Tuolumne Meadows Campground
High-altitude camping at 8,600 feet along Tioga Road in the scenic Yosemite high country.
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Booking Difficulty & Cancellation Patterns
Releases on the 15th of the month at 7:00 AM PT for the seasonal summer window (typically July through September).
Surges 48–72 hours before arrival as campers monitor Tioga Pass weather and high-altitude conditions.
Campground sits at 8,600 feet elevation. Freezing night temperatures are common even in July and August. Bring a 20°F (-7°C) sleeping bag.
Plan B Strategy: Nearby Legal Backup Spots
If all Recreation.gov sites are booked and your sniper alert hasn't caught an opening yet, here are verified legal alternatives nearby:
Inyo National Forest (Tioga Pass East)
Free dispersed camping off Hwy 120 East near Tioga Lake, Ellery Lake, and Saddlebag Lake (outside the eastern park gate).
Sawmill Walk-In / Saddlebag Lake
High-altitude campgrounds on Inyo NF land just past the Tioga entrance station.
Campground Regulations & Rules
Permitted on designated site spur.
Mandatory at all campsites.
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What elevation is Tuolumne Meadows Campground? ▾
It sits at 8,600 feet (2,621 meters). Acclimatization and warm sub-zero clothing layers are strongly recommended.