Inyo National Forest's Lee Vining Creek canyon holds this first-come, first-served campground at roughly 7,000 feet elevation, where sites are spread among conifers and aspens with Lee Vining Creek running along the eastern edge. The campground is managed by the US Forest Service and sits within a short drive of both Tioga Pass and Mono Lake, making it a practical staging point for Yosemite-bound travelers or anyone passing through on Highway 395.
Sites come equipped with picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire rings, though there is no running water on-site and restrooms are vault toilets only. The bear boxes see real use here. Two bears are known to roam the property at night and in the morning, and at least one reviewer witnessed a cooler destroyed after being left out overnight. Everything edible goes in the box. A campground host is typically on-site, and multiple reviewers note the vault toilets are kept in good condition, with one visitor describing the facility as "extremely well maintained" with the toilet "kept spotless."
Water levels from snowmelt can affect the campground significantly in late spring and early June, when some sites may be closed due to flooding risk from the creek. Temperatures swing widely, with daytime highs reaching the 80s but overnight lows dropping to freezing even in June. Fall brings a notable change: the aspens along the creek turn in late October, drawing visitors specifically for the color. Anglers will find fishing access at nearby lakes and creeks. Dogs are welcome, and those traveling with pets can explore dog-friendly camping near Inyo National Forest for additional options in the area.
RVs up to 40 feet are accommodated, though the campground road narrows past the main lot, and reviewers flag that the inner loops are tight. No reservations are required. The fee is $14 per night, paid via self-serve envelope. Campers heading toward Yosemite via Highway 120 should check Caltrans for Tioga Pass road conditions before departing, as the pass can carry significant snow well into June. Nearby Moraine Campground and Cattleguard provide overflow options if this site fills.
Lower Lee Vining rewards campers who come prepared with their own water and an understanding that the site fills up during Yosemite's peak season, but often has availability midweek when the park's own campgrounds are packed.
Description
Campground is situated at 7,300 feet. 51 campsites are available. No drinking water. Portable toilets. 14 day stay limit. Each campsite is equipted with a bear locker for food storage.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLower Lee Vining Campground is located in California near Lee Vining
Directions
On Hwy 120 approximately two miles West of Hwy 395.
Coordinates
37.93012252 N
119.15393497 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/11/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/20/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/11/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Carson City, NV
- 3 hrs 32 min from Modesto, CA
- 3 hrs 34 min from Merced, CA
- 4 hrs 24 min from Fresno, CA















