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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Dec 25, 2019 · Updated: Jan 20, 2026 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Stay in Canvas-Tent Cabins at Tuolumne Meadows: Yosemite's Alpine Escape

    Photo of Tuolumne Meadows Cabins with text "Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Yosemite National Park California by ParkRangerJohn.com"

    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 and 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

    Stay in Canvas-Tent Cabins at Tuolumne Meadows: Yosemite's Alpine Escape

    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 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 Meadows Lodge Tents Yosemite national park

    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 Meadows Lodge inside the tent

    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. On 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.

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Shower

    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

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge luggage carts

    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!

    Tents at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Yosemite

    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.

    Cabin 22 Tuolumne Meadows Lodge

    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.

    Tuolumne Meadows Lodge on Tioga Rd

    Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

    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.

    ⭐️ 4.0 of 5 Stars - Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed for Renovations

    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.

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

    Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village offers authentic Yosemite lodging with options from classic tent cabins to wood cabins and hotel rooms. 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. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly tent cabin experience or more traditional accommodations, Curry Village delivers that classic national park stay with all the amenities you need after a day on the trails.

    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:

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

    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!

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

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

    ⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    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

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

    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!

    Tents in Tuolumne Meadows Lodge in Yosemite National Park

    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.

    Yosemite National Park No Longer Requires Peak Hours Reservations

    Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic management measures, including temporary traffic diversions when parking areas reach capacity and deployment of additional seasonal staff to manage high-use areas.

    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

    • View of the Pacific Ocean at Sunset from the Kalaloch Suite in the Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park
      Off the Beaten Path National Park Road Trip Ideas
    • Visitors on the boardwalks along Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
      Yellowstone Self-Driving Audio Tours: Explore the Park at Your Own Pace
    • Delicate Arch at Arches National PArk in Utah
      See Arches National Park Without the Crowds: The Tours That Actually Deliver
    • Collage of Oakhurst Restaurant photos with a burger, enchiladas, arancini and tacos
      Best Restaurants in Oakhurst, California: Your Complete Yosemite Dining Guide

    Filed Under: Lodging, US National Parks

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