Moraine Campground
4.1316 reviewsMono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Moraine Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$28 per night for single sites. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites only. Payments must be made with cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled in the eastern Sierra Nevada, Moraine Campground offers 25 peaceful campsites that serve as your gateway to adventure. Just minutes from the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park via Highway 120, this rustic hideaway provides the perfect basecamp for exploring one of America's most beloved national parks. While amenities are simple—portable toilets and no running water—the campground's authentic wilderness experience and unbeatable location more than compensate for the lack of modern conveniences.
Moraine Campground provides a mix of camping options suitable for tent campers and RVs. It is also popular due to its proximity to Yosemite National Park.
Historical SignificanceMoraine Campground sits at the crossroads of natural and human history, where ancient geological forces shaped the dramatic landscape of Mono Basin and the eastern Sierra. This region tells a story written in stone—from volcanic eruptions to glacial carving that created nearby Yosemite Valley. The area has long been a corridor for Native American peoples, early settlers, and modern adventurers drawn to the powerful beauty of these mountains. Today, campers become part of this ongoing narrative, experiencing the same awe-inspiring vistas that have captivated visitors for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the High Sierra at Moraine Campground. Winter brings crystalline air and snow-dusted landscapes, with temperatures often dipping below freezing—perfect for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens with wildflowers and warming sunshine, creating ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing under impossibly clear mountain skies. Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable camping weather, with warm days and cool, refreshing nights.
ElevationPerched at 7,350 feet above sea level, Moraine Campground offers a true high-altitude camping experience. This elevation places you in the crisp, thin air of the Sierra Nevada, where days are brilliantly sunny and nights are refreshingly cool. The altitude creates a unique environment where alpine and desert ecosystems meet, and where the stars seem close enough to touch. Visitors should prepare for the elevation's effects—cooler temperatures year-round, intense UV rays, and the need to stay hydrated as your body adjusts to the mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryLee Vining Creek meanders through Moraine Campground, creating a ribbon of life through the high desert landscape. Some lucky campsites nestle right along the creek's banks, where the gentle sound of flowing water provides nature's soundtrack. The campground showcases the striking contrast of the eastern Sierra—where sage-scented high desert brush mingles with stands of hardy conifers, and red-tinged volcanic soil meets granite boulders. This diverse terrain offers endless exploration opportunities, from creekside rambles to panoramic viewpoints revealing the vast Mono Basin stretching toward the horizon.
Geological RegionMoraine Campground claims its place within the magnificent Inyo National Forest, where the eastern Sierra Nevada creates one of the most dramatic mountain fronts in North America. This unique ecosystem blends high desert resilience with alpine forest beauty, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, glaciation, and tectonic uplift. Lee Vining Creek has carved its path through this varied terrain, creating a vital water source that supports diverse plant and animal life. The nearby Mono Basin adds another layer of geological wonder, with its ancient lake and distinctive tufa towers visible in the distance, reminding visitors they're camping in one of California's most geologically fascinating regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeSites vary in size and include spacious areas by the river, making them suitable for different types of camping setups.
Sites PrivacySome sites are private and shielded by bushes, while others are more exposed and clustered.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites next to dumpsters due to noise concerns. Prefer sites near the creek for privacy and views.
Best CampsitesSites closer to the river are highly rated for privacy and scenic beauty.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
No specific stay limits mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limits mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall loop layout with some sites near the creek and others in high desert terrain.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates as an overflow site and may close seasonally or due to conditions like flooding.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made through federal recreation sites or platforms that handle US Forest Service reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable as walk-up sites, but the campground fills up quickly due to proximity to Yosemite National Park.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not provided.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers various outdoor activities due to its location near a river and Yosemite National Park. Campers can enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the surrounding forest.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with reports of catching trout weighing up to 2.5 lbs in nearby streams.Swimming
The river is clean and suitable for swimming, though the water is described as freezing cold.Wildlife viewing
Campers often observe local wildlife. However, caution is advised due to active bear presence in the area.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, though the area likely experiences snowfall.Water Sports
While the river allows swimming, there are no mentions of other water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific campfire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area; improper food storage can lead to damaged vehicles. River water may be dangerously cold.
Active alertsNo specific alerts except seasonal flooding and road damage.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541. Phone: (760) 647-3044. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but campers are advised to be cautious about bears near dumpsters.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Lee Vining Creek, offering opportunities for fishing and limited water access.
Common complaintsNoise from Highway 120 traffic and early morning Yosemite visitors. Portable toilets only with no potable water available.
HostMixed user reviews about campground hosts. Some praise their helpfulness, while others criticize rude behavior.
Campground Map
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Driving directionsFrom Hwy 395 approximately 2 1/2 miles West on Hwy 120.
The campground is approximately 2.5 miles west of Highway 395, accessible via Highway 120, which is a paved road. There may be seasonal conditions to consider, such as snow or other weather-related access issues.Nearby places
Lee Vining (approximately 2.5 miles, 5 minutes travel)
Nearby supplies
Lee Vining, approximately 2.5 miles (5 minutes travel) from campground, offers fuel, groceries, firewood, and other camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.1
16 reviews
Moraine Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Moraine Campground is generally well-received for its beautiful setting near the river, proximity to Yosemite National Park, and rustic camping experience. Some reviewers appreciate the privacy and natural beauty of certain sites, while others raise concerns about noise, bear activity, and limited facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers praised the campground's location near Yosemite and Tioga Road, clean river for swimming and fishing, and the privacy provided by some sites. 'Great fishing once again' and 'Camp Host Dawn is...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include portable toilets, lack of potable water, and noise from early morning Yosemite visitors. One reviewer noted, 'Don't camp by the dumpsters if you can help it. They are loud...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water and shower setup, avoiding spots near dumpsters, and arriving early due to its popularity. Some suggest exploring other nearby campgrounds for...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest in summer due to its proximity to Yosemite. Winter snow and early spring flooding may limit accessibility. Bear activity and noise levels vary by season, with early mornings...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This camp ground is right outside Yosemite National Park! Some of the sites are very private and very close to the river.' - Rachel Hanowski
2. 'Great little campground. We had a nice spot for...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near the river are highly sought after for their views and proximity to water. Site #4 was specifically mentioned as being directly by the river. Spots near the dumpsters should be avoided due...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility were found.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. No other pet-related feedback was provided.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025