The best camping near Lee Vining with swimming

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Looking for the perfect camping experience near Lee Vining, California, that offers swimming as your preferred activity? Look no further than Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (388 reviews), Southgate Summit (395 reviews), and Wondernut Farm (354 reviews). These popular campsites offer amenities like pets, potable water, and trash services, as well as activities such as wildlife watching, exploring historic sites, and of course, swimming. Start planning your camping getaway today!

94% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Yosemite Colfax Spring

1. Yosemite Colfax Spring

98%
(976)
49mi from Lee Vining · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Groveland, CA
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$81
 / night
View from sites

3. Mill Creek Station HWY 395 Bishop

97%
(17)
50mi from Lee Vining · 1 site · RV · Bishop, CA
Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules werechanged out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. MillCreek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north toReno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart.Learn more about this land:Mill Creek Station Hip Camp parallels Hwy 395, nine miles north of Bishop, half an hour to Mammoth Mountain, an hour from the entrance to Yosemite and two and half hours from Death Valley.  Surrounded by world class mountain biking, climbing, hiking, skiing, as well as historic railroad and mining museums. All halfway between Los Angeles and Reno in the eastern Sierra. We have space for three motor homes or RVs. There are no pull throughs so if you are towing a car you may disconnect it and park the car in our parking lot. You must be self contained with water and power. Generators are OK. There is a restroom but there is no shower. We have a hanging fire pit in the backyard behind our house which you may use. Upon request we will open it for you. Wi-fi is available at our residence on the front porch or the backyard .We are 420 friendly but request that cigarette smoking be contained to open areas away from those of us who cannot tolerate cigarette smoke. No Pets please.Our backyard is unique as it was an old stone quarry at one time and now has an outdoor stage for occasional music events which you are invited to attend as well as to explore the rocks. Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules were changed out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. Mill Creek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north to Reno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart. We have a mineral museum and a climbing and mountaineering exhibit dedicated to Warren Harding, a legendary rock climbing pioneer and friendRecreation is unlimited in this area. Mammoth Mountain ski area is ½ hour away. It is also a world class mountain biking destination. There are many other cycling areas in the vicinity as well as hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing, kayaking and general outdoor exploration. We are at an elevation of 4,500 ft and rarely have snow in the winter. We can provide a long list of climbs, hiking trails, and other adventure sports and scenic exploration.  In Bishop the Paiute Casino is 6 miles to the south. Laws Historic Railroad and Mining Museum is 14 miles away. It is open to the public with 11 acres of interesting displays of the old western railroad buildings and artifacts including the huge 20 Mule Team Borax wagons. It is a great place to picnic. We are close to western Nevada’s historic mining towns like Goldfield, Tonopah and Gold Point. Death Valley is 2 ½ hours away. Las Vegas is 5 hours and the eastern entrance to Yosemite is 1 hour to the north by Mono Lake. Enjoy your visit!Roger and Mary Lou
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$60
 / night
Luxury in the Wilderness, CA

4. Luxury in the Wilderness, CA

49mi from Lee Vining · 1 site · Lodging · Coulterville, CA
Escape into the wilderness at our newly renovated 3-br, 2,700 sq ft Kowana Valley Lodge. Once a Gold Rush era cottage and homestead, the Lodge is perched uphill next to a running creek and features 100% off-grid systems to provide the comforts of home in the middle of the Stanislaus National Forest. Imagine dark skies filled with STARS, a running creek, the stillness of the forest, and the smell of nature. Visit as a stand-alone retreat or as a base camp for excursions into Yosemite National Park. The space Kowana Valley Lodge is a custom-built 2,700 sq ft lodge nestled in the middle of the Stanislaus National Forest. With 3 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, 2 studies, a chef's kitchen, a fire pit area, and a rec room with a ping pong table, Kowana Valley Lodge is well-equipped to host a large family or group of friends. Guests will also have access to explore the entire 300-acre property (a trail map is provided at the Lodge), along with miles and miles of dirt roads and national forest land that surround us! Guest access The Lodge is equipped with a smart lock allowing you access via a temporary code. The access gate to the property will be left open throughout your stay. There is no cell service in the area. Internet service via Starlink is provided as a Wifi connection. For your safety, please enable Wifi calling on your cell phone and download offline maps via Google Maps, onX, or your preferred navigation mobile app. *You must drive ~4 miles of dirt and gravel road to reach Kowana Valley Lodge. The road is not steep but is narrow at spots and dusty when dry. Access with a 2WD vehicle is not a problem. **The closest medical facility is at least 40 minutes away in Groveland, so be aware and be prepared for those with underlying medical conditions or needs.**
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$507
 / night
Yosemite Southgate Campground *OYBC

5. Yosemite Southgate Campground *OYBC

94%
(1176)
50mi from Lee Vining · 8 sites · Tents · Oakhurst, CA
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!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$66
 / night

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Lee Vining, California, that offers swimming as your preferred activity? Look no further than Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (388 reviews), Southgate Summit (395 reviews), and Wondernut Farm (354 reviews). These popular campsites offer amenities like pets, potable water, and trash services, as well as activities such as wildlife watching, exploring historic sites, and of course, swimming. Start planning your camping getaway today!

94% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Yosemite Colfax Spring

1. Yosemite Colfax Spring

98%
(976)
49mi from Lee Vining · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Groveland, CA
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$81
 / night
View from sites

3. Mill Creek Station HWY 395 Bishop

97%
(17)
50mi from Lee Vining · 1 site · RV · Bishop, CA
Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules werechanged out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. MillCreek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north toReno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart.Learn more about this land:Mill Creek Station Hip Camp parallels Hwy 395, nine miles north of Bishop, half an hour to Mammoth Mountain, an hour from the entrance to Yosemite and two and half hours from Death Valley.  Surrounded by world class mountain biking, climbing, hiking, skiing, as well as historic railroad and mining museums. All halfway between Los Angeles and Reno in the eastern Sierra. We have space for three motor homes or RVs. There are no pull throughs so if you are towing a car you may disconnect it and park the car in our parking lot. You must be self contained with water and power. Generators are OK. There is a restroom but there is no shower. We have a hanging fire pit in the backyard behind our house which you may use. Upon request we will open it for you. Wi-fi is available at our residence on the front porch or the backyard .We are 420 friendly but request that cigarette smoking be contained to open areas away from those of us who cannot tolerate cigarette smoke. No Pets please.Our backyard is unique as it was an old stone quarry at one time and now has an outdoor stage for occasional music events which you are invited to attend as well as to explore the rocks. Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules were changed out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. Mill Creek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north to Reno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart. We have a mineral museum and a climbing and mountaineering exhibit dedicated to Warren Harding, a legendary rock climbing pioneer and friendRecreation is unlimited in this area. Mammoth Mountain ski area is ½ hour away. It is also a world class mountain biking destination. There are many other cycling areas in the vicinity as well as hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing, kayaking and general outdoor exploration. We are at an elevation of 4,500 ft and rarely have snow in the winter. We can provide a long list of climbs, hiking trails, and other adventure sports and scenic exploration.  In Bishop the Paiute Casino is 6 miles to the south. Laws Historic Railroad and Mining Museum is 14 miles away. It is open to the public with 11 acres of interesting displays of the old western railroad buildings and artifacts including the huge 20 Mule Team Borax wagons. It is a great place to picnic. We are close to western Nevada’s historic mining towns like Goldfield, Tonopah and Gold Point. Death Valley is 2 ½ hours away. Las Vegas is 5 hours and the eastern entrance to Yosemite is 1 hour to the north by Mono Lake. Enjoy your visit!Roger and Mary Lou
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$60
 / night
Luxury in the Wilderness, CA

4. Luxury in the Wilderness, CA

49mi from Lee Vining · 1 site · Lodging · Coulterville, CA
Escape into the wilderness at our newly renovated 3-br, 2,700 sq ft Kowana Valley Lodge. Once a Gold Rush era cottage and homestead, the Lodge is perched uphill next to a running creek and features 100% off-grid systems to provide the comforts of home in the middle of the Stanislaus National Forest. Imagine dark skies filled with STARS, a running creek, the stillness of the forest, and the smell of nature. Visit as a stand-alone retreat or as a base camp for excursions into Yosemite National Park. The space Kowana Valley Lodge is a custom-built 2,700 sq ft lodge nestled in the middle of the Stanislaus National Forest. With 3 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, 2 studies, a chef's kitchen, a fire pit area, and a rec room with a ping pong table, Kowana Valley Lodge is well-equipped to host a large family or group of friends. Guests will also have access to explore the entire 300-acre property (a trail map is provided at the Lodge), along with miles and miles of dirt roads and national forest land that surround us! Guest access The Lodge is equipped with a smart lock allowing you access via a temporary code. The access gate to the property will be left open throughout your stay. There is no cell service in the area. Internet service via Starlink is provided as a Wifi connection. For your safety, please enable Wifi calling on your cell phone and download offline maps via Google Maps, onX, or your preferred navigation mobile app. *You must drive ~4 miles of dirt and gravel road to reach Kowana Valley Lodge. The road is not steep but is narrow at spots and dusty when dry. Access with a 2WD vehicle is not a problem. **The closest medical facility is at least 40 minutes away in Groveland, so be aware and be prepared for those with underlying medical conditions or needs.**
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$507
 / night
Yosemite Southgate Campground *OYBC

5. Yosemite Southgate Campground *OYBC

94%
(1176)
50mi from Lee Vining · 8 sites · Tents · Oakhurst, CA
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!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$66
 / night

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