Yosemite National Park will reopen Tuolumne Meadows Campground (California) on August 1 following a $26 million renovation funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.
The campground is a high-altitude destination in the Sierra Nevada. The three-year project revitalized one of the largest campgrounds in the National Park System.
Originally built in the 1930s, Tuolumne Meadows Campground can accommodate up to 2,200 campers each night and serves as a popular entry point to Yosemite’s backcountry.
The overhaul introduced significant improvements, including new infrastructure to support modern visitor needs.
According to an article published by Active Norcal on June 29, the renovated site now offers 336 campsites, 29 new hike-in sites, 21 backpacker sites, and dedicated areas for groups and equestrian use.
In addition to expanded capacity, the campground features updated restrooms, new picnic tables and fire rings, a modernized water system, and improved sewer infrastructure.
These upgrades were designed to enhance the visitor experience while addressing critical maintenance needs.
The Dana Campfire Circle amphitheater, a central gathering spot for ranger programs and evening talks, was also refurbished with accessibility in mind. The upgrades aim to ensure that all visitors can fully participate in park programming.
Environmental restoration played a key role in the renovation. Campsites previously located close to the Tuolumne River were moved to reduce impacts on fragile riparian zones, in line with Yosemite’s long-term ecological goals.
Yosemite will also reopen Porcupine Flat and Bridalveil Creek campgrounds on July 15. Reservations for all three locations will become available on Recreation.gov starting July 1.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground is the largest in Yosemite National Park, situated along Tioga Road at an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Some sections of the campground are located near the Tuolumne River, offering convenient access to summer hiking trails, alpine lakes, and scenic viewpoints.
While it is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley, essential services—including a small store, grill, and post office—are available nearby in Tuolumne Meadows.