Tioga Lake Campground, near Lee Vining, California, is a picturesque spot that offers stunning views right by the lake. With a handful of sites, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying the beauty of the Inyo National Forest.

This campground is known for its breathtaking scenery, especially the views of Tioga Lake and the surrounding mountains. Visitors have raved about the clean facilities, including pit toilets and bear boxes at each site, which are essential for keeping your food safe. As one camper noted, “The view is simply amazing,” making it a great place to kick back and soak in nature.

If you’re into water activities, you’ll love the easy access to kayaking and paddleboarding right from your campsite. The campground is also a great base for fishing, with many campers spending their days casting lines and enjoying the serene environment. Just remember, it’s first come, first served, so arriving early is key to snagging a spot.

While it can get a bit chilly at night, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings make it worth it. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, Tioga Lake Campground offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation in a truly beautiful setting.

Elevation 9700 feet. 13 campsites on Tioga Lake near the Tuolumne Meadows entrance to Yosemite NP. This is Bear Country. Please store food properly and don't feed the bears. Small RVs or short trailers only, no RV hook ups.

Tioga Lake Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lee Vining. Lee Vining is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Lee Vining, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Lee Vining

The Best Camping Near Lee Vining, California

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.

Close to Yosemite with out the crowds

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! 

Does it get any better?

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.

Awesome Alpine find!

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!

Beautiful view of the lake!

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. 

Small but nice 

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. 

Beautiful views from campsite 

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 

Photos of Tioga Lake Campground

Real photos from real campers