About Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Overview Tuolumne Meadows Campground recently had a complete overhaul and rehabilitation of the campsites. Please be mindful of young plants and shrubs by keeping all wheels on parking pads and camping equipment within established campsites. Thank you!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.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 This large, popular campground contains family, horse and group camp sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a food storage lockers. Flush toilets, drinking water, and an amphitheater are provided. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is within walking distance, as is a general store.Natural Features Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine
How to Get 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.OVERFLOW PARKING: Many sites in Tuolumne Meadows Campground can only accommodate one single vehicle. There is overflow parking available at the Parson's Lodge Trailhead Parking as well as the parking lot directly West of the Tuolumne Meadows Grill and Store (the old gas station lot). Limited parking is also available on the side of the Soda Springs Road past Lembert Dome Trailhead parking. Lembert Dome Parking lot is NOT available for overnight parking.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Heading to Tuolumne Meadows Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Tuolumne Meadows Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232448) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Tuolumne Meadows Campground?
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.OVERFLOW PARKING: Many sites in Tuolumne Meadows Campground can only accommoda…
How do I contact Tuolumne Meadows Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 209-372-4025 OR 209-372-8502.
References & Official Resources
