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Map showing campground location near Lee Vining, California
Camper submitted image from Tioga Lake CampgroundView 24 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Lee Vining, California

Tioga Lake Campground

7 ReviewsAdd Review

Water enthusiasts will find direct lake access at this compact Forest Service campground positioned along Tioga Lake's shoreline at 9,800 feet elevation. The 13 first-come, first-served sites sit within Inyo National Forest, just outside Yosemite's eastern entrance, making it a popular overnight stop for travelers crossing the Sierra Nevada.

Most sites offer lake views and easy launching access for kayaks or paddleboards. The campground's open terrain provides little natural screening between neighbors, though some sites feature bushes that offer modest privacy. Each site includes a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. A camp host sells firewood during the summer season.

The elevation brings cool nights even in summer, and wind off the lake can pick up throughout the day. Bryan R. notes the campground "overlooks Tioga Lake and Mt. Dana" but mentions its "close proximity to the road." Daily-cleaned vault toilets serve the campground, though the potable water source can be difficult to locate.

With such limited capacity, sites fill quickly by evening despite frequent turnover from travelers continuing their journeys. Anglers report good fishing opportunities both here and at nearby lakes. The campground works well for tent campers and small RVs under 16 feet who want lakeside camping with mountain views.

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Map & DirectionsTioga Lake Campground is located in California near Lee Vining

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From US 395 at Lee Vining, go west on CA 120.

Coordinates

37.94300098 N
119.25500082 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
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Tioga Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

43%
43%
0%
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15%

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the stunning lakeside views and clean facilities at this small Inyo Forest campground. Road noise and extremely competitive first-come booking were common concerns, though many found it worth the effort for the spectacular setting.

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2021

Can’t camp anywhere

If you want to get a campground anywhere near Yosemite be sure to be at the camp ground right when they open at 5am otherwise you’re not gonna camp anywhere

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2021

Beautiful views from campsite

The views of the lake from this campground are stunning. The sites are small and tents have to be on the gravel pad. Clean pit toilets but couldn’t located the potable water.

Arrived mid morning on a Saturday in Mid June and was able to secure a site.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Small but nice

Love this campground! It’s right on the lake and there is super easy access to laugh a kayak or SUP. The sites are a good size and most have bushes providing a little privacy between you and your neighbors. There are only 13 sites and it’s first come first serve so getting a spot can be tough. There is a bathroom no shower and bear boxes at each site. It does get cold at night and can get windy as well.

  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Kimberly W., July 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Kimberly W., July 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Kimberly W., July 21, 2020
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2018

Beautiful view of the lake!

Great spot with great views, but it is a little exposed and right off the hwy. Toilet and bear boxes available. If the weather is good, this is an excellent campground!

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  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Natalie B., November 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Natalie B., November 1, 2018
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Awesome Alpine find!

A small lake-side campground in Inyo National Forest, just outside Yosemite National Park’s Eastern entrance. First come, first served with so few sites (9-11) that you would think you’re staying at the lake alone! Overlooks Tioga Lake and Mt. Dana, at an elevation of 9,800 ft., so be acclimated. Only drawback is it’s close proximity to the road, but we barely noticed.

  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Bryan R., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Bryan R., August 31, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2018

Does it get any better?

The campground has several sites right on the beautiful Lake Tioga. There are vault toilets that were cleaned daily. Normally I do not like campgrounds without flushing toilets because I find the vault toilets are usually dirty but not here. The view is simply amazing. We spent the entire day fishing and only had to make a short walk back to the campsite to use the restroom or make a sandwich to bring back to the lake. It seems as though many people used the campground as a place to stop for the night before continuing on the next morning. As a result it was easy to get a spot during the day but starting around 5 pm the campground started to fill up again. If you’re able to arrive in the last morning or early afternoon you should be able to find a spot. I will definitely be back!

  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Lisa L., July 23, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2018

Close to Yosemite with out the crowds

This is the first campground coming out of Yosemite into the Inyo National Forest to the north/east. It’s small, only a dozen or so sites, but it sits next to spectacular snow melt lakes. The sites were a bit weedy and some were more overgrown than others, but all seemed to have the usual amenities of bear locker, picnic table and fire pit. You can buy firewood from the camp host. Pit toilets and a shared water pump that is shut off except June-October (tho the sign said closing in September). I was told the fishing was good, and if they weren’t biting try a different lake (I don’t fish, so I can’t say if the neighboring camper was feeding me a line or not). This is a good option if all of the campgrounds in Sequoia/Kings Canyon are full. About that bear locker- USE IT! If the rangers happen to patrol thru you will be fined for not properly storing your food and smellies. While visiting with a ranger I was told about a few instances in various campgrounds near the Sierras of bears opening cars and trashing them because food was kept in the car instead of the bear locker. On a lighter note, it was really cool for this midwest girl to see snow drifts in June.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Annie C., June 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Annie C., June 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Tioga Lake Campground by Annie C., June 29, 2018
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Tioga Lake Campground?

Tioga Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. With only 13 sites available, competition for spots can be intense, especially during peak season. For the best chance of securing a site, arrive early in the morning - some visitors recommend being there by 5:00 AM during busy periods. Mid-morning arrivals on weekdays or during shoulder seasons may still find available spots. Be prepared with payment and to claim your site immediately upon arrival.

What do reviews say about Tioga Lake Campground?

Tioga Lake Campground is a small, scenic campground with only about 13 sites situated alongside the beautiful Tioga Lake. The campground offers stunning views of the lake and Mt. Dana. Campers appreciate the clean vault toilets that are maintained daily. Most sites feature the standard amenities and include bear boxes. While some sites may be a bit weedy or overgrown, the spectacular alpine setting more than compensates. The campground's location right off the highway means it's somewhat exposed, but the lakeside location provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

What are the best spots to set up camp at Tioga Lake Campground?

The most desirable sites at Tioga Lake Campground are those directly adjacent to the lake, offering easy water access and stunning views. Sites vary in size, but most have natural bushes providing some privacy between neighbors. Note that tents must be set up on the designated gravel pads. Lakeside spots are ideal for those planning to launch kayaks or paddleboards. While some sites may be more exposed to highway noise, the incredible alpine scenery generally compensates for any minor drawbacks.

What is the elevation of Tioga Lake Campground?

Tioga Lake Campground sits at an impressive elevation of 9,800 feet. Due to this high alpine location, visitors should take time to acclimate to prevent altitude sickness. The elevation contributes to the campground's spectacular mountain views and pristine environment, but also means weather can change rapidly and nights can be quite cold, even in summer.

How close is Tioga Lake Campground to Yosemite National Park?

Tioga Lake Campground is located immediately outside Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance. It's the first campground you'll encounter when exiting Yosemite to the east on Tioga Pass Road and entering Inyo National Forest. This prime location makes it an excellent basecamp for exploring both Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra region, offering the convenience of national park proximity without requiring park entrance fees for overnight stays.

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