Camping At Yosemite National Park

Tuolumne Meadows Campground

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The Yosemite Guide contains information about camping, trip planning, activities, scheduled events, and hours of operations for different facilities and services.

2013

2012

Feb. 15 - Apr. 10

2011

Click here for a view of deer in Tuolumne Meadows.

- Denotes which Yosemite Valley Shuttle Stop when you see this icon.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground (pronounced "too-AH-lum-ee") is the largest campground in Yosemite with 304 individual campsites. In addition, there are 4 horse sites and seven group sites.

The campground is on the Tioga Road at an elevation of 8900 feet in Tuolumne Meadows about 1.5 hours from Yosemite Valley making it a great place to get away from the crowds of the valley.

Tuolumne is a great place to begin your hiking, fishing or backpacking trips. Wilderness permits are necessary for entering the backcountry.

Snowfall dictates this campgrounds opening and closing dates. Check for this years opening and closing dates.

Reservations are available at Tuolumne Meadows for half of the campsites, the rest are on a first come first served basis, and can be made up to five months in advance by clicking the icon to the right. The campground is open approximately Late June or Early July to Late September or Early October. The reserved half of the campground will fill up very quickly and possibly within a few minutes of going on the reservation system. If you plan on staying at the first come first served area of the campground, plan on arriving early. Talk to the ranger at the check in kiosk (you can't miss it as it is located at the entrance to the campground) about attaining a site, they will direct you to open sites then you must return within a half hour to pay for your site.

The group sites are tent only, you cannot sleep in your vehicle.

To get a horse site, you need to have a horse with you.

Pets are not permitted in either the group or horse sites.

Deer often roam the campground. The one night I was there, 3 groups wandered through my campsite.

There is a fire ring, table and a bear proof food storage locker [33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H)] at each site. This is a prime area for bears. All food items and toiletries must be stored in your food locker. Do not leave any food or toiletries in your car or tent. Nearby are flush toilet restrooms and potable water.

Campsites can fit RV's up to 35 feet or trailers up to 27 feet.

A dump station is available at the west end of the campground. Groceries are available nearby at Tuolumne Meadows Country Store. The nearest showers are at Curry Village or Housekeeping camp in Yosemite Valley.

Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash.

Yosemite Valley Information

About 17 miles away in Yosemite Valley is Curry Village stop 13b, (click for a fantastic map from the National Park Service) offering several restaurants including a Pizza Deck (some of the best Pizza I have ever had and should be a stop on everyone's trip to Yosemite), Ice cream shop/ coffee bar, A Taqueria, a Dining Pavilion (Buffet style), A small bar that serves an excellent local draft selection located next to the Pizza Deck. Also at Curry Village is a mountaineering shop and mountaineering school, a store and gift shop, an amphitheater, a public pool, showers and a Lounge that has open WIFI access.

Raft and Bicycle rentals are next to Curry Village at the Curry Village Recreation Center get off at Shuttle Stop 13a.

Road conditions can change at any time. Please check road and weather before arriving at (209)372-0200 for conditions inside Yosemite, and 1-800-427-ROAD for conditions outside the park. Highway 120 over Tioga Pass from Lee Vining and the Glacier Point Road are closed seasonally.

Entrance Fee to the park is $20 per private vehicle.

Yosemite Village about 30 minutes away boasts several restaurants, a store and gift shop.

Degnan's Cafe features smoothies, coffee, baked goods and an internet kiosk. The cafe is usually open from April to September.

Degnan's Deli - sells deli sandwiches, salads, vegetarian and gourmet food, snacks, lattes and other beverages. The deli is open daily from 7am to 5pm.

Degnan's Loft - This Yosemite Village restaurant features pizza, salads, soups and appetizers - all served in this family-style loft restaurant located above Degnan's Deli. Wine and beer are also available. Open Spring to Fall. Open 5 to 9 pm Mon-Fri and
12 to 9 pm Sat and Sun

Village Grill - serves an excellent variety of grilled items, such as cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, veggie and salmon burgers. Don't pass on one of the Milkshakes. Open 11 am to 5 pm daily.

The country store at Yosemite Village is well stocked with groceries and has an excellent gift shop.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground Map