Lower Lee Vining Campground

Lower Lee Vining Campground is a primitive campground located on Lee Vining Creek, often used by campers who can’t find a spot at Yosemite National Park. You will find the campground 3 miles west of Lee Vining and 10 miles east of Yosemite’s entrance.

The campground has 51 first-come, first-served campsites that accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 50 feet long. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate, and a bear-proof food storage locker.

Amenities include a vault toilet. No drinking water is available on-site, so visitors must bring water for drinking and cooking. Firewood can be purchased from the camp host when available. There is some limited cell phone reception. Otherwise, the service is spotty.

Campsites range from large, open spaces exposed to the elements to shaded sites among large forest trees. Some sites are walk-in sites, offering additional privacy.

Other sites sit near the banks of Lee Vining Creek, a beautiful, cold mountain stream that flows through the campground. The creek flows parallel to Highway 120 on its way down to Mono Lake.

The creek flows fast in the spring, provides excellent rainbow trout fishing opportunities, and is regularly stocked by the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the summer. Because of this, the stream is a favorite of campground visitors and day-use anglers.

Lower Lee Vining Campground runs on a first-come, first-served basis and often serves as overflow for campers who arrive at Yosemite without reservations. Nearby Aspen, Moraine, Cattleguard, and Big Bend campgrounds are alternatives for those arriving without reservations.

That said, in recent years, the campground has become increasingly popular, so it’s recommended to arrive early or visit during the week for a better chance of finding an open campsite.

While the campground offers limited amenities, restaurants, shops, and gas stations are only a short drive away in Lee Vining.

Nearby campgrounds include Moraine Campground, Aspen Campground, and Big Bend Campground.

Fees

$16 per night

Reservations are not accepted.

Season / Opening and Closing Dates

The campground is generally open from May to October.

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Directions

From Highway 395 in Lee Vining, turn west on State Route 120 (Tioga Pass). Continue on State Route 120 (Tioga Pass) for 2.7 miles to reach the turn off for the campground on the left.

GPS Coordinates: 37.928291,-119.153586

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Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby Fishing