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Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground

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Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground

98%

152 sites · RV, Tent

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.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

First come, first served

RV, Tent

Explore 600 campgrounds near Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite Colfax Spring

98%

(1001)

37mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to Your Basecamp for Yosemite Adventure 🌲⛰ Just 15–20 minutes from the entrance of Yosemite National Park and about an hour from the Yosemite Valley floor, our camp offers the perfect location to recharge after exploring one of the most iconic natural landscapes on Earth. We’re also about 1.5 hours from the high-country beauty of Tuolumne Meadows, making this a great launchpad for day trips in every direction. Perched in the scenic Sierra foothills, our dry camping sites are celebrated for breathtaking panoramic views, open skies, and unforgettable sunrises and starry nights. It’s an ideal place to unwind, reconnect, and experience the outdoors in its raw beauty — without giving up the comfort of flushing toilets and hot, on-demand showers. Most of our sites are best suited for those who plan to explore during the day and return in the evening, as they receive full sun and have limited shade throughout the midday hours (during the summer months). For those looking to hang around camp during the day, we recommend bringing a shade canopy or pop-up to make your stay more comfortable. Whether you’re here for epic hikes, rock climbs, or peaceful views, our camp is a restful and rustic homebase nestled close to the wonders of Yosemite.

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Outdoorsy Yosemite Campground

93%

(68)

40mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 149 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Outdoorsy Yosemite – Nature, Comfort & Adventure at Your Doorstep Welcome to Outdoorsy Yosemite, your gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences just minutes from Yosemite National Park. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, our boutique campground offers a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, perfect for RV travelers, glampers, and nature lovers alike. Choose from spacious RV sites with full hookups or relax in our stylish glamping tents, complete with cozy beds, electricity, and private decks. Whether you're hiking Half Dome, exploring Bass Lake, or stargazing by the fire, Outdoorsy Yosemite is your ideal basecamp. What You’ll Love: Easy access to Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake, and Oakhurst Full hookup RV sites (Standard, Superior & Premium options) Comfortable glamping tents for couples or families Pet-friendly, family-friendly, and surrounded by towering pines Modern amenities: clean bathhouses, Wi-Fi zones, and picnic areas Fire pits, walking trails, and curated local experiences Come for the fresh air, stay for the moments. Whether you're escaping for a weekend or planning a longer adventure, Outdoorsy Yosemite delivers the perfect mix of nature and comfort.

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Toilets

Full hookups

Diamond Gulch

96%

(1180)

49mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Groups of 15 or more use this code for 15% off your stay! ADMXESCZ Check out this sweet YouTube video of the property! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEvKF5nqcUM Early and late check-out available on tent/rv sites, free of charge. Just message me if you need an earlier check in! Free firewood! We are 30 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. Be near the park, but feel that complete privacy. These sites are very spaced out from each other and are large. No need to cram together! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.

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Toilets

Campfires

Meadow View Haven

40mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to your peaceful getaway.🌿 Nestled in a quiet, open space just outside of town, this property offers the perfect mix of convenience and nature. Surrounded by scenic views and fresh air, it’s an ideal spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy a slower pace. You’ll be just minutes from a local gas station for any quick needs, and only about 15 minutes from the heart of Mariposa, where you can explore shops, restaurants, and small-town charm. The property also makes a great home base for those heading toward Yosemite, about an hour away. Whether you’re passing through, exploring the area, or just looking for a quiet place to land, this space offers a simple, comfortable stay with beautiful surroundings.

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Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Yosemite Westlake Camp

88%

(653)

43mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

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Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

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39mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. Come and enjoy our beautiful and private micro climate, created by the cascading waterfalls from Nelder and Lewis Creek. Camp by the creekside and fall asleep to the sound of the meandering creek, with absolutely incredible views of the stars overhead. Both creeks feed into the head of the Fresno river next to the campsite. You'll be surrounded by Oaks, Alders, Pine and Cedar trees. Take a day trip to Yosemite, hike/bike in the mountains, or explore the nearby towns of Oakhurst and Bass Lake. The south gate to Yosemite is approx. 20 minutes and Bass Lake is 5 minutes by car.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

90%

(1209)

29mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Red Dragonfly Ranch Yosemite

98%

(214)

49mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 7 sites

Red Dragonfly Ranch – Your Yosemite Basecamp in Groveland, CA Discover Red Dragonfly Ranch, a tranquil camping retreat nestled in a beautiful valley along the seasonal Cobb Creek—just 10 minutes from historic downtown Groveland and only 29 miles from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance. Set in the heart of California’s Gold Country, our ranch offers the perfect balance of quiet seclusion and easy access to adventure. Spend your days hiking Yosemite’s breathtaking trails, exploring Groveland’s charming shops and saloons, or uncovering the rich history of the Sierra Nevada. After a day of exploration, unwind at your private campsite, relax by your propane fire, and gaze at a brilliant canopy of stars. Ideal for tent campers, vanlifers, and outdoor enthusiasts, Red Dragonfly Ranch provides a peaceful escape surrounded by nature while keeping you close to Yosemite’s wonders. 📍 Location Highlights: • 10 minutes to Groveland’s Main Street dining, drinks & live music • 29 miles to Yosemite National Park (Big Oak Flat entrance) • Convenient to hiking trails, scenic drives & Sierra Nevada adventures Follow us on Instagram @red_dragonfly_ranch for updates and Sierra sunset views! Come for the adventure, stay for the stars—Red Dragonfly Ranch is your perfect gateway to Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Swimming + Stargazing Near Yosemite

100%

(2)

39mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 2 sites

Hi, I'm Caley. I’m a single mom of three running a small homestead complete with a garden, a dog, a cat, a flock of chickens and quail, and a handful of guinea pigs. Our homestead sits along the river in the foothills above Mariposa with five acres of land to wander, swimming holes galore, and plenty of wildlife and plant life to take in along the way. I'm a musician, and I love sharing my instruments, so don't be shy about asking to borrow one. We're always happy to share a meal, let the kids run around together, or just sit and feed the animals for a while. But if you're here for peace and quiet, that's just as welcome. This is a place for whatever you need. Every dollar from your booking goes directly back into the property - animal feed, tending to the land, and the community projects we're always dreaming up. So thank you, genuinely, for being part of that. Dogs always welcome. 🐾 Inquire of you are looking for a van spot, we may be able accommodate!

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Nolla A-Frames Near Yosemite

97%

(137)

37mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 4 sites

Off-Grid A-Frame Glamping Near Yosemite 🌄🛖 Tucked just 15 miles east of Groveland and about 20 minutes from the Yosemite National Park entrance, our modern A-frame cabins offer a unique, off-grid experience for those who want a little more comfort than a tent — without giving up the adventure. Designed by the Finnish group Nolla, these minimalist and cozy cabins are built to help you unplug and unwind. Each cabin is well insulated, includes fresh linens, and Rumpl blankets to keep you warm. Perfect for couples, small families, or close-knit friends, the cabin can be arranged as either two twin beds or a king-sized bed to accommodate up to four people. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway under the stars or a no-frills glamping basecamp for Yosemite exploration, these cabins offer a mix of simplicity and comfort. Each A-frame is equipped with solar power for small device charging, a portable fan, and access to an odorless composting toilet. It’s a true step off the beaten path and into a more immersive experience. • Cabin 1: Easily accessible for most vehicles. • Cabins 2 & 3: A bit more adventurous — AWD or 4x4 recommended during rain or wet conditions. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure while getting a solid night’s sleep with some great views, this might be your spot.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

96%

(96)

32mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Reserve your tent site on 15 exclusive, wooded-acres only 10 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Once you've set up camp, you can explore the walking trails on the property and if you make it to the top, why not enjoy a lovely picnic with beautiful mountain views? Conveniently located across the highway from a gas station and a general store, you never have to worry about running out of ice or forgetting to bring the bug spray. If our base package isn't enough, as an "extra" we can have a tent set up and ready for you when you arrive. Whatever you're looking for, Yosemite's Doorstep is ready to provide the ideal camping experience to suit your needs.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Yosemite Southgate Campground *OYBC

94%

(1176)

39mi from Tuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome HipCampers! This area was once inhabited by local native American Tribes. In the 1840's prospectors arrived in search of gold but none was found in the immediate area. Old Yosemite Base camp was along the route into Yosemite National Park prior to the construction of Highway 41. Horse and Carriage traveled along Old Yosemite Road from Mariposa and the entire golden state. Visitors from the world now pass through Oakhurst to Yosemite National Park along this route. Don't for to check out Bass Lake and its full service amenities. ALL CAMP SITES REQUIRE 4 WHEEL DRIVE or All-Wheel drive- NO Exceptions. Hipcampers, come pitch your tent at one of five Old Yosemite Base Camp (OYBC) drive in and walk in sites. OYBC offers over six acres of pine, oak, and bay trees, sprinkled around large granite features that remind you that Half Dome is not far away! Each unique site is equipped with a stone fire ring with cook top and a picnic table accommodating four person dining. Old Yosemite Base Camp is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and stargaze next to a campfire after an adventurous day in the southern Yosemite region. Yosemite tent camping without all the crowds and tour buses is what you can expect. Backing up to the Sierra National Forest OYBC is conveniently located near HWY 41 just 14 miles from Yosemite’s south gate entrance. The region also offers a large amount of hiking trails where you can find swim holes, waterfalls giant sequoias, lakes, and rivers. Take 15-minute drive to Bass Lake and enjoy water sports and lake view dining. OYBC offers five camp sites and all wheel drive is required to get to the top of camp. OYBC sites 1, 2, 3, are drive up sites and 4 & 5 are walk in sites that have a separate parking area. All wheel drive is still needed to get to this lot. Have a large group? Old Yosemite Base Camp offers discounts for larger parties of up to 25 campers. Message OYBC to reserve the whole mountainside to yourselves!

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

More to explore nearby

98%

126 ratings · 9 reviews

Recommends

· November 2025

Chuffed about this spot

Josh S.

9 reviews

August 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.

Megan M.

9 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2017

Good alternative to the valley.

Danny V.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2017

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

Pepper R.

9 years on Hipcamp

July 2017

What is the trail name leading to this camp site?

Bradley H.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 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.

Renee W.

5 reviews

Recommends

· May 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!

Elena G.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 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.

Chris L.

9 years on Hipcamp

April 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!

Jacquie B.

11 years on Hipcamp

LocationTuolumne Meadows Walk-In Campground, Yosemite National Park, California, United States

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What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Best RV camping near me

Best glamping near me

First come, first servedRV, Tent