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Ellery Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Inyo National Forest holds Ellery Campground just outside the eastern boundary of Yosemite, where Tioga Road provides direct drive-in access to roughly 20 sites at high elevation. Temperatures can drop sharply even in summer, with one reviewer recording 25°F at 5:30 a.m. in mid-June, so layering is essential regardless of the season. Sites sit close together, which means noise from neighbors carries easily, though at least one visitor noted a notably quiet night. The campground is open year-round, though conditions at this elevation will vary considerably between seasons.

Each site includes a bear box, picnic table, and fire pit. Not all sites have tent pads, so checking site layout on arrival matters. The campground is consistently described as clean and well-maintained, with vault toilets that reviewers found in good condition. Drinking water is available on-site, firewood can be purchased, and the campground is ADA accessible. RVs up to 30 feet are accommodated. Anglers and hikers tend to get the most out of this location, as the snow-fed lake nearby is stocked with fish, and as Tommy B. notes, it's just a "short hike to lake" from the sites. Nearby options include Tioga Lake Campground and Junction Campground for those who arrive to find Ellery full.

Reservations are available, which makes sense given how quickly sites fill during summer weekends. Pets are welcome, and travelers with dogs can also browse pet-friendly sites around Inyo National Forest for alternatives in the broader area. Campers using this as a base for Yosemite day trips will find the location convenient, with the park entrance close at hand and the eastern Sierra's fishing and trail access right outside camp.

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Map & DirectionsEllery Campground is located in California near Lee Vining

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Lee Vining, CA, take US Rt. 395 south 0.3 miles to Tioga Pass sign. Turn right onto State Rt. 120 west and go 9.8 miles to campground on left.

Coordinates

37.93800014 N
119.24400097 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

Drive Time

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Ellery Campground

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

A well-maintained campground next to a scenic lake with standard amenities and excellent Yosemite access. Sites are closely spaced and some found the $26 fee steep, but the location and cleanliness were highlights.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2026

Clean and met my needs

I was fortunate to find an empty spot when I arrived on Tuesday in July. There are some spaces at the beginning of the park entrance 1-6, that are close together. Spaces 7-8 are in the middle. Spaces 9-14 are next to each other at the end of the campground.
The hosts were friendly and kept the area clean. Note, if you are using a tent, you might have to walk a little bit to set up camp, as there may be a path from your parking spot.

I was able to park my 15' trailer and vehicle in space 7.

Site7
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Janalee , July 31, 2026
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Janalee , July 31, 2026
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2022

No privacy

The sites are right next to each other. I guess the reason they charge so much, $26 is because it only takes 2 minutes to get to Yosemite National Park. It was 25° when we got up at 5:30 am in the middle of June.

Site10
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2022

Great spot!

We snagged the last available spot. Great view. On the creek. Short hike to lake.

Site11
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Tommy B., June 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Tommy B., June 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Tommy B., June 11, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2020

Got Lucky

This place is beautiful with very few sites. What a lucky find before heading to Yosemite. Water was clear and cold, caught a couple fish and had a very peaceful night at elevation.

  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Royce , September 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Royce , September 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Royce , September 6, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2018

An alternative to Crowded Yosemite camping

Just outside Yosemite to the northeast, Ellery sits next to a beautiful snow fed lake that is stocked with fish. There are about 20 first come first serve sites in this camp ground with pit toilets and water pumps. This is a popular basic campground because of the access to fishing, trailheads, and of course Yosemite. The campground is clean and well maintained. Each site has a bear box, picnic table, and fire pit, and some sites have really nice tent pads (but not all sites). The vault toilets are clean if not basic.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Annie C., July 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Annie C., July 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Ellery Campground by Annie C., July 24, 2018
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Ellery Lake Campground?

Ellery Campground offers basic facilities including pit toilets and water pumps for visitors. The campground is rustic with approximately 20 campsites available. While amenities are limited, the natural setting compensates with beautiful surroundings next to a snow-fed lake. The campground provides the essential necessities for a comfortable outdoor experience, though campers should be prepared for primitive camping conditions. Be aware that sites are positioned fairly close to each other, so privacy may be limited during busy periods.

Do I need reservations for Ellery Lake Campground?

Ellery Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Given its limited number of sites (approximately 20) and popularity due to its Yosemite proximity, the campground fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Visitors have reported snagging the last available spot upon arrival, indicating high demand. For the best chance of securing a site, arrive early in the day, particularly during summer months and weekends. The campground fee is $26 per night, likely reflecting its convenient location near Yosemite National Park.

Where is Ellery Lake Campground located in California?

Ellery Campground is located just outside the northeast entrance of Yosemite National Park in California. Its convenient location makes it a popular base for Yosemite visitors, being only about 2 minutes from the park entrance. The campground sits at a high elevation beside Ellery Lake, a beautiful snow-fed lake, and is also situated near a creek, offering scenic water features in multiple directions. Its mountain setting means cool temperatures, even dropping to around 25°F in the mornings during June.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Ellery Lake?

Fishing is a primary activity at Ellery Lake, with the lake being stocked with fish and visitors reporting successful catches in its clear, cold waters. The area offers access to hiking trailheads for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the surrounding wilderness. The lake itself provides opportunities for water appreciation and photography. Additionally, the campground's proximity to Yosemite National Park means visitors can easily access the park's numerous recreational activities while using Ellery as their base camp.

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