, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA