Description

Yosemite isn’t all about the valley. Just an hour and a half’s drive up the road is one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. As you wind up Tioga Road (Hwy 120) from Tenaya Lake, the pines open up and you catch sight of the first granite dome and a meadow that seems to go on forever.

The amount of trails that leave from this meadow is staggering. Tioga Road is the northern border of the largest roadless wilderness in the lower 48. The only way to get around in all this beauty is by walking its extensive trail network.

Tuolumne Meadows is one of the main trailheads to start the world-famous John Muir Trail section of the PCT. This 211-mile hike travels through high mountain passes above the treeline and valleys filled with countless clear alpine lakes.

If multi-week backpacking trips aren’t your thing, there are plenty of shorter hikes too. Lembert Dome is a quick 2.8 miles straight up. It’s a strenuous haul but the 360-degree view of the meadow makes up for it.

For an even shorter option, try Olmsted Point on 120, this flat .2 mile jaunt gives you a unique view of the valley below. Bring binoculars and see if you can catch a glimpse of hikers ascending the cables of Half Dome.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the rock climbing. Tuolumne’s granite domes make for some world-class slab climbing. For the more vertically inclined, try nearby Cathedral Peak and the Matthes Crest.

Camping can be had at Tuolumne Meadows Campground. You can reserve half of the campsites online (they go really fast), the rest are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Backpackers can take advantage of the Tuolumne Meadows Walk-in sites.

Tioga Road closes with the first heavy snowfall of winter, so its season is short. We recommend going in spring or fall to take advantage of the lighter crowds. Be sure to check the road conditions and weather before you head out.

Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
152 sites
Up to 6 guests per site
Moderate walk
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

If you prefer to travel on a two wheeled vehicle, then you’re in luck! Why is that? Well there are over 12 miles of paved bike ...Read more

Fishing

There is a plethora of fishing options in Yosemite and the surrounding areas. The season for stream and river fishing begins on...Read more

Hiking

Yosemite has unbelievable amount of goodness to offer the hiker. Just simply walking around the park is one of the best ways to...Read more

Horseback riding

Why not see Yosemite... via a mule or on horseback !? Guided mule rides, both pack and saddle trips, overnight boarding facili...Read more

Paddling

Within Yosemite’s vast natural wonder are many places to go kayaking . Visitors can enjoy the park by water on the Merced Rive...Read more

Climbing

We don’t often use the words “world renowned” unless it is something truly deserving. Which brings us the the world renowned cl...Read more

Snow sports

Yosemite can definitely be a winter wonderland. During certain parts of the year, the park is available for a variety of winte...Read more

Swimming

You could go swimming at one of the outdoor pools available during the summer time at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge , howev...Read more

Whitewater paddling

A popular activity is rafting along the Merced River. It is a great way to cover a lot of ground in little time and is very rel...Read more

Wildlife watching

Part of what makes Yosemite so epic is it’s year round inhabitants of the furry nature . Yosemite National Park supports more...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground.

Forest
Lake
River, stream, or...
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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127 Reviews

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Drop some Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper megan
Megan M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 29th, 2018

Yosemite in the fall is my favorite. Crowds are lighter & the warmer clors of the park come alive. Everything feels crisper. This campsite has some first come first serve sites so get here early to claim your spot. Not a party campsite.

Hipcamper Danny
Danny V.
recommends this listing.
September 6th, 2017

Good alternative to the valley.

Hipcamper Pepper
Pepper R.
recommends this listing.
August 7th, 2017

If you hear people yelling about bears, make noise. Bears here are quiet, clever, and like spaghetti!

Hipcamper Bradley
Bradley H.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 12th, 2017

What is the trail name leading to this camp site?

Hipcamper renee
Renee W.
recommends this listing.
June 2nd, 2017

This flat campground can accommodate a ton of people and was full when I was there in September. There are all kinds of people, some of who are waking up for early adventures so it's best not to bring a rowdy late-night crowd to this campground.

Hipcamper Elena
Elena G.
recommends this listing.
May 21st, 2017

During the winter this place is usually snow packed and the roads are shut down. But late spring on is amazing. So pretty, but can be packed. Get there early to grab a spot and just be patient people are always leaving. There is a cool guide around the native area that takes you to see the flora and fauna as well as the native lands. And you are right up the way from the best view of half dome. Seriously. There is a small 1 mile hike on the left of the drive up, you'll know which it is, it isn't far from the campground exit when driving up to the half dome viewing point. Do it. Go to the top of the big rock. And just take it in. Its super beginner but the rock can be slippery so as always dress appropriately!

Hipcamper Chris
Chris L.
recommends this listing.
February 4th, 2017

We were too late to reserve a spot, but we showed up first thing in the morning and had no problem getting an amazing site.

Hipcamper Jacquie
Jacquie B.
didn't provide a recommendation.
April 8th, 2015

We love the Tuolumne Meadows backpackers camp before and after our main trek. The walk-in camp is behind the A loop. Family friendly, fun campfire show, quieter sans RVs. Great spot for meeting fellow backpackers. Plus the meadows and the river are beautiful!

Hipcamper Kid Lizz P.
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August 8th, 2018
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January 31st, 2017
Park
Yosemite National Park
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
(209) 372-0200
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
37.875° N, 119.353° W
$20/night
Tent / Van: 152 Sites
(Up to 6 people per site)