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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Dec 25, 2019 · Updated: Aug 4, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge - Yosemite National Park

    Located off the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge includes 69 canvas-tent cabins. These cabins do not have electricity and are normally open between mid-June to mid-September, depending on weather and snow levels.

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge

    TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge

    It is worth noting that the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is 60 miles from Yosemite Valley and sits at over 8,700 feet in elevation.

    White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge are the easiest accessible high Sierra camps to reach.

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is located off of Tioga Pass near the eastern entrance on Highway 120 east. The lodge is located in the high country near the Tuolumne River within the Sierra Nevada mountains.

    Season:

    June - September (conditions permitting)

    Number of Sites:  69 canvas-tent cabins

    Location in the park: Off of the Tioga Road near Tuolumne Meadows

    Reservations: Yes (see how and when to make a reservation below)

    Latitude/Longitude: 37.8773° N, 119.3331° W

    Elevation: 8,775

    Pets Allowed: There are no pets allowed on the property.

    Location: Off of the Tioga Road

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Address:
    Tioga Rd,
    Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Phone:
    (888) 413-8869

    Tuolumne Lodge Reservations 

    Click here to book your stay at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge.

    How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Reservations are available 366 days in advance and are strongly recommended, especially from spring through fall and during holidays.

    Deposit: A deposit of 100% of the first night at the time of booking if paid by credit or debit card.

    Tuolumne Lodge Amenities

    When staying in the Tuolumne Lodge you will need to use a luggage cart or carry your luggage from the parking lot to your tent.

    There are bear/food storage boxes in the parking lot for food and toiletries.

    Flush Toilets: Yes

    Showers: Yes there are showers in the bathrooms available only for Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Guests.

    Payphone: Yes

    Is wifi available? No (Complimentary WiFi is available at Degnan's Kitchen near the Yosemite Valley visitor center (bandwidth is limited)

    Is cellular Phone Service Available? Maybe, It will depend on your carrier. Some trips we have service with T-mobile in this area of the park.

    Is firewood available for purchase? Yes, You can buy charcoal and firewood at most stores within  Yosemite.

    Amenities at each Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Tent

    Tents are available with 4 Twin Beds or 1 Double Bed with 2 Twin Beds

    Within each tent, you will find 3 wool blankets and 1 comforter for each bed. There is also a table, towels, water carafe, glasses, and a wood-burning stove.

    There is NO ELECTRICITY within these tents. There is a lantern within each tent.

    Bear Box in site/area? Yes, All units have a bear-proof storage box in the main parking lot of the lodge.

    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 with you

    Padlock for your food storage locker.

    Shower shoes for the public community showers and walks to the restroom at night.

    Earplugs for additional sleeping support.

    A water bottle that you can refill.

    Flashlight or LED headlamp and extra batteries.

    Closeable plastic food containers to store in the locker.

    Inflatable Hammock for lounging and checking the epic Yosemite scenery.

    The best thing to remember to bring is your sense of adventure!

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Dining

    The lodge dining room serves breakfast and dinner daily. They do not serve lunch since most guests will be out hiking during the day.

    The dining room serves hearty meals great for hikers.

    You can order box lunches from the dining room the night before.

    Dinner reservations are required and can be made when you have breakfast in the morning or by calling 209-372-8413.

    There are no private cooking facilities available at the lodge. Guests need to keep all food and toiletries in bear boxes in the main parking lot.

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Regulations

    The number of cars per tent: A maximum of 4 people can stay in each tent.

    Check-in Time: 4 pm

    Checkout time: 11 am

    Quiet Hours: Quiet Hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, seven days a week.

    Cancellation Policy: $10.00 cancellation fee for cancellations made 7 or more days prior to arrival. Reservations canceled within 7 days of arrival will forfeit the deposit paid.

    Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited at all accommodations and buildings in Yosemite.

    Tuolumne Meadows campground is just down the street from the lodge.

    Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

    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!

    Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

    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)

    $45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

    $125.00 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 five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

    Yosemite National Park Peak-Hours Reservation Required

    A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM on dates in 2025 listed below:

    • May 24 - May 26 (Saturday-Monday)
    • June 15 - August 15 (Daily)
    • August 30 -September 1) (Saturday - Monday)

    During the dates listed above, visitors can enter Yosemite with either of the following:

    • Peak Hours Reservation are available through Recreation.gov
      • (Click here to get your Peak Hours Reservation) or by calling (877)444-6777
    • Wilderness or Half Dome permit
    • In-Park camping including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hogdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds.
    • In-Park Lodging including Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and High Sierra Camps.
    • In-Park Vacation Rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta.
    • Regional transit ot tour group

    Additional Peak Hours Reservation information:

    • Reservations for all dates were released on May 6, 2025
    • Additional Reservations are available on recreation.gov seven days before the arrival date at 8:00 AM PDT.
    • There is a $2.00 Non-Refundable fee (This does not include the park's entry fee requirement)
    • Each visitor can make one reservation for each three day period. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
    • Peak Hours Reservations are good for three consecutive days (Including arrival date)
    • You can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation.

    Additional Yosemite National Park Resources

    Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park - 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.

    Additional Information on Oakhurst/Bass Lake, California

    Guide to exploring Oakhurst, California, the southern entrance to Yosemite

    Bass Lake Travel Guide

    Bass Lake Camping Guide, including the Lupine Campground and the Cedar Bluff Campground.

    Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.

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

    More US National Parks

    • Yellowstone National Park Tours
    • California Black Bears alsong Bass Lake on our California National Parks Road Trip
      California National Parks Road Trip to Sequoia, Kings Canyon, & Yosemite
    • 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: Lodging, US National Parks

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