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Places to Camp near Lee Vining, CA

1,184 Reviews

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lee Vining. Lee Vining is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Lee Vining, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Lee Vining, CA (274)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    1.

    Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    56 Reviews
    193 Photos
    729 Saves
    Yosemite Valley, California

    Overview

    Upper Pines campsites are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on January 15, arrival dates for the period May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from January 15 to June 14.__ Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.__ Upper Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.__ Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates__ For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose__

    Recreation

    Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and there are many additional trailheads within Yosemite Valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.

    Facilities

    Upper Pines Campground is the largest of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops at the campground entrance. Nearby, historic Curry Village offers showers (for a fee), a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater and a tour and activities desk.

    Natural Features

    Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, Ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, White fir, and Whiteleaf Manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.

    Nearby Attractions

    Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged (Exception: 1 night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee, but do not receive a refund). No-shows will be assessed a $20 service fee along with the loss of the first night's fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $36 / night

  2. Camper-submitted photo from Tuolumne Meadows Campground — Yosemite National Park

    2.

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground — Yosemite National Park

    29 Reviews
    154 Photos
    364 Saves
    Lee Vining, California

    Overview

    Tuolumne Meadows Campground is undergoing a major rehabilitation project and will remain closed in 2024. Tuolumne Meadows Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 8,600 feet. The site is situated along the scenic Tioga Road just five miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas, and so much more. Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov. Yosemite's reservable campsites are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m. (ET). For example, on January 15, the time period May 15 to June 14 becomes available to reserve, and therefore, the full booking window would be from January 16 to June 14. Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates__

    Recreation

    Popular activities in the area include hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and fishing. The 4.8-mile roundtrip trail to Elizabeth Lake begins in the campground and climbs to a glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak. Other trails in Tuolumne Meadows include Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge, Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail, Cathedral Lakes, Mono Pass, and Glen Aulin. Nearby Tenaya Lake is a magnificent spot for picnicking, swimming and canoeing.

    Facilities

    This large, popular campground contains family, horse and group camp sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a food storage lockers. Flush toilets, drinking water, and an amphitheater are provided. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is within walking distance, as is a general store and gas station.

    Natural Features

    Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. The gentle Tuolumne River, Lyell For, and Dana Fork flow through the vast, colorful meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers. The meadows are surrounded by stands of Western White pine, Mountain hemlock, and Lodgepole pine.

    Nearby Attractions

    Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known, is 55 miles and two hours from Tuolumne Meadows. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops. Glacier Point is an hour from Yosemite Valley, with sweeping views of both Yosemite and Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. A visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellation of individual or equestrian site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night___s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night___s use will not be assessed a service fee. No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $50 / night

  3. Camper-submitted photo from June Lake Campground

    3.

    June Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    85 Photos
    488 Saves
    June Lake, California

    Overview

    Easy access to fishing, a marina and boat rentals make June Lake Campground a favorite spot for both families and anglers. The facility sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in close proximity to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. The town of June Lake offers the convenience of shopping and dining, while the surrounding land and lakes provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities.

    Recreation

    Campers have no problem staying busy and enjoying the outdoors. Fishing for rainbow and Alpers trout, canoeing, boating and walking are just some of the activities available around the lake. Numerous trails lie minutes away, an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The Fern Lake Trail, a short drive away, leads into the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness. Skiing is a major winter pastime in the area. A drive along the June Lake Loop results in expansive views of rugged mountain peaks and several lakes.

    Facilities

    The campground is a moderate size, with campsites scattered around a few overlapping loops. The facility provides drinking water, flush toilets and bear-proof lockers for food storage. Two marinas are close by, though not directly within the campground. Gift shopping, groceries and restaurants are within walking distance in the town of June Lake.

    Natural Features

    Campsites are located in a mixed aspen and pine forest above the eastern shoreline of beautiful, 257-acre June Lake. Many points in the campground have views of the surrounding 11,000 and 12,000' peaks. The campground's elevation is 7,600 feet. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.

    Nearby Attractions

    Mono Lake and its many activities are minutes away. Hikers can access the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness via nearby trails, and Yosemite National Park is a great day trip. Ansel Adams Wilderness Yosemite National Park

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 - $32 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    4.

    Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    38 Reviews
    108 Photos
    226 Saves
    Yosemite Valley, California

    Overview

    Camp 4 has returned to reservations for the 2024 season. Camp 4 is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known.__

    Recreation

    Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.

    Facilities

    Camp 4 is a shared site campground, which means six individuals (including children 3 and older) are assigned to each site. The campground has a total of 61 sites (only 25 open in winter) which accommodate tents only. Since Camp 4 is a walk-in campground, no vehicles are allowed to enter the campground. You may not sleep in any type of vehicle in the Camp 4 parking lot, including vans. __ Each site has picnic tables, food storage lockers and fire rings that are shared by all occupants of that site. Restrooms, showers and drinking water are located in the center of the campground. Tent areas are mostly level and most sites have shade. Due to the close proximity of sites and its shared nature, Camp 4 is not considered a quiet campground. Other than Service Animals, pets are not allowed at Camp 4.__ Parking is available adjacent to the campground (approximately 100-300 yards away). A parking permit is required from spring through fall. You will receive a free parking permit upon check-in.__

    Natural Features

    Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and white-leaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.

    Lottery Information

    The Camp 4 lottery has ended for the 2022 season. Sites at Camp 4 will be available for per-person reservation beginning Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific time.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of arrival date will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival date will also lose the first night's camping fee. Change Policy: Only two changes may be made to each reservation.__ No Show Policy: Reservation holders have until 8:30 a.m. the day following their arrival date to check-in or their camping reservation will become void. Campers should call (209) 372-8502 if they know they will be late. The maximum fee for no shows is $20 and loss of the first night___s camping fee.__

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market

    $10 - $50 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Lundy Canyon Campground

    5.

    Lundy Canyon Campground

    14 Reviews
    53 Photos
    417 Saves
    Mono City, California

    At an elevation of 7660 ft., this seasonal campground is set among beautiful Aspen Groves lining the banks of Mill Creek. An on-site campground host provides fee collection services for the 36 first-come, first-served camping spaces that include restrooms, non-potable water spigots, picnic benches, fire-rings, and bear boxes.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $16 / night

  6. Camper-submitted photo from Silver Lake Campground at June Lake

    6.

    Silver Lake Campground at June Lake

    15 Reviews
    80 Photos
    352 Saves
    June Lake, California

    Overview

    Silver Lake Campground is nestled between Silver Lake and the dramatic scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. This is a great base camp for fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and photography. The facility has creekside camping with a boat ramp and pack station nearby.

    Recreation

    Rush Creek and 97-acre Silver Lake offer peaceful places for anglers to cast a line for rainbow trout. Boating is allowed on the lake, which has a 10 mph speed limit. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hiking and horseback riding. A nearby trail provides access to the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Within the facility, campers can go for a relaxing 1-mile walk or horseback ride along Rush Creek. The scenic drive along the June Lake Loop results in expansive views of rugged mountain peaks and several lakes.

    Facilities

    This is a moderate-sized facility that is fairly spread out. Some sites border the creek, and several border the lake. The facility provides drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof lockers for food storage. A small store, cafe, hiking trailhead and pack station are all within easy walking distance.

    Natural Features

    Some campsites are in open areas while others are shaded by aspen and willow trees. Rush Creek and Silver Lake border the facility, and June Lake is a short drive away. Silver Lake lies at an elevation of 7,200 feet at the base of 11,000 and 12,000' mountain peaks. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.

    Nearby Attractions

    The small town of June Lake has various amenities. Hikers can access the Ansel Adams Wilderness via area trails, and Mono Lake and Yosemite National Park are great day trips. Ansel Adams Wilderness Yosemite National Park

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 - $32 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    8.

    Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    34 Photos
    662 Saves
    June Lake, California

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services, such as trash removal, tables, or toilets. There are extra responsibilites and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.

    Most of the land in Inyo and Mono counties is publicly owned. Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is allowed throughout much of the area. If you plan to backpack into a wilderness area to camp, you will need a wilderness permit, issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers. If you wish to camp outside of developed campgrounds/sites, there are a few things you need to know:

    Land Ownership: The three major land-owning agencies in the Eastern Sierra are the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Los Angeles. Dispersed camping is allowed on most Forest Service and BLM land. However, camping is prohibited on land owned by the City of Los Angeles.

    Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a copy of the Inyo National Forest map, which depicts land ownership as well as roads, streams, trails and other features. The map also shows “restricted use areas” where dispersed camping is not allowed.

    Restricted Use Areas: Certain high-use recreation zones, including those along paved roads leading into the mountains, are not open to dispersed camping (see Inyo National Forest map). Dispersed camping is not allowed in the following areas: Horseshoe Meadow, Onion Valley, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, McGee Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Reds Meadow Valley, June Lakes Loop, Lee Vining Canyon, Lundy Canyon, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and any research area.

    Owens River: All land along the Owens River is owned by the City of Los Angeles, and is closed to camping.

    Length of Stay: On Inyo National Forest land, you may camp up to 28 days per six months on any one ranger district (there are 4 ranger districts on the Inyo –Mt. Whitney, White Mountain, Mammoth, and Mono Lake). Always check with your local ranger station.

    Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface. These sites might have a primitive fire ring. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Try to select a campsite at least 100 feet from lakes and streams.

    Campfires and Fire Permits: If you plan to build a campfire or use a barbeque or camp stove, you must obtain a campfire permit from a Forest Service, BLM, or CalFire office. You must have a shovel and a container of water (for drowning the fire). Clear an area least 5 feet wide all the way around your fire ring down to mineral soil. During times of high fire danger, camp fires are prohibited; always check with the local fire office or ranger station for fire restrictions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
  9. Camper-submitted photo from Mono Lake South Dispersed
  10. Camper-submitted photo from North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    10.

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    23 Reviews
    72 Photos
    375 Saves
    Yosemite Valley, California

    Overview

    The North Pines Early Access Lottery has ended and regular booking windows have resumed. Campsites at North Pines are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT). For example, on February 15, arrival dates for the time period June 15 to July 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from season opening to July 14.__ North Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and so much more. Reservation tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes on the regular on-sale dates. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates__

    Recreation

    Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and many additional trailheads are within Yosemite Valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities,and an art center with workshops.

    Facilities

    North Pines Campground is one of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance. Nearby, historic Curry Village offers showers (for a fee), a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater, and a tours and activities desk.

    Natural Features

    Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, Ponderosa pine, Incense-cedar, White fir, and Whiteleaf Manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliff faces are visible, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.

    Nearby Attractions

    Within one to two hours, visitors can drive or ride a shuttle bus to some of Yosemite's most grand viewpoints and historic sites. Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. A visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged (Exception: 1 night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee, but do not receive a refund). No-shows will be assessed a $20 service fee along with the loss of the first night's fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $24 / night


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1184 Reviews of 274 Lee Vining Campgrounds