Best Glamping near Swall Meadows, CA

The Tuolumne Meadows Lodge isn't the kind of lodge you think of when you think of a lodge.  It consists of a main building where there is a small store and an assigned-by-time food service, plus a bunch of platform tent cabins, each with its own stove for heat.  (Nights get cold up here, even in the summer!)

The large parking lot is lined on one side with bear boxes where you can store food, if you prefer to bring some cereal for breakfast and sandwich fixings for lunch.  (There are not many food options up this way. You have the lodge, plus a grill down the way, but that's about it.)

Free firewood is provided for guests, along with a communal campfire in the evenings.  The tents have cot beds and bedding.  Towels are also provided.  (There are bear boxes by the showers to hold your showering stuff.)

If you can get a cell signal, you are lucky.  I'm told that if you walk to the top of the nearby waterfall/river that runs by camp, there sometimes is service there.  I was able to make a phone call out, but no data available.

Lots of great hiking around.  This place reminded me of summer camp, but a bit more pricey!

Backing up to the John Muir Trail all the way into the back country of the high Sierra is this Gem of a ranch. It has amazing amenities, such as cabins, tent cabins, developed hot springs, all meals included, toilets and running water, horses back tours/packing, backpacker resupply, and store. 

Getting there however is quite a feat. First you have to traverse a one lane road nearly 30 miles back into Florence Lake. Then you have to take a boat ride to the other side of the lake, and finally you have to hike 5+ miles to the ranch. It is all worth it for the sunning views, great food, amazing fishing, hiking, and all around experience.

This campground seems more fitted to those using campers more so than those tent camping.

I saw very few tent campers and the RV's and tow behind campers were the majority here.

I managed to grab a decent site, I think it was 36.  Tucked in a wooded area not far from the restrooms.  Which are flush toilets and running water.  Clean and well maintained.

Site was a bit muddy and wasn't that easy to find a level spot for a tent.  A bit of garbage was left on site and trash in the bear box.  All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and bear box.

Noise level was higher than I prefer but then again if I'm not just hearing nature, it's too loud for me.

Pretty lakes, waterfalls and a nice area to venture around.

Traffic in Mammoth can get pretty busy.

We arrived Fourth of July weekend and the drive down to the campground is absolutely stunning! We stayed at site 120 which was very spacious and partially shaded. The river was a lot lower than I have seen the past few times I have been here 4 years ago. Therefore there was a lot of people playing in the river. There are flushable toilets at the campground but no electricity so bring your flashlights. This campground is located towards the end of the road and it’s a great location being close to roaring river trailhead and zumwalt meadows and roads end trail. Cedar grove is just a few minutes away where you can get some groceries or little souvenirs. The campground was extremely packed and filled with families. For campers looking for peaceful camping I do not recommend this campground. But since I have a new son whose 9 months old, I was fine with the noise. Quiet hours were respected and that’s the most important part. I loved the location of the campground as you look around you are surrounded by beauty and you’re right in the canyon!

I stayed here for 3 nights while section hiking the Pacific crest trail & everyone I came into contact that worked at reds meadoow was extremely helpful and polite. there's a restaurant (diner food) that's open 8am - 6pm (check hours) & also a general store that sells all your camping needs. there was also a free shuttle from Reds Meadows to mammoth mountain ski lodge where you can catch a bus into Mammoth lakes.

campground has multiple concrete buildings with toilets & running water as well as bear boxes & fire pits. also a steam depending on time of season.

Sentinel was the only campground available for a visit to Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Be prepared for a LONG drive to get anywhere.

The campsite was amazing!!! You are nestled by the river and under beautiful big trees. The site was spacious with a picnic table, fire pit and bear box.

The restroom is dated, but it’s a flush toilet and running water, which is a gift. They do have a sink to clean dishes.

I found it to be pretty quiet. Most sites were dark shortly after sunset. A lot of people were up and out early in the morning. So many amazing hikes and walks to do within the two parks.