Camping options near Lee Vining include full-hookup RV sites ranging from basic to premium accommodations with varying seasonal availability. Located at 6,781 feet elevation in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, Lee Vining experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations with summer highs averaging 80°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 40-50°F even in summer months.
What to do
Fishing access: Multiple campsites provide convenient access to fishing areas. McGee Creek RV Park sits adjacent to a creek where campers can fish steps from their site. "We stay here every year for a week. There are campsites right on the creek and others that aren't. Everything is spaced out well," notes one McGee Creek RV Park visitor.
Yosemite day trips: The eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park sits approximately 12 miles from Lee Vining. "Been camping here for years, very nice and really clean. Nice family owned rv park and tent camping. About a two hour drive into Yosemite valley and only like 20 mins from Yosemite east entrance," reports a visitor to Mono Vista RV Park.
Boating opportunities: Several nearby lakes offer boating opportunities within short driving distance of Lee Vining. Bridgeport Reservoir provides boat rentals and marina access. "Decent layout and location. Lake is still filling leaving the fishing better handled from a boat. Bathrooms and showers onsite if needed along with a small general store and offsite boat rentals," notes a camper at Bridgeport Reservoir.
What campers like
Mountain views: Many campgrounds offer scenic mountain vistas that campers consistently mention in reviews. "Our views of the mountains and Mono Lake were a bit obscured by the wildfire smoke drifting through the area as it was in much of the west at this time. But we could tell that without the smoke, the views would be awesome," states one camper at Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park.
Walking distance to towns: Several RV sites near Lee Vining offer proximity to local amenities. "For the most part a very serene location. Off 395 at Mono Lake is a pleasant rest stop when headed to Yosemite. Being on the end of town. This place has all you need to reset and relax," comments one Mono Vista visitor about the walkable access to town services.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention facility cleanliness in positive reviews. "Great campground with clean toilets and showers. Great pool as well. We had a great spot in September and it's close to Yosemite," writes a reviewer from Outdoorsy Yosemite.
What you should know
Cash-only policies: Several RV parks near Lee Vining accept only cash payment. "Paid for 1 night with electric and water hookup 52 $. Only Cash," notes one recent Mono Vista visitor, highlighting the importance of bringing sufficient cash when planning to stay at some campgrounds in the area.
Seasonal weather challenges: Mountain weather can change rapidly in the eastern Sierra. "Make sure if you come since it's right next to the mountains be prepared for wind and rain, but usually passes pretty quick," advises a Mono Vista RV Park camper about weather conditions.
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters, particularly bears, occur in campgrounds throughout the region. "We had a bear come into our camp the last night," reports a visitor to Mammoth Mountain RV Park, highlighting the importance of proper food storage in all regional campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Some campgrounds offer swimming pools, which provide recreation for children. "This place was awesome. Only a 15 min hike to the lake and a 30 min drive into Yosemite. We spent the weekend in site 126 it was a level site with limited shade and full hookups. Bingo night was awesome and the staff was very friendly," writes a camper at Bass Lake RV Resort.
Tent camping considerations: Privacy between tent sites varies significantly between campgrounds. "There is no space between tent sites and no dividing trees or bushes. Bathroom and showers are clean," notes one camper about Mono Vista's tent camping area, suggesting families seeking privacy should research site spacing.
Family activities: Campgrounds often provide organized activities. "Bingo night was awesome and the staff was very friendly. Would highly recommend," shares a Bass Lake at Yosemite visitor about the family-friendly programming available at some larger resorts in the region.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites throughout the region require leveling adjustments. "Fairly big campground, with some spots having a good amount of privacy in a forest. Our site (#162) was large enough, although not very level. The sewer connection was almost level with our dump pipe, so it made dumping a challenge," reports a Bass Lake at Yosemite camper.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "Great to fill up and get a night of electricity," mentions a Mono Vista RV Park visitor, noting that most campers use these RV parks primarily for their hookups rather than connectivity options.
Spacing between sites: RV sites vary dramatically in privacy and spacing. "I really enjoyed tent camping here. I'm not a fan of the trailer camping because it's all cement and everyone is close together, but it's doable if need be. When tent camping, you're under beautiful trees which I love!" explains a Mammoth Mountain RV Park visitor.
