Camping near Lee Vining

This tiny Eastern Sierra town is a summer gateway to Yosemite, Mono Lake, and Bodie.

91% (2188 reviews)
91% (2188 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lee Vining

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Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Lee Vining

90%
(1074)

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · CA
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.
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$27
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98%
(811)

Yosemite Colfax Spring

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA
Welcome to Yosemite Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!
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$81
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98%
(904)

Paradise Shores Camp

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Bridgeport, CA
We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh-water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings. Pet Policy All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We can also accommodate up to two four-legged campers in our pet-friendly Baja or Tatra trailers for a small fee, we ask that they stay off the furniture (beds, sofas etc.) and are not left in the rental unattended. We love dogs, but sadly won’t be able to accommodate heavily shedding pets that aren’t house trained. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Sheppard. Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.
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$33.48
 / night
100%
(2)

Gumboot placer gold claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA
Camp right on shore of the Middle Fork Tuolumne River at a registered gold claim and try your luck at panning for California Gold. Whether you are looking to do some recreational panning or you just need a place to camp during your visit to Yosemite you would be hard to find a more beautiful spot. I have several gold claims in the Yosemite valley area within minutes of the west entrance to the park. Owning these claims allows myself or anyone with my permission to camp and mine the claim for up to 14days consecutively. I live in San Diego so my scheduled visits leave a ton of time available others could be using it so I have listed it here for anyone wanting an inexpensive place to stop when passing through or to go and pan the banks of the river to find your own California gold. You are welcome to bring a pan or a sluice box and keep any gold you recover on any of my claims. Dredging is currently restricted in California without a permit so please keep within the laws.
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$30
 / night
96%
(247)

Hudson and Wendy's Land

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakhurst, CA
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.
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$72
 / night
99%
(92)

Willow Springs Resort

29 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Bridgeport, CA
Welcome to Willow Springs Resort Please come stay with us when you are visiting the beautiful Eastern Sierras. For Your Convenience, an Online Booking System is Now Available! www.willowspringsresort.com Willow Springs Resort is located five miles south of Bridgeport, California, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra premiere outdoor recreational region. Although you’re sure to unplug with all there is to do around here, our guests have access to some of the best Wi-Fi in the area. The facility is a small 50’s era motel and RV park with all the amenities one normally expects. We are a pet-friendly facility. We love pets and welcome them in our RV park but not in our motel rooms (with the exception of service animals). Willow Springs Resort was built 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the same family. That family prides itself on operating a peaceful, beautiful, and clean vacation destination. The fish at the left was caught in Virginia Creek, which is just across the highway from Willow Springs! There are a host of activities to enjoy in the "big backyard" of this Sierra Nevada paradise. Whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, swimming, or 4-wheeling, or want to take a photo class or tour of Bodie Ghost Town, the area offers it all. If you prefer to read a book or catch a falling star, meet new people, and share stories at the campfire, Willow Springs Resort is here to welcome you!
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$50
 / night
79%
(17)

Granite Mountain RV Park

32 sites · RVs10 acres · Oakhurst, CA
Our property takes pride in its no-frills approach, emphasizing our prime location, ease-of-access, and affordable prices. While we offer minimal services and amenities, this straightforward approach caters to travelers seeking a practical and unembellished stay while visiting, or just passing through on their way into the park. We offer a simple and convenient arrival experience. For guests who have already made reservations, just drive straight to your assigned spot! Walk-ins are also welcome, with a self-check-in area available on the property complete with clear instructions on how to book a site and get settled in after a long day on the road.
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$49
 / night
67%
(3)

Golden Arrow Gold Claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA
Bring the whole family out for a relaxing weekend of gold panning or metal detecting on my 20 acre claim just down the road from the west entrance to Yosemite national park. Just a stones throw off of highway 120 and a few short miles east of Rush Creek Lodge and spa! Camp here at Golden Arrow and hide out under the trees along soldier creek during the heat of the day! If you don’t feel like panning there are several good fishing holes to be found across the claim along the approximately 1400ft stretch of soldier Creek. Plenty of level space to park your RV, Travel Trailer, or Conversion Van… It’s rare to find an active claim that is accessible by 2wd and even more rare to find someone willing to welcome you to pan on their claim and keep what you find! Take advantage of this rare opportunity and try your luck at hunting down some gold on your next vacation!!
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$30
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78%
(9)

El Captain’s View 4X4 ONLY Yosemite

2 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · El Portal, CA
80 majestic acres of mountain top with a bird's eye view of El Capitan in Yosemite! No frills, no extras, just you and nature. 4x4 access only. Surrounded by over 500,000 acres of land owned by the U.S. Forest Service, there are no houses or stores (45 Minute drive). Far below in elevation is the Merced River and its many swimming and fishing holes (45 Minute drive). Look to the west to see the coastal mountains. Gaze across the Yosemite Valley to the East at iconic El Capitan in the distance. Take a drive into the Yosemite National Park (1 hour drive). Escape the hustle and bustle and federal laws of Yosemite at night (420 friendly). Inclusive. Views in every direction. Breathtaking sunsets. Incredible wildlife. Freedom. America the Beautiful!
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$49.50
 / night
94%
(36)

Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Groveland, CA
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.
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$80
 / night
100%
(35)

Lillaskog A-Frames Near Yosemite

5 sites · Lodging45 acres · Buck Meadows, CA
Welcome to our A-Frame Nolla Cabins at the doorstep to Yosemite! Lillaskog, meaning "Little Forest" in Swedish, is a large property tucked away overlooking Stanislaus National Forest. Our property includes a lodge where we host families and groups of friends. Separate from the lodge, in a different part of our property, we are excited to now offer these A-Frame cabins! Our property is conveniently located off Highway 120 and 15 minutes outside of the entrance to Yosemite National Park. While amenities such as the town of Groveland, restaurants, and gas stations are nearby (15 minutes away), you will truly feel like you are off the beaten path at this campsite. Featuring our A-Frame cabins in partnership with Nolla from Finland, sleep on a comfy mattress on a bed looking out through a floor-to-ceiling window where you may see deer grazing nearby, cedar and pine trees, and big sky with stars at night. Each cabin has a picnic table outside, a Yeti cooler of water, as well as clean composting toilets. The cabin has a solar battery, enough to charge your devices and plug in a fan or light. Hot showers are available across the road at our sister property! Please be sure to check the Yosemite website for details on Park Reservations ahead of time if you plan to go Yosemite!
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$144
 / night
79%
(7)

Indian Flat Campground

62 sites · Lodging8 acres · El Portal, CA
Welcome to Indian Flat RV and Campground, the closest campsite to Yosemite National Park, situated just 8 miles from the Arch Rock entrance. Here, you'll find your ultimate destination for experiencing the great outdoors! Exclusively on Hipcamp, we proudly offer our new Jupe Tents, featuring 12-foot high ceilings, a comfortable queen-size bed, air conditioning, solar panels for USB chargers, spacious windows and ventilation, electrical outlets, and dimmable LED lighting. Campground Amenities include: Washrooms Hot Showers Access to outdoor pool (located at neighboring Yosemite Cedar Lodge) Communal fire pits Wifi available (though we encourage guests to embrace the opportunity to disconnect digitally and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of our surroundings. If needed, WiFi is available for purchase upon check-in.) Pets welcome (additional $25 fee)
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$210
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Camping near Lee Vining guide

Overview

Tucked between Tioga Pass, the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, and Mono Lake Tufa State Park, the tiny town of Lee Vining makes for a great base for outdoor adventurers, including hikers, climbers, and anglers. Nearby Mono Lake offers a surreal landscape of limestone tufas and an extreme environment, while other lakes in the region offer trout fishing and scenic beauty and the well-preserved ghost town of Bodie features hundreds of historic buildings. Several area lakes offer resorts and cabins, and Forest Service and national park campgrounds have plenty of space for tents and RVs.

Where to go

Lee Vining

Four Forest Service campgrounds near the Lee Vining Creek offer nearly 150 campsites for tents and RVs. Vault toilets are available at all four, and drinking water is available at the Big Bend and Aspen Grove campgrounds. Further along Tioga Road, enjoy trout fishing and high elevation camping near Tioga, Ellery, and Saddlebag lakes. For solitude and views, hike to the Sawmill hike-in campground.

Yosemite National Park

One of the most spectacular national parks in the country is right next door to Lee Vining. Five campgrounds can be found along Tioga Road, including Tuolumne Meadows Campground, the park’s largest. Several high Sierra camps offer the best of backpacking with no need to haul your gear. To be closest to the action, continue on to the heart of the park in Yosemite Valley, where four campgrounds can be found, with options for tent and RV sites and tent cabins.

Northern Eastern Sierras

North of Lee Vining, explore Lundy Falls, fish in Lundy Lake, then camp at Lundy Canyon Campground along Lundy Creek. Further north, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers several campground options near and around lakes and rivers, including Trumbull Lake, Twin Lakes, Robinson Creek, and the Walker River. Buckeye Campground is near natural hot springs, and in Stanislaus National Forest, nearly 10 campgrounds make it easy to explore the Stanislaus River. 

Southern Eastern Sierras

Just south of Lee Vining, the June Lake Loop circles around four scenic lakes with six campgrounds. Further south, the resort town of Mammoth Lakes offers amenities and a dozen campgrounds surrounding it. Convict Lake has one very popular campground, while anglers flock to Crowley Lake and Rock Creek for excellent trout fishing and a dozen campgrounds. Further south, Bishop draws climbers for bouldering and nearby private Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping options.

When to go

Lee Vining is busiest in summer, when Tioga Pass to Yosemite is open and thunderstorms are common. Anglers flock to area lakes and streams in spring, when trout season opens. Fall brings worthy fall colors and continued trout fishing, especially along the June Lake Loop. In winter, ice climbing in Lee Vining Canyon is popular. Winter weather can make access difficult with mountain pass closures.

Know before you go

  • In summer, public transportation connects Lee Vining with Yosemite Valley. You need a car to explore the area otherwise.
  • Many campgrounds in the area do not take reservations. Plan on an early arrival.
  • Wilderness permits are required to backpack in the Ansel Adams, Hoover, and John Muir wilderness areas.
  • Be bear aware. Store food and scented items outside your tent in a bear-proof container.
  • Anglers 16 and over must have fishing licenses.

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