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

Here are my top finds for Yosemite National Park:
🏨Hotels: Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge (In the park), The Pines Resort
📍Tours: Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad, Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

Tuolumne Meadows Campground - Yosemite National Park

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

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.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground Map

Toulumne Meadows Campground Map Courtesy of NPS

Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reservations

Are campground Reservations Available? Yes

Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777

Online? Yes, Individual Campsites are available online at Recreation.Gov

How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Individual sites at Tuolumne Meadows Campground are blocked released on the 15th. of each month

Campground Information

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

Number of Sites: 289

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

Best Yosemite National Park Tours & Activities

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1-3.5 Hours | 🚂 Check Rates and Availability

Step back in time on this historic narrow-gauge railroad where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra National Forest, just 10 minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. The conductor-narrated rides (1 to 3.5 hours) take you through majestic woods while sharing the area's logging history, with options ranging from the classic steam train to special themed trips like the Moonlight Special and Yosemite Jazz Train. Perfect for families and multi-generational groups, the experience includes gold panning, a logging museum, and the Kids' Depot Toy Store, all wheelchair accessible with leashed dogs welcome on board.

Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (803+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours | 🚐
Check Rates and Availability

This is the tour for first-time visitors who want to see everything without the stress of figuring it out on their own. Operated by Discover Yosemite, a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice award winner for two years running, this small-group tour covers the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, and all the major viewpoints in one very full day. Lunch is included along with snacks and water.

Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability

This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point.

The tour includes stops at Glacier Point(April-November), depending upon the weather, and several stops in the Yosemite Valley. The valley stops include Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge, Chapel, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more!

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

Things to do When Camping at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

🏔️ Hike the Cathedral Lakes Trail for sweeping views of the Cathedral Range and one of the finest alpine lake destinations in the Sierra Nevada
🌿 Walk the easy Tuolumne Meadows loop through the open subalpine meadow for wildflower viewing, wildlife watching, and dome photography at sunrise
🧗 Scramble to the summit of Lembert Dome directly above the campground for panoramic views of the entire Tuolumne River valley
🥾 Access the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail from the meadow trailheads for day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips into the Yosemite wilderness
🌅 Photograph the Cathedral Range and granite domes reflected in the Tuolumne River at sunrise, one of the great high-country photography compositions in Yosemite
🦌 Watch for mule deer, black bears, marmots, and pikas in the meadow and surrounding granite terrain
🍽️ Grab a meal at the Tuolumne Meadows Grill, a beloved seasonal lunch counter serving burgers and breakfast items steps from the campground
☕ Pick up supplies and backpacking gear at the Tuolumne Meadows Store and Mountaineering School
🔭 Visit Olmsted Point, a short drive west, for one of the most dramatic and unusual perspectives on Half Dome in the entire park
🌊 Hike to Glen Aulin and the Tuolumne Falls, where the Tuolumne River cascades through polished granite in a spectacular series of waterfalls
🚗 Drive the full length of Tioga Road for an unforgettable high-country traverse connecting Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley

Lodges In Yosemite National Park

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Ahwahnee Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The Ahwahnee stands as Yosemite's most iconic lodge, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted royalty and presidents while offering unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This architectural masterpiece blends historic elegance with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, a heated outdoor pool, and artisan shops right at your doorstep. After a day exploring the valley's waterfalls and granite cliffs, you'll appreciate the world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities that make this more than just a place to stay.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Yosemite Valley Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right at the base of Yosemite Falls, offering 245 rooms including family rooms and bunk rooms perfect for groups exploring the park together. The lodge's glass-and-wood architecture frames incredible views while keeping you close to trailheads, with shuttle access, multiple dining options, and seasonal bike rentals right onsite. After hiking to Vernal Fall or exploring the valley floor, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool or grab a meal before heading to the outdoor amphitheater for evening ranger programs.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Curry Village Tent Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village tents offers an authentic lodging experience. This historic base camp puts you right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, and easy shuttle access to trailheads and waterfalls.

Lodges near Yosemite National Park

There are several great lodging options near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Check out my Oakhurst Lodging Guide.

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort at Bass Lake - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting right on the shores of Bass Lake just 17 miles from Yosemite National Park's South Gate with a private beach, full marina, and some of the best sunsets in the Sierra Nevada!

Choose from lakeside suites with log-burning fireplaces, wet bars, and lake-view decks, two-story chalets with full kitchens, or a romantic Honeymoon Suite with an oversized jetted tub. Ducey's on the Lake serves farm-to-table cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning water views, and the poolside beach bar is perfect for after-hike refreshments. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool with pool hoist, hot tub, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center, yoga classes, boat and kayak rentals, two tennis courts, billiards room, convenience market, live entertainment, coin-operated laundry, free WiFi, and free parking. Pet friendly and open year-round!

⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Chateau du Sureau - Click here for Rates and Availability.

A Forbes Five Star, AAA Four Diamond Provence-inspired castle tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 20 miles from Yosemite's South Gate, widely regarded as the finest luxury hotel in the entire Yosemite region!

The 11 individually designed rooms and suites feature working fireplaces, pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, hypoallergenic bedding, separate soaking tubs and showers, Moulton Brown toiletries, slippers, robes, and private balconies overlooking nine acres of terraced French gardens. A bottle of local rosé awaits you on arrival, and a full gourmet breakfast is included each morning with fresh-squeezed orange juice. The legendary Erna's Elderberry House restaurant is one of California's most celebrated dining destinations, drawing food lovers from across the state for its tasting menus and wine pairings. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, seasonal outdoor pool, bocce court, concierge, valet parking, room service, free WiFi, and free parking. No children under 10. Pet friendly with a fee, open year-round!

Click on this link or the map below to see additional lodging options near Yosemite NP.

https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07d51cbb4390015c70b0f

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$0.00 for Education/Academic Group

$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$20.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.