California’s Inyo National Forest has 10 public campgrounds near Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance. The best campgrounds are located within five miles of Tioga Pass, including three campgrounds situated next to beautiful lakes. Lying at an elevation of 9,941 feet (3,030 meters), Tioga Pass is Yosemite National Park’s only eastern entrance. Due to the high elevation, the best months for camping near Tioga Pass are June through September. During peak season in July and August finding a campsite near Tioga Pass can be difficult, especially on weekends. Tioga Pass is located 12.5 miles west of the small town of Lee Vining on Mono Lake’s western shore.
Note: Tioga Pass and Tioga Road are closed each winter due to heavy snow. Opening and closing dates vary depending on weather conditions, but Tioga Road is generally open June – October. View current conditions on Tioga Road
Camping Near Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance
Tioga Campground
Elevation: 9,700 feet (2,960 meters)
Open: June – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $21
This first-come, first-served campground is located 1.3 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (2-minute drive). Tioga Lake Campground has 13 campsites.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 10.8 miles west on Highway 120.
Ellery Camp Campground
Elevation: 9,500 feet (2,900 meters)
Open: June – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $21
This first-come, first-served campground is located 2.5 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (5-minute drive). Ellery Camp Campground has 21 campsites.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 9.8 miles west on Highway 120.
Junction Campground
Elevation: 9,600 feet (2,930 meters)
Open: June – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $16
This first-come, first-served campground is located 2.5 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (5-minute drive). Junction Campground has 13 campsites. No water is available.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 10 miles west on Highway 120. Turn right on Saddlebag Lake Road and drive 0.1 miles. Turn left on Junction Campground Road and drive 0.2 miles.
Sawmill Campground
Elevation: 9,800 feet (2,990 meters)
Open: June – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $16
This first-come, first-served campground is located 4 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (8-minute drive). Sawmill Campground has 12 campsites. No water is available.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 10 miles west on Highway 120. Turn right on Saddlebag Lake Road and drive 1.6 miles.
Saddlebag Lake Campground
Elevation: 10,000 feet (3,050 meters)
Open: June – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $21
This first-come, first-served campground is located 5 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (10-minute drive). Saddlebag Lake Campground has 19 campsites and one large group site.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 10 miles west on Highway 120. Turn right on Saddlebag Lake Road and drive 2.5 miles.
Aspen Campground
Elevation: 7,800 feet (2,380 meters)
Open: May – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $14
This first-come, first-served campground is located 10 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (20-minute drive). Aspen Grove Campground has 56 campsites. Maximum vehicle/RV length: 40 feet.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 3.4 miles west on Highway 120. Turn left on ln21 and drive 1.5 miles.
Big Bend Campground
Elevation: 7,800 feet (2,380 meters)
Open: May – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $14
This first-come, first-served campground is located 11 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (25-minute drive). Big Bend Campground has 17 campsites.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 3.4 miles west on Highway 120. Turn left on ln21 and drive 2.6 miles.
Lower Lee Vining Campground
Elevation: 7,300 feet (2,230 meters)
Open: May – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $14
This first-come, first-served campground is located 10 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (20-minute drive). Lower Lee Vining Campground has 53 campsites.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 2.2 miles west on Highway 120.
Moraine Campground
Elevation: 7,300 feet (2,230 meters)
Open: May – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $14
This first-come, first-served campground is located 10 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (20-minute drive). Moraine Campground has 20 campsites.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 2.2 miles west on Highway 120.
Cattlegaurd Campground
Elevation: 7,300 feet (2,230 meters)
Open: May – October (weather permitting)
Cost: $14
This first-come, first-served campground is located 10 miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance (20-minute drive). Cattlegaurd Campground has 16 campsites.
Directions: From Lee Vining (junction of Highway 365 and 120) drive 2.2 miles west on Highway 120.
For more information on camping near Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance, visit the Inyo National Forest website or call 760-873-2400.
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