Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows Campground reopens on August 1, 2025, after a $26 million renovation.
- The project included 29 new hike-in campsites, accessible restrooms, and upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure.
- Reservations began on July 1, 2025, via Recreation.gov, with high demand expected.
- The renovation balanced historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and visitor experience enhancements.
- Yosemite is expanding overall camping options by adding roughly 500 new sites at nearby campgrounds.
Table of Contents
Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reopens
What This Means for Visitors and Nature
Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reopens After Three-Year $26 Million Renovation
After a three-year closure, Yosemite National Park’s iconic Tuolumne Meadows Campground is officially reopening on August 1, 2025, following a transformative $26 million rehabilitation funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). This upgrade is the most extensive overhaul since the campground’s original construction in the 1930s.
Why This Matters
Tuolumne Meadows is one of the largest and most popular campgrounds in the U.S. National Park system, accommodating up to 2,200 visitors each night across 336 sites, including 304 standard and hike-in campsites, 21 backpacker sites, 7 group sites, and 4 horse campsites. Serving families, backpackers, equestrians, and nature enthusiasts, it acts as a vital basecamp for exploring Yosemite’s breathtaking high-country wilderness.
What’s New and Improved
The project addressed over $11 million in deferred maintenance and delivered numerous visitor-focused improvements:
- 29 new hike-in campsites to expand camping options
- 10 accessible restrooms enhancing availability and comfort
- Modernized picnic areas
- Upgraded water and sewer infrastructure for sustainability
- Improved access to the campground’s popular amphitheater for programs and events
- Removal of 21 campsites near the Tuolumne River corridor to restore riparian habitat and protect delicate ecosystems
How to Plan Your Visit
Reservations for Tuolumne Meadows and other nearby campgrounds like Porcupine Flat and Bridalveil Creek opened on July 1, 2025 via Recreation.gov. The high demand means sites typically fill quickly, so campers should prepare to log in early for booking.
Tuolumne Meadows sits at an elevation of 8,600 feet along the scenic Tioga Road, about five miles from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance Station. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, food storage lockers, flush toilets, drinking water, and the nearby Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center and general store are just a short walk away.
What This Means for Visitors and Nature
Yosemite’s Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden emphasized the balance this renovation achieved: honoring the campground’s historic legacy, enhancing the visitor experience, and prioritizing environmental stewardship to ensure Tuolumne Meadows remains a treasured natural sanctuary for generations.
Alongside reopening Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite is expanding camping options overall by adding roughly 500 sites at nearby campgrounds to meet increasing visitor demand.
In Summary
The grand reopening of Tuolumne Meadows Campground marks a milestone in Yosemite’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a family seeking an unforgettable wilderness experience, these renovations provide a refreshed and eco-conscious setting to connect with the stunning Sierra Nevada landscape.
Plan ahead, secure your reservation, and get ready to explore one of America’s most beloved national park campgrounds this summer.
FAQ
When will Tuolumne Meadows Campground reopen?
The campground is reopening on August 1, 2025, after a three-year closure for renovations.
How can I reserve a site?
Reservations became available on July 1, 2025, through Recreation.gov. Early booking is recommended due to high demand.
What amenities are available?
Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, food storage lockers, flush toilets, drinking water, and nearby visitor services like the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center.