Camping near Lee Vining offers access to high-elevation sites between 7,000-9,000 feet with significant temperature drops at night, even in summer months. Lee Vining Creek and surrounding aspen groves create natural buffers between many camping areas, while proximity to Mono Lake provides unique alkaline lake viewing opportunities within a 2-mile drive from most campsites.
What to do
Fishing in Lee Vining Creek: Located at Big Bend Campground, the creek offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. "Beautiful and serene campground with a good size creek running through it. Bear boxes and toilets available. Great spot with lots of privacy," notes Natalie B.
Explore Bodie Ghost Town: Just 13 miles north of Lee Vining, this preserved mining town is accessible from Lundy Canyon Campground. "This place is absolutely gorgeous! Quite, little creek running through, aspens all around, high desert across the street amazing hikes lakes and beaver dams! Waterfalls all within a short distance close to mono lake bodie ghost town, and mono craters!" shares Rob W.
Take a Mono Lake Tour: The South Tufa area, 5 miles east of Lee Vining, offers guided ranger tours of the unique limestone formations. "On an August day, it never got hotter than 75 degrees during the day and the coldest it got was 26 degrees at night. If you need supplies, there is a resort further down with a very small mercantile, but it closes early. Your closest store is Mono Market in Lee Vining," advises Wendy A.
What campers like
Secluded aspen groves: Lower Lee Vining Campground provides camping among dense aspen trees. "Peaceful, lots of trees and wildlife (watch out for bears). Clean, nice tables and fire pits. Great place to hang out before or after Yosemite. Be sure to check with CalTrans on highway 120 road conditions before planning to cross Tioga Pass," James N. explains.
High-elevation climate: At 7,660 feet, camps offer comfortable summer temperatures. "Lundy Canyon is usually closed during the winter months due to snow but tends to open up mid April every year. Located very close to the beautiful Mono Lake which is a must see for anyone. At an elevation of 7660ft it can get a bit chilly so pack some warm items," advises Chad F.
Off-grid experience: Several campgrounds provide a wilderness feel despite being relatively accessible. "This secret campsite is located in a beautiful aspen grove! It is about 1/2 an hour from great hot springs. No cell service helps provide the off grid feeling," writes Erin S. about glamping close to Lee Vining, California.
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears frequently visit campgrounds in the area, making proper food storage essential. "We had a line of 3 campers ready for sites to open up. All in all, this is one of the best CG to stay if you're planning on going to Yosemite, being only 9 miles from the entrance and 6 miles to a place to get coffee and gas," shares Edward R. from Big Bend Campground.
Limited water sources: Many campgrounds lack potable water. "The one down side is that there is no running water. If need be access to the town is super easy and there a a gas station located near by. The fishing in near by lakes is awesome was well," notes Marlon L.
First-come, first-served sites: Most non-glamping sites require early arrival. "Good location if you want/need someplace outside of the crowded Yosemite campgrounds, especially midweek. Many spots open when I went last August, whether you wanted something near the creek or among the trees," reports Ellen D.
Tips for camping with families
Use bear boxes consistently: Children need clear guidelines about food storage. "Use the bear box. There are two bears that roam this property they come and check the property at night and in the morning and they will investigate every single site so do not leave anything out put everything edible in the bear box!" warns kathleen K.
Pack for cold nights: Even summer camping requires warm gear for children. "It was 30° when we woke up in the middle of June. Only took us 15 minutes to get to the National Park," reports adelia from Lower Lee Vining Campground.
Visit Lundy Lake: This kid-friendly lake has easy access and fishing opportunities. "Really loved the drive in and this little lake. Good fishing and nice shady camp ground spots with amazing mountain views," shares Caity S.
Tips from RVers
Campground road navigation: The access roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. "The roads within the campground can be a bit rough, muddy, rocky so if taking a car just take it slow. I was able to snag a great site, actually it was a double site but luckily no one claimed the joined site," advises Heather P. when describing glamping options near Lee Vining, California at Lundy Canyon Campground.
Cash-only payment: Some RV parks require cash payment. "We arrived late in the night, there is a sign with available places on the office entrance. Good restrooms. Dump Station and Hot water shower is free if you pay for Camping. Laundry is available as well. Paid for 1 night with electric and water hookup 52 $. Only Cash," notes Marian B.
Limited hookup options: Check specifications before arrival. "Spots large enough for almost all size rigs. Tents too. Choose to camp under the shade of the pines on a dirt pad or in the clean, parking lot style section," suggests Jessica L.
