Tioga Lake Campground
4.5717 reviewsFrom Lee Vining, CA, take US Rt. 395 south 0.3 miles to Tioga Pass sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 120 west and go 11 miles to campground on left.
Tioga Lake Campground
$22.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Single site fee is $30 per night. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per night. America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single site fees (discount is applicable only for the pass holder's personally occupied site). Payment must be made by cash or check. Reservation fees may apply.
About this campground
Perched at the edge of pristine Tioga Lake, this intimate 13-site campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience just moments from Yosemite's eastern gateway. Each carefully positioned site provides sweeping views of granite peaks while maintaining a sense of wilderness solitude. The campground's compact loop design creates a friendly atmosphere where fellow adventurers share stories under star-filled skies. Essential amenities include sturdy picnic tables and bear-proof storage lockers at every site – crucial features in this active bear habitat. While the campground welcomes small RVs and trailers, the absence of hookups ensures a peaceful, back-to-nature experience that larger facilities can't match.
Tioga Lake Campground supports a mix of camping styles, emphasizing tent and small RV setups with bear boxes and basic facilities.
Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 10,000 feet, Tioga Lake Campground delivers the full spectrum of mountain weather drama. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for hiking and exploring, but don't let the daytime warmth fool you – nighttime temperatures can plummet even in July and August, often dipping near freezing. The exposed landscape offers little shelter from afternoon winds that sweep across the lake, adding an invigorating chill to evening campfires. Winter transforms this high-elevation retreat into a snow-covered wonderland, making the campground inaccessible for much of the year and adding to its exclusive summer appeal.
ElevationAt 9,700 feet above sea level, Tioga Lake Campground stands as one of the highest accessible campgrounds in the Sierra Nevada. This lofty perch places you firmly in the alpine zone, where the air is crisp and thin, sunlight feels more intense, and every breath reminds you of your elevation. The dramatic altitude creates a unique environment where afternoon thunderstorms can materialize quickly, temperatures swing wildly between day and night, and the landscape takes on an otherworldly quality that photographers and nature lovers cherish.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-like reflections of jagged peaks dancing across Tioga Lake's crystal-clear waters. The campground sits at the convergence of two of California's most spectacular wilderness areas, offering front-row seats to the granite spires of Yosemite and the rugged beauty of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers in early summer, while ancient whitebark pines frame views that seem pulled from an Ansel Adams photograph. The surrounding peaks create a natural amphitheater that amplifies the grandeur of sunrises and sunsets, painting the granite faces in shades of gold and rose.
Geological RegionNestled within the Inyo National Forest at the doorstep of Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows entrance, Tioga Lake Campground occupies a geological wonderland carved by ancient glaciers. This 9,700-foot-high basin showcases the raw power of ice age forces that sculpted the surrounding granite peaks of both Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The campground's location offers unparalleled access to some of the Sierra Nevada's most iconic geological features, from polished granite domes to glacial moraines, making it a perfect basecamp for exploring the region's fascinating geological story.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available at the campground.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large enough to accommodate tents, small RVs, or vehicles under 20 feet in length.
Sites PrivacySites are very close together, providing limited privacy according to some user reviews.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closest to the lake for the best views and proximity to water. Arrive early to secure these spots.
Best CampsitesSites closest to the lake are noted to fill quickly and are highly desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific data provided.
Groups
Group camping is not offered at Tioga Lake Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is structured in a small loop layout with campsites positioned on the west side of Tioga Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 22 through October 15. Closed during winter months; tentatively scheduled to reopen on June 13, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through federal systems such as https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable, but walk-up availability is possible.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not explicitly described.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Tioga Lake Campground offers a tranquil experience with opportunities to explore nearby Yosemite National Park and Mono Basin Scenic Area. Rainbow trout fishing is a highlight, as well as non-motorized boating on Tioga Lake. "Picturesque lake with plenty of places to relax lakeside," and "Just outside Yosemite, this is a gem of a campground," state user reviews.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities focus on Rainbow trout, providing a serene activity for campers.Boating
Non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing are supported. "Tioga Lake is 64 acres," making it a suitable venue for leisurely boating.Winter Activities
Review of past weather data suggests limited winter activities due to frigid conditions, frequent snow, and low clear-sky percentages.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available and supported on Tioga Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire pits only.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area; improper food storage can lead to wildlife conflicts. Cold and windy conditions at high elevation can pose challenges.
Active alertsCurrently closed for winter with tentative reopening on June 13, 2025.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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. Open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on federal holidays.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates are outlined, but the campground operates during the warmer months.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresSituated near Tioga Lake, a 64-acre freshwater body suitable for non-motorized boating. Swimming, water skiing, and power boating are prohibited.
Common complaintsSome campers have noted that sites are close together, and cold weather is a challenge even during summer. Reviewers also mention possible inaccuracies in campground mapping.
HostReviews mention active and engaged camp hosts who provide assistance and maintain cleanliness.
Campground Map
From Lee Vining, CA, take US Rt. 395 south 0.3 miles to Tioga Pass sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 120 west and go 11 miles to campground on left.
Driving directionsFrom Lee Vining, CA, take US Rt. 395 south 0.3 miles to Tioga Pass sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 120 west and go 11 miles to campground on left. NOTE: Road sign on State Rt. 120 states: 'Steep grade, difficult for trailers.'
State Route 120 has a steep grade which can be difficult for trailers. Small RVs or short trailers only are allowed.Nearby places
Lee Vining, CA (0.3 miles south to Tioga Pass sign
11 miles west to campground entrance)
Nearby supplies
Tioga Pass Resort offers limited groceries and fishing supplies, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additional supplies may be available in Lee Vining, CA, a short drive away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
17 reviews
Tioga Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its stunning views and proximity to Yosemite National Park. However, some concerns are raised about the exposure to high altitude and cold weather, as well as the close proximity of campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
"This must be one of the most scenic campgrounds," "Very quiet at night," and "Each site has an assigned picnic table," are recurring themes in user reviews.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative aspects noted by users include the high-altitude exposure leading to cold and windy conditions and the close proximity of campsites leading to limited privacy.
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure sites closest to the lake, as these fill quickly. Store food securely in bear boxes to avoid fines of at least $150.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Cold temperatures and windy conditions dominate reviews even during summer, while winter closures limit access entirely. Optimal camping appears during late spring to early fall.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Just outside Yosemite, this is a gem of a campground."
2. "It gets really cold here in the evenings and nights even during hot summer days."
3. "The camp host was the best we'd ever seen."
4....
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites closest to the lake are highlighted as filling up quickly and being more desirable due to their scenic views.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are noted as available.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed but must be leashed at all times.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025