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Tuolumne camping

Original Post
Mr. Hummus · · SLC, Utah · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 37

So my wife and I have just decided ( a bit last minute) that we want to do a summer trip to Yosemite in July. Planning on spending our time at Tuolumne meadows to stay cool, but it appears there is no available reserved camping anywhere in the park. I realize it's a bit late for making reservations. I see that there are camp sites that work as first come first serve type sites. Is it realistic to head to Tuolumne and expect to get a first come first serve site?
Any info and recommendations would be appreciated!!

Justin Compton · · Erie, CO · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 785

If your don't score a campsite in the Meadows when you get there you could always drive down to Bishop and camp for free and return the next day.

JonW · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 0

In the few times I've camped in Toulumne, I've never had issues getting a first come, first serve site. Actually, I usually get my choice at a site. Though I do get there early (before they open) and usually mid-week.

vincent L. · · Redwood City · Joined Jan 2005 · Points: 560

Are you referring to the town of Bishop for the night ? That's totally misguided advice as Bishop is about 90 minutes away from Tuolumne , and there are numerous opportunities for free camping between Tuolumne and Bishop...

Check this out for camping options

fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/re…

splitclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 18

mid-week shouldn't be a problem. if no go, there are national forest CGs just outside the east end of the park and tons of free camping near lee vining and south.

Mr. Hummus · · SLC, Utah · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 37

Thank you all so much for the info. That's really helpful!
Now all I have to worry about is how many classics we can climb in a week!

Kevin Fox · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 81

Getting a site in Tuolumne is fairly easy if you get up early! The night before stay somewhere just outside the park to the east. There are plenty of options especially if you have a vehicle to stay in. The next morning get into the park and be at the campground Kiosk by 6am. Bundle Up! Then get the site for as long as you plan to stay once they open uo @8. It is annoying to have to go through this hassle but worth it.

Scott O · · Anchorage · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 70

There are several Forest Service campsites to the east of the park that operate first-come first-serve. I've also slept in my vehicle on turnouts just outside the park with no trouble.

Allen Sanderson · · On the road to perdition · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 1,203

On more than one occasion I have asked to share a cite with other campers in the Meadows. Might take a few tries but eventually I have found a someone willing to share - especially when you offer to pay for the site. You can also head to Porcupine Flat which is first come first serve.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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