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Lower Lee Vining Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Lower Lee Vining Campground, near Lee Vining, California, is a solid choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Yosemite while still being close enough to enjoy its wonders. This spot offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by beautiful aspen trees and a nearby babbling creek, making it a picturesque setting for your camping adventure.

The campground features designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors have noted the clean facilities, including pit toilets, and the friendly campground host who’s always around to help. One camper mentioned, “Great trails, great hiking, a lot of nature to look at in this area,” highlighting the outdoor opportunities right at your doorstep.

If you’re planning to explore, you’re just a short drive from Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake, both offering stunning views and plenty of hiking options. Just keep in mind that there’s no running water on-site, so be sure to bring your own. With its relaxed vibe and beautiful surroundings, Lower Lee Vining Campground is a great spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

Lower Lee Vining Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

On Hwy 120 approximately two miles West of Hwy 395.

Coordinates

37.93012252 N
119.15393497 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 18, 2025

Great spot

Just a one night stop but the fee was 28.00 14 with a pass

Site48
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2023

Beautiful campsites among the aspens.

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, it still had more than 20' of snow in places when I was there in June.

Several of the campsites were closed due to danger of rising water from the Lee Vining Creek, lots of water and snow melt to deal with.

Friendly host!

Site44
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by James N., June 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by James N., June 15, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2022

Not far from Yosemite

Lots of spaces, not too close to each other. Was quiet while we were there. No showers, just portable potty. Don’t know if it’s normal but it was 30° when we woke up in the middle of June. Only took us 15 minutes to get to the National Park.

Site42
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by adelia , June 21, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2021

Use the BEAR BOX

Stayed here for one night on my way through Yosemite. Car camped in a Toyota Yaris end of June 2021. Limited number of spaces available. Very budget-friendly. No Reservations needed or required. The sites are close together they come with a picnic table a bear box and a fire ring. There is no usable water on property. No flush toilets. No showers. There is a man in charge of the campground in the very first sight to the left when you drive in look for the American flag. 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! Well I was here the Bears annihilated someone's ice chest that got left out overnight. Great trails Great hiking a lot of nature to look at in this area I like this campsite I wish it had running water at least one well pump would be great I know that the river was closed because I was able to get to it but I don't know how usable that water is. I will probably be back this is a great location! Check out is 2 p.m.!

Site4
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by kathleen K., July 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by kathleen K., July 2, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2020

The Aspens made it hard to LEEave

We camped here for one night in late October and the aspens were gorgeous!! The pictures really don’t do it justice, they are a must-see here. There is also a nice babbling creek nearby. It was a picturesque fall sight.

There campground is HUGE! But narrow rounds once you get past the main lot. There is no sewer hook-up or a grey water disposal site. The area was very quiet and there was a fire warning so more fires at the time. It was $14/night.

I would recommend staying here just for the aspens.

  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by Khang N., October 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by Khang N., October 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by Khang N., October 23, 2020
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 8, 2019

Pleasant Campground Out of Yosemite

After a wildfire forced the closure of Highway 395, I ended up at Lower Lee Vining Campground for a night. Pleasant campground with clean pit toilets and a river toward the back side. Pay and put the envelope in the box. I got in late, but had lovely neighbors who invited me to sit by their campfire. They came up every year for the past couple of decades and said since the installation of bear boxes (which everyone uses), they had not seen any bears in camp. (The infamous "Yosemite bears" used to come down into camp apparently.) Cheap, nice, quiet and shady. I'd stay here again.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2018

Overall a well maintained campground, but tight spaces.

Stayed here during peak season for Yosemite. It wasn’t completely full. The spot that I had was tiny, but unfortunately one of the last available. There is a river that runs adjacent to it on the east side. The campground was well maintained even with the heavy traffic. The spots for RVs were apparent and a bit larger than those that weren’t. Not bathroom just out houses. I believe that the fee was $14. There were a good amount of trees for hammocks near the river. They had fire rigs for most of the sights, but not all.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2016

Good location

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. Easy access to Yosemite and Mono Lake.

  • Review photo of Lower Lee Vining Campground by Ellen D., September 12, 2016
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2016

Lower Lee Vining

Great campsite,its first come first serve. more relaxed and looser rules than most places I've been. Access to the tioga pass and about an hour and a half drive to Yosemite valley with no traffic. Many creeks and lakes near by. 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. thebfishing in near by lakes is awesome was well. For sure making another trip in the near future

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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Lower Lee Vining Campground?

Lower Lee Vining Campground offers basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes at each site. The campground has clean pit toilets/portable restrooms but no running water or showers. A scenic creek runs along the eastern side of the property, providing a pleasant natural feature. The campground is spacious with sites positioned to allow for some privacy, though site sizes vary with some being quite small. Note that you'll need to bring your own water supply as none is available on-site.

What are visitors saying about Lower Lee Vining Campground?

Campers consistently praise Lower Lee Vining Campground for its peaceful atmosphere and convenient location. The campground features a beautiful creek running alongside it, gorgeous aspens that are spectacular in fall, and abundant wildlife. Many appreciate the more relaxed, less crowded feel compared to Yosemite campgrounds, especially midweek. The campground is well-maintained despite heavy traffic, with clean facilities. Visitors particularly value its proximity to Yosemite National Park while offering a quieter alternative to the crowded park campgrounds.

How do I make reservations at Lower Lee Vining Campground?

Lower Lee Vining Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. To secure a spot, arrive early, especially during peak summer months. Payment is made on-site through a self-pay envelope system. The campground fee is approximately $28 per night, with a 50% discount available for those with applicable passes (making it $14). The campground typically has availability even during busy periods, but arriving midweek improves your chances of finding an ideal spot.

What are the best times of year to visit Lower Lee Vining Campground?

Summer and early fall are ideal times to visit Lower Lee Vining Campground. Late June through September offers the most reliable access and comfortable temperatures, though early mornings can be chilly even in summer (sometimes dropping to 30°F in June). Fall is particularly spectacular when the aspens display vibrant colors, making October a prime time for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Always check Tioga Pass road conditions if planning to access Yosemite, as heavy snowfall can affect accessibility well into late spring.

How close is Lower Lee Vining Campground to Mono Lake?

Lower Lee Vining Campground is conveniently located near Mono Lake, making it an excellent base for exploring this natural wonder. While the exact distance isn't specified, the campground's position in Lee Vining puts it within easy driving distance of Mono Lake's main viewing areas and visitor center. From the campground, you can quickly access both Mono Lake and Yosemite National Park, with the park entrance approximately 15 minutes away. This strategic location makes it popular for travelers wanting to experience both destinations.