Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Tuolumne Meadows is located near the Tioga Pass (East) entrance and has a very different feel than the more popular (i.e. - crowded) camping in Upper, Lower, and North Pine campgrounds.

The A-section is next to the Tuolumne River and opens up to the Lambert Dome. Heavy tree coverage will limit solar panel options, but access to the river and views are a fair trade-off in my mind. Site quality seemed to vary, ours was pitted and on a decline ... expect to use lots of blocks leveling your rig.

Access to hiking trails is unlimited.

Reserving a site is a bit quirky - you are confirmed a spot, but the specific site is not confirmed until arrival. Initially, the ranger limited up to certain sites, but I went back and asked another ranger to confirm a different site (which he did) ... the process seemed a bit loose to me.

Expect to see lots of wildlife and keep your fishing pole handy.

A small grocery store, post office, outdoor store and gas station (with propane) are within walking distance.

Data coverage is nearly impossible, so bring a good book.

Very affordable campsite with basic amenities, we hiked to nearby trails and enjoyed our stay in Yosemite.

Easy to get to, pleasant staff and a stunning location!

I rocked up around 7am to get in line for any first come first serve campsites. There was already a line! Well, the good news is that I got a site for a few days, the bad news is that that sites are not very private, and the one I got was especially not very secluded. I shared the "driveway" for my spot with another site. That's fine, but the other camper (who arrived AFTER me) was irritated about it and tried insisting that it was his spot to park. Ugh. And he was creepy af. What can you do?
Other than my weird neighbor my experience was fantastic. Other people I met in the campground were so cool and I did some amazing solo hikes. The Tuolumne Meadows area is gorgeous! I did a morning bird walk with a ranger which was super fun and even went to the campfire evening. The staff at the campground and the rangers were all wonderful.
I have been to Yosemite many many times but never to Tuolumne! Well, now this is one of my new favorite spots! The Valley is just insanely crowded in summertime.
The mosquitos (in July) were ferocious! Bring your bug spray or nets or whatever you have! Oh and also the many (ginormous!) campfires made it quite smokey.
I had no cell service except in the valley area.