Forum Discussion

jukes's avatar
jukes
Explorer
Mar 23, 2019

quiet??Tuolumne Meadows closest campground or elsewhere?

we have 4 nights (can add a day or two if needed) first few days in August. Thought to stay at Tuolumne Meadows NP campground but of course it's not available. Is there another campground NP/or private, near there? towing a 30ft TT

I'd also like to explore other parts of Yosemite but thinking to do that when less busy, we live about 4hrs away in Santa Cruz...

So, if Tuolumne Meadows doesn't look realistic this time, I'd love other ideas. I don't love HOT weather, with the exception of being able to enjoy cold lakes/rivers at those times!

So, maybe somewhere at higher elevation still that's within 5 hour drive and worth the trip.

Also, we have 3 boys age 7, 13, 16 but don't love really noisy campgrounds, but do love being by water for swimming/fishing (maybe). We've struggled enjoying scenic campgrounds because we are surrounded by music blasting campers. WE loved Klamath River for example, but it's a bit far this time, and even there at the campground a few were watching their TV's for all to hear...

We have a scenic, quiet property at home, so we are now finding that we are better off staying home sometimes, but we also do want to explore.

Can we have it all with our 30ft TT, amazing scenery, on or near water, temp in the 70's/80's in the summer, 5 hours from santa cruz!? Thank you.
  • Ed_Gee's avatar
    Ed_Gee
    Explorer II
    Mar 24, 2019
    Frankly, I'd think staying anywhere in Yosemite would be impossible without long ago made reservations. If Tuolumne Meadows is your prime target, I would look at the eastern side of the 120 pass. There appears to be a number of campgrounds on that side that are outside the park, but relatively close to Tuolumne Meadows.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Mar 24, 2019
    There are Forest Service CG outside the Tioga Pass gate, you'd have to check if they are available. Most likely they may have a vault toilet and nothing else. But they are the closest on that side of the park. I would be very surprised if you could get a 30 footer into Toloumne Meadows CG. Maybe a site on the outside edge? But the roads in there make the roads in the valley CG look like freeways. We barely got a 16 ft popup in there many years ago,
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Mar 23, 2019
    Lower Lee Vining USFS usually has a spot or two if you arrive early. Then drive into the park.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Mar 23, 2019
    There are other campgrounds along 120 -- have you checked to see if your 30 footer will fit?

    Staying in the high country is a good idea -- much cooler. If you need hookups, there is Mono Vista in Lee Vining.

    There are some great national forest campgrounds near Saddlebag Lake -- high altitude!

    Another thought -- within 5 hr of Santa Cruz: Dorst Creek in Sequoia. High, cool, a nice cold stream near the campground, hiking, Sequoia trees. I think your rig will fit -- not sure.

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