About Tuolumne Meadows Campground
At 8,600 feet in Yosemite's high country, Tuolumne Meadows offers 304 sites near Soda Springs, Tenaya Lake, and trails to Cathedral Lakes and Clouds Rest. Summer-only (June-October), it's perfect for intermediate campers seeking alpine serenity. Permits required for overflow backpacking; book early. High elevation demands acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness, per REI protocols.
Safety Considerations
Bears frequent the area; mandatory bear canisters (rent at store) for all food storage, day and night. Lightning storms are common afternoons; break camp early and seek low cover. Mosquitoes swarm in meadows; use DEET. Hypothermia from sudden weather drops; nights hit freezing even in July. Stay on trails to avoid cryptobiotic soil damage, following Leave No Trace. No fires above 9,000 feet often; use stoves. Vehicles: 25 mph limit near meadows to protect wildlife. Water from streams must be filtered; giardia risks high.
River crossings on nearby trails like Lyell Canyon can be swift; test depth. Watch for falling rocks on Tioga Road approaches.
Essential Gear
Bring a four-season tent like MSR Hubba, bear canister (BV500), insulated sleeping bag (20F rating), water filter like Sawyer Squeeze, trekking poles, and emergency bivvy. Add sun hat, high-SPF lotion for intense UV.
Emergency Tips
Altitude symptoms? Descend; hydrate. Nearest rangers at Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. Lightning: avoid ridges, squat low. SOS via Garmin inReach if no signal.