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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Dec 25, 2019 · Updated: Feb 14, 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.

    photo of tents available at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge with text reading "Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Yosemite National Park by Park RangerJohn.com"

     

    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.

    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.

    Season:

    June - September (conditions permitting)

    Number of Sites:  69 canvas-tent cabins

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

    Campsite cost:

    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.

    The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite National Park Lodging

    If you are wondering where to stay in Yosemite National Park there are multiple options available ranging from tent cabins to national park lodges.

    Ahwahnee Hotel

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

    Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed

    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.

    Yosemite Valley Lodge

    If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park than you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge.

    The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls which makes it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.

    Curry Village Cabins

    Part of the Curry Village complex that was previously known as Half Dome Village.

    Curry Village Tent Cabins

    The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley. Available for booking on Expedia

    Housekeeping Camp

    If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite Valley and not bring your own tent you will love Housekeeping Camp.

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge

    Located off the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge includes 69 canvas-tent cabins without electricity.

    Where to stay near Yosemite

    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.

    A few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst include:

    Chateau du Sureau

    The Pines Resort at Bass Lake

    Sierra Sky Ranch

    Hounds Tooth Inn

    Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn - 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. The onsite restaurant, Yosemite Gateway, features American cuisine. Free Wi-Fi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a bar and a gym.

    Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites - At Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour business center. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the steam room. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

    Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - 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. Enjoy pizza and more at the two onsite restaurants. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like mountain biking and archery. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

    Rush Creek Lodge - 3.5-star family-friendly hotel near Yosemite. Take advantage of a poolside bar, a grocery/convenience store, and a terrace at Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the mountain biking and ecotours at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Rush Creek Restaurant, features local cuisine. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

    Yosemite Sierra Inn - Yosemite Sierra Inn provides a business center and more. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas.

     Queen's Inn By the River - Enjoy visiting the attached winery, a terrace, and a garden at Queen's Inn By the River. The onsite restaurant, Idle Hour Winery &Kitchen, features garden views and brunch. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as 2 bars.

    For additional lodging options click on the map below for current rates and availability for lodging and vacation rentals near Yosemite NP.

    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 Tours

    Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff - This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point(Denny's in Oakhurst).

    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!

    California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours) - 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 - 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

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

    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.

    Escape Campervan in front of a hotel

    For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

    Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando

    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

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    • Blueberry Nature Trail at Greenbelt Park Maryland
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    • Camping at Greenbelt Park Campground Maryland
      Greenbelt Park Campground

    Filed Under: Lodging, US National Parks

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