Aspen Campground

Within the Inyo National Forest along Highway 120, Aspen Campground provides first-come, first-served camping near Yosemite's eastern entrance. This USDA Forest Service facility sits alongside Lee Vining Creek in a mixed forest of pines and aspens, with approximately 57 sites spread across several loops.

Lee Vining Creek flows directly through the campground, creating a constant water soundtrack and attracting anglers to productive fishing spots. Many sites sit creek-side, while others occupy elevated positions among the trees. "Sites are very close and pretty small," notes Lisa, who also observed that most sites slope considerably and present leveling challenges for RVs. The tight loop turns can challenge less experienced drivers with larger rigs.

Bears actively patrol this area, requiring strict food storage in provided bear boxes. Several campers report wildlife encounters, from deer wandering through sites to bears attempting vehicle break-ins when food odors are detected. The campground fills by 4 PM most evenings during peak season, though weekday arrivals often find more availability.

Basic amenities include porta-potties and a single water spigot at the entrance. Verizon cell service remains poor throughout the campground. Lee Vining sits 10 minutes away for supplies and services, while nearby options include Big Bend Campground connected via a quiet dirt road suitable for walking dogs. This location works well for campers planning day trips into Yosemite's high country while avoiding the park's crowded campgrounds.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

SPONSORED BYlightship

Location

Public Campground

Aspen Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hwy 395 approximately six miles West on Hwy 120.

Coordinates

37.93900001 N
119.18800018 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/15/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/15/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/15/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/15/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

70%
30%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful aspen grove setting with creek access and spacious sites near Yosemite's east entrance. Facilities are basic with porta potties and limited water, but the peaceful atmosphere and great location make it popular.

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2024

Nice place to stay if camped by the river

We found a great campsite at the Aspen Grove Campground off of Hwy 120 close to the east entrance of Yosemite. Our campsite had a running waterfall with pine and aspen trees. Each campsite includes a table, fire pit, and bear box. There is no potable water and it only has porta potties. Cell service is poor but we used out Starlink with no issues, which also will not work if your campsite is in the pine trees. We would stay here again.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Reid , November 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Reid , November 1, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2023

Funky Camp in a Great Location

Aspen Grove Campground is in a pine and aspen forest on a lovely creek. Campsites are separated by trees and have a table, fire pit, and bear box. No potable water. Porta Potties. Near the east entrance of Yosemite, which makes it a good option for camping with day trips to Tuolumne Meadows since Yosemite doesn't have much for boondocking. Still open in October. Not much for a Verizon cell signal.

Site14
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Beth M., October 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Beth M., October 11, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2023

Yosemite - Tuolumne Meadows

Great campsite right along the flowing river. Not many bugs and not too wet. Great site and cool campground.

Site45
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Ian F., October 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Ian F., October 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Ian F., October 9, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2022

Nice fall camping spot near Yosemite and Mono Lake

Fall color and camping in the Sierra is what we we were after. This gem of a campground did not disappoint on the color and its location made it easy to explore the Mono Lake area since there's no camping in that area.

  • Beautiful aspens with rushing river surrounded by high peaks. Lots of fishers were taking advantage of the river. 

  • Sites are very close and pretty small. There were a few sites that accommodated the few Class C and larger travel trailers that came through, but the turns in the loops were tight. Less experienced drivers might be challenged. 

  • Many (most) sites are not very level and/or sloped. 

  • Super quiet and dark at night. Star gazing was amazing. 

  • Bears are very active. One camper had their car window broken and door frame bent because they had left something in the front seat. Another camper told us a bear walked through her site while she was sitting near the campfire but was easily scared off. 

  • Not a lot of hiking without getting in your car but the dirt road connecting to the other campground (Big Bend) wasn't busy so served as a good walking trail to exercise our dogs. 

  • Good location to access Lee Vining (groceries, fuel, restaurants, laundry) and explore the phenomenal Mono Lake area. 

  • Water available but at a central spigot at the entrance. 

  • No Verizon cell service but good signals down the road at the Mobil station and excellent free wi-fi at the Mono Lake visitors center both in Lee Vining. 

Nice little first-come campground. It was almost full by 4 pm each night we were there. We'd consider it again but only in shoulder season. Getting a spot in peak season seems challenging.

Site9
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Lisa , October 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Lisa , October 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Lisa , October 21, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2022

love this place!

My second time staying at Aspen and it was just as beautiful as the first! There's water available at the entrance of the campground across the meadow so get it on your way in. Lee vining creek runs right through some of the campsites so there's a steady sound of water all throughout the day. Overall a very quiet campsite, especially if you're there during the week. Arrived on a Saturday morning and were basically alone by Monday afternoon. Great location, only about 10 minutes away from town & plenty of great fishing spots.

Site7
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2021

Wonderful campground

Had a great time staying here! This campground is very beautiful and all the sites feel quite spacious and not too close to the neighboring sites. It’s also in a great location very close to the entrance of Yosemite. Just make sure that if you’re planning on staying here in fall/winter with the intent of going into Yosemite to check if the road to the park is closed. The road to Yosemite closes just down a bit farther down from the campground a bit. I highly recommend staying here though; it’s definitely one of my favorites I’ve been to so far.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by preston , October 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by preston , October 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by preston , October 10, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2020

Great option for walkins on your way to Yosemite

We got here after trying to secure a site at couple of the other more popular campgrounds close to the Tioga pass - yosemite entrance. The place is nice , no showers or toilets . Only some portapotties , all sites next to the creek are super nice and have good space . Deer came to visit our site and was nice to see , I’m sure bears are around too but we didn’t got to watch any . It’s only 15 min away from Yosemite park entrance and no reservations . I’d go back , site 23 is very nice too

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2018

waterfall heaven

this is off of highway 120 by Lee Vining. has about 57 sites with lots of space. Only services are porta potty and one faucet for water. There is a creek that runs through this whole campground and at the end a waterfall. This is a very peaceful place and very clean. highly recommend

  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Mary R., July 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Mary R., July 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Mary R., July 23, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2016

Amazing spot outside Yosemite!!

Great campground tucked in an aspen grove on Tioga Pass 20 mins from Tuolumne entrance of Yosemite. Spacious spots and the ones on the water are amazing. Gas station/convenient store/food 10 mins drive away. Mono lake and June lake loop close by. Great spot for the Sierras. Got last site during peak season. Only $14 a night. Host was super friendly. Can't wait to go back.

  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Amber D., August 9, 2016
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Amber D., August 9, 2016
  • Review photo of Aspen Campground by Amber D., August 9, 2016
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor photos show about Aspen Campground in Lee Vining?

Photos of Aspen Campground showcase its picturesque setting within a mixed aspen and pine forest with Lee Vining Creek flowing through some campsites. Images reveal spacious sites separated by trees, each equipped with a table, fire pit, and bear box. The campground's stunning backdrop features high peaks, and some photos highlight a waterfall at the end of the campground. Fall photos particularly showcase vibrant autumn colors as the aspens change, making it especially scenic during this season.

Where is Aspen Campground located near Lee Vining?

Aspen Campground is located off Highway 120 near Lee Vining, California. It's situated on Tioga Pass about 10 minutes from Lee Vining, where you can find a gas station, convenience store, and food options. The campground is nestled in a beautiful grove of aspen trees with Lee Vining Creek running through it. This location provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Mono Lake and the June Lake Loop.

What do campers say in reviews about Aspen Campground?

Campers consistently praise Aspen Campground for its natural beauty, spaciousness, and peaceful atmosphere. The sites along Lee Vining Creek are particularly popular, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water. Visitors appreciate the bear boxes at each site, with warnings that bears are active in the area. Facilities are basic with only porta-potties and limited water access at the entrance. Wildlife sightings, including deer, add to the experience. The campground's proximity to Yosemite, Mono Lake, and the June Lake Loop makes it an excellent base for exploring the Eastern Sierra region.

How close is Aspen Campground to Yosemite National Park?

Aspen Campground is approximately 20 minutes from the Tuolumne (east) entrance of Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass. This proximity makes it an excellent base for day trips to Tuolumne Meadows and other eastern Yosemite attractions. The campground's location just off Highway 120 provides convenient access to the park while offering an alternative to the often crowded campgrounds inside Yosemite itself.