jkr

What are the National Forest campgrounds like just outside the east entrance to Yosemite? How long of drive to the meadows?
Trying to decide...rush to Tuolume meadows from Tahoe (earliest arrival 11:00am) to try and get a first come tent site Tue 7/27 for 1 night or just grab one in NF outside park on way in.
Our tent is large and pictures of the Tuolume campground show small sites in many of the loops...if we get one. If we don't we will have to drive back to the NF.
Have arrival day and part of next day for the meadow area then head to Sequoia NP.

lifelist

The campgrounds are very nice. Fairly secluded with forest cover. The sites aren't too close together. There are several campgrounds near Lee Vining and I can't remember which one I specifically stayed at, however. The sites were a good size, but I was traveling solo and had a small tent, so I didn't pay a lot of attention. Basic amenities - picnic table, fire pit, water spigot nearby, flush toilets.

Trip to the meadows takes longer than you think. The road is very steep and winds a bit in spots. I haven't done the drive in a number of years, but I want to say budget 30 minutes or so to get to the meadows - longer if you're stuck behind an Rv or traveling in the dark. Besides the scenery is worth driving slow.

If you can, get a site at the Meadows. The NF sites are by no means assured.

iamq

The campground at Tioga Lake is lovely, but small. It can be hard to find a spot here. We've stayed down the road at the Tioga Pass Resort and have noticed that the campground is full much of the time. It is right near the east entrance to the park. From here it will take about 15 minutes to get Tuolumne Meadows. If you can find one here, I'd snag it. You are out in the open as there are few or no trees, but the views of the mountains and Tioga Lake sort of make up for it.

http://www.campingguidenevada.com/cg...pcode=CAMONTIO

There is a campground at Saddlebag Lake, which is a little further away from the east entrance. Saddlebag Lake has access to the 20 Lakes Basin for amazing hiking opportunities. Tack on another 15 minutes to get T.M. from here.

jkr

Great website for NF campground info. Thanks.
Going to be tough call...try and grab a NF on way in or go for meadows and if shut out - drive back and hope for Sattlebag opening. Is there any number to call to check that morning? Do the campground hosts have numbers to call?

Placename

I don't think 11 am will be early enough to get a site at TM.

Otis_B_Driftwood

There are other Inyo NF campgrounds further back on Lee Vining Creek as you can see on the map. You shouldn't have any problem finding a site there on a Tuesday night if the ones up near the Entrance Station are full. By the way, if those are full most likely Tuolumne will be too.

Years ago TM was one the largest NP campgrounds in the West but in the last two decades, they have removed about half the sites to decrease the impact on the area.

There are several good trails near Tioga Pass, so you don't actually have to go into the Park on your first day. One that I highly recommend is the Gaylor and Granite Lakes Loop. This is a highly scenic trail of moderate difficulty and should take up most of your afternoon. It will also be a lot less crowded than the trails around Tuolumne Meadows.

http://www.thebackcountry.org/view.php?id=ggl00

It's too bad you have to rush down to Yosemite from Tahoe. There's some very interesting sights along the route including the ghost town of Bodie and Mono Lake. But, I understand that you have limited time, are trying to see a lot of California, and have to drive back to Iowa as well. I hope you have a safe and pleasant journey.

jkr

I know, I wish we had time to see things as we travel down! This is the only night we do not have reservations.
What are the campsites like at Tuolume Meadows?