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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Jul 30, 2019 · Updated: Aug 5, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground - Yosemite National Park

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground in Yosemite National Park, California may be one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have spent time in. 

    Located off of the Tioga Road the Tuolumne Meadows Campground offers direct access to the Tuolumne Meadows area right across the street.

    Toulumne River next to the Toulumne Campground in Yosemite National Park

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    Tuolumne Meadows Campground is the largest campground within Yosemite National Park with 304 sites. 

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground - Yosemite National Park

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground just received a major rehabilitation project and reopened in the summer of 2025.

    Along with access to Lembert Dome, Elizabeth Lake, and the Tuolumne River running through the campground!

    If you know the dates you are planning to visit the park, you will want to get a reservation if possible, so you are guaranteed at least one night in this gorgeous Yosemite Campground! 

    You can easily access the Tuolumne Meadows visitor center, store, and post office near the campground. 

    Season: Opens in July(weather dependent) and closes in mid-September

    Number of Sites:  315

    Location in the park: Five miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station

    Campsite Cost: Make sure to check with the park for the most up-to-date camping fees

    Reservations: Yes, reservations can be made online at Recreation.Gov

    Latitude/Longitude: 
    Latitude: 37° 52' 16.0000" N
    Longitude: -119° 21' 36.0000" W

    Elevation: 8,600 feet

    Accessible Sites: There are 13 accessible sites available at Toulumne Meadows Campground

    Pets Allowed: Pets are not permitted in group campsites but are allowed in family and horse sites

    Pets are allowed but they must be on a leash less than 6 feet long. 

    Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or on specific trails.

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reservations

    Are campground Reservations Available?

    Yes, Half of the campground is available by advanced reservation, the other half is open on a same-day sale basis, and still fills nightly

    Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777

    Online? Recreation.Gov

    How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Individual sites in this campground are block released on the 15th. Of each month

    Campground Amenities

    Flush Toilets: Yes

    Payphone: Yes

    Is wifi available? No

    Is cellular Phone Service Available? No

    Is camp host available on site? Yes

    Is firewood available for purchase? Yes, in Curry Village/Half Dome Village or at the Yosemite Village store.

    They also sell firewood at the Crane Flat gas station at the start of the Tioga Road. 

    Amenities at each campsite:

    Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring

    Firepit in the site? Yes, there are fire rings at each campsite. 

    Picnic Table in the site? Yes

    Bear Box in site/area? Yes, 

    You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears. 

    Food storage lockers are provided in all campsites 35"(D)x43"(W)x28"(H)

    Potable Water? Yes, there is drinking water available in the campground

    Don't forget to pack these camping essentials

    • Camping Chairs
    • First Aid Kit
    • Collapsible Dish Tub
    • Camping Dishes
    • Camping Tarp
    • Lantern
    • Camping Games

    RV Camping at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

    RV Length: RVs and trailers up to 35 feet

    Not every site can accommodate equipment of these lengths. Be sure to read the site details when making a reservation on recreation.gov to ensure your equipment will fit into the site you're reserving. 

    Dump Station: Yes, on the Tioga Road just west of the campground

    Generators: 7 am to 9 am, noon to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm

    Hookups: No, There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at this facility

    How to 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.

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground Regulations

    The maximum number of people in a campsite: A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite. There is no limit on the number of tents (as long as they all fit into the campsite).

    The number of cars per campsite: Two motorized vehicles per campsite. A valid campground car pass must be displayed.

    Check out time: 12 noon

    Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am

    Maximum Stay: 7-day maximum stay limit.

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground Map

    Toulumne Meadows Campground Map
    Toulumne Meadows Campground Map Courtesy of NPS

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground provides easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail.

    One thing to know is many PCT hikers stop at the grocery store near the campground. Many of them have been on the trail for months without a shower.

    If you are sensitive to strong smells you may want to be prepared if the store is crowded. 

    Photos of Tuolumne Meadows Campground

    Note that all campsite photos were taken before the campground restoration project.

    A Loop

    Site A5
    Site A6

     

    Site A8
    Site A12
    Site A13
    Site A35
    Site A37
    Site A44
    Site A45

     

    Site A47
    Site A86

    B Loop

    Site B1
    Site B7
    Site B18
    Site B21
    Site B25
    Site B26
    Site B28

    C Loop

    Site C1
    Site C19
    Site C25
    Site C41
    Site C59
    Site C79
    Site C91

    D Loop

     

    Site D18

     

    Site D19
    Site D20

    E Loop

    Site E2

     

     

    Site E12

     

    Site E13

    F Loop 

    Site F4
    Site F5
    Site F10

    G Loop

    Site G4
    Site G8
    Site G11

     

    Site G12

    Lodges In Yosemite National Park

    Ahwahnee Hotel
    🏨Ready to Book the Ahwahnee Hotel -> Click Here

    The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.

    Yosemite Valley Lodge
    🏨Ready to Book the Yosemite Valley Lodge -> Click Here

    The Yosemite Valley Lodge is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park and is located close to Yosemite Falls making it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.

    Wawona Hotel
    🏨Ready to Book the Wawona Hotel -> Click Here

    (Currently Closed for repairs). Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.

    Curry Village Tent Cabins
    🏨Ready to Book the Curry Village Cabins -> Click Here

    The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley.

    Lodges near Yosemite National Park

    There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Here is a few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst:

    Chateau du Sureau
    🏨Ready to Book the Chateau du Sureau -> Click Here

    Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!

    The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
    🏨Ready to Book The Pines Resort -> Click Here

    Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!

    Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn 
    🏨Ready to Book the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn -> Click Here

    At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs.

    Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite 
    🏨Ready to Book The Tenaya Lodge -> Click Here

    4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa

    Yosemite National Park Tours

    California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
    ⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

    With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours,  you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

    • Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
    • Death Valley's Unique Geology
    • Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
    • Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

    Private Full-Day Fly Fishing for Beginners and Experienced Anglers
    ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours |  🎣 Check Rates and Availability

    Here is your chance to enjoy fly fishing in Yosemite with your private guide! This full-day adventure (Approx. 8 hours) is where you can fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout on the catch-and-release excursion. The tour includes:

    • all fly fishing gear, fishing license, Peak Season Reservation, and entrance fees
    • round-trip transportation from Yosemite Valley or Groveland
    • snacks/lunch

    Private Family Hike in Yosemite
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-6 Hours |  🥾Check Rates and Availability

    Experience the monumental scenery of Yosemite on a guided, half-day hike designed especially for families. Choose from a beginning to moderate hike to suit your family's experience level, and embark on a series of trails that wind through the famous natural attractions of either Yosemite Valley or the high country. Enjoy Spectacular views from on of America's favorite National Parks, and stop for a scenic picnic near a stream, lake, or meadow.

    4 Days Guided Yosemite Half Dome Tour
    ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 Days |  🥾Check Rates and Availability

    Ready to turn your bucketlist into a brag list? This 4 day Yosemite adventure takes you from secret swimming holes to the iconic half-dome cables without the crowds or the chaos. Every detail is covered, from wilderness permits to those elusive Half Dome Spots. Just bring your personal camping gear including a tent, sleping bag & pad, and headlamp. A full packing list will be provided after you register. With expert guides, chef-style meals, and starry skies, you'll hike, relax, and conquer like a pro!

    Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!

    Additional Yosemite National Park Resources

    Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park - A Complete guide to exploring Yosemite National Park.

    Make sure also to check out my articles on  Things to do in Yosemite, 1-Day in Yosemite guide, Curry Village, Yosemite Winter Guide, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Valley Guide, Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Midnight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, and Bracebridge Dinner - which I have selected as one of my top 100 Experiences in the U.S. National Park!

    Yosemite National Park Campgrounds

    Yosemite National Park Camping Guide - Guide to all of Yosemite National Park's campgrounds, including a map showing their location within the park. Campgrounds include the North Pines Campground, Upper Pines Campground, Lower Pines Campground, Camp 4, Wawona Campground, Housekeeping Camp, Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Porcupine Flat Campground, Bridalveil Creek Campground, Crane Flat Campground, Tamarack Flat Campground, Tuolumne Meadows Campground, and Yosemite Creek Campground.

    Check out our complete Yosemite National Park Travel Guide for everything you need to know to plan an epic visit to the park. 

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

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    • campsite in Sunset Campground in Kings Canyon National Park
      Sunset Campground Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
    • Lodgepole Campground Sequoia National Park
      Lodgepole Campground Sequoia National Park

    Filed Under: Camping, US National Parks

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