Junction Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Tioga Pass, California, is a small, high-altitude campground at approximately 9,600 feet elevation. Situated at the junction of Highway 120 (Tioga Road) and Saddlebag Lake Road, just 2 miles east of Yosemite National Park’s Tioga Pass entrance, this 13-site campground offers a serene alpine retreat in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Nestled in a lodgepole pine forest with stunning views of surrounding granite peaks, including Mt. Dana and Tioga Peak, Junction Campground provides easy access to Ellery Lake, Tioga Lake, and the recreational opportunities of the Hoover Wilderness and Yosemite’s high country. Its proximity to Lee Vining and Mono Lake makes it an ideal base for campers seeking a quiet escape with access to fishing, hiking, and breathtaking scenery.
Campsite Details
Junction Campground features 13 single-family campsites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. The sites are primarily designed for tent camping, though some can accommodate small RVs or trailers up to 30 feet, with limited parking space for additional vehicles. Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring with grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (typical size: 48″ x 30″ x 36″), mandatory due to active black bear activity in the area. Amenities are limited to one vault toilet, which is generally clean but may see heavy use during peak season. There is no potable water on-site, so campers must bring their own or obtain water from nearby Ellery Lake Campground (0.3 miles away) or Tioga Lake Campground (1 mile away). The campground’s roads and parking spurs are paved but narrow, and sites are closely spaced, offering limited privacy. The cost is $20 per night for a single site, reflecting the lack of water, with an additional $10 per night for extra vehicles. Holders of America the Beautiful Senior or Access Passes receive a 50% discount on single-site fees, applicable only to the site occupied by the pass holder. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, with a 14-day stay limit. Firewood is available for purchase from nearby campgrounds or Lee Vining. Cell service is nonexistent, enhancing the remote, off-the-grid experience.
Recreation and Activities
Junction Campground offers access to a variety of outdoor activities in the Tioga Pass area:
- Fishing: Nearby Ellery Lake (0.3 miles) and Tioga Lake (1 mile) are stocked with rainbow trout, with brook and brown trout also present. Saddlebag Lake, a short drive up Saddlebag Lake Road, offers excellent fishing for golden trout, California’s state fish, from the shore or small boats (non-motorized or electric motors only). Lee Vining Creek, accessible nearby, is another fishing spot.
- Hiking and Backpacking: The campground is a gateway to trails in the Hoover Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. The Bennettville Trail, starting at the campground, is a 2-mile round-trip hike to a historic 1880s mining ghost town, offering scenic views and family-friendly exploration. The Mono Pass Trail (a few miles away) leads to alpine lakes in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, while the Twenty Lakes Basin trail near Saddlebag Lake offers stunning alpine scenery. The Gaylor Lakes Trail, just inside Yosemite, is a short drive away.
- Boating: Ellery and Tioga Lakes are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, with calm, clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. Saddlebag Lake, the highest drive-to lake in the Sierra at 10,087 feet, is popular for non-motorized boating.
- Wildlife Viewing and Stargazing: The area is home to black bears, mule deer, pikas, marmots, and birds like Clark’s nutcrackers and mountain bluebirds. The high elevation and minimal light pollution make Junction Campground excellent for stargazing.
- Photography and More: The alpine landscape, with granite peaks, wildflowers (lupine and paintbrush in summer), and fall aspens, attracts photographers. Rock climbing and mountain biking are popular in the surrounding area, with trails accessible from nearby trailheads. Nearby attractions include Mono Lake, Mono Craters, the June Lake Loop, and Lundy Lake.
Natural Setting
At 9,600 feet, Junction Campground is nestled in Upper Lee Vining Canyon, surrounded by a dense lodgepole pine forest with open views of towering granite peaks, including the 13,057-foot Mt. Dana and 11,513-foot Tioga Peak. The campground sits near Lee Vining Creek, with its clear, cold waters adding a subtle soundscape. The alpine environment features sagebrush, summer wildflowers, and scattered aspens that turn golden in fall, creating a striking contrast against the rugged granite landscape. Summer daytime temperatures range from the 60s to 70s°F, but nights can drop to the 20s or 30s°F, with snow possible even in June. Visitors should be prepared for strong UV exposure, chilly nights, and potential altitude sickness, as acclimatization may take a day or two. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in early summer, so insect repellent is recommended.
Logistics and Access
Junction Campground is located 10 miles west of Lee Vining, California, via US Highway 395 and CA Highway 120 (Tioga Road). From Lee Vining, head south on US 395 for 0.3 miles, turn right onto CA 120 west, and drive 9.5 miles to the campground, located at the junction with Saddlebag Lake Road on the right. The campground is 2 miles east of Yosemite’s Tioga Pass entrance, a 4-minute drive. The road is paved, but Tioga Pass is seasonal, typically open from early June to early October (tentative opening June 13, 2025), closing due to heavy snow. For updates, contact the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center at (760) 647-3044 or check Recreation.gov. The campground is closed for the winter season. Payment is by cash or check only. The Mono Lake Visitor Center (1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA) is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for information.
Nearby Amenities
Lee Vining, 10 miles east, offers fuel, markets, and dining options, including the Whoa Nellie Deli at the Mobil Gas Station, Epic Cafe, Mono Cone, Bodie Mike’s, Nicely’s Restaurant, and the Mono Market. The Tioga Pass Resort, 2 miles west, has a seasonal café. Ellery Lake Campground (0.3 miles) and Tioga Lake Campground (1 mile) provide potable water and additional vault toilets. Nearby campgrounds, such as Ellery Lake, Tioga Lake, Saddlebag Lake, Big Bend, and Lower Lee Vining, offer alternative options if Junction is full.
Visitor Considerations
- Bear Safety: Black bears are active, so all food, scented items, and trash must be stored in bear-proof lockers. Rangers patrol the area, and fines may be issued for non-compliance. Never leave food in vehicles, as bears have been known to break in.
- High Altitude: At 9,600 feet, campers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and monitor for altitude sickness symptoms, especially during the first day or two.
- No Potable Water: Bring sufficient water or plan to obtain it from nearby Ellery or Tioga Lake campgrounds. Water treatment is recommended for creek water.
- Fire Regulations: Campfires are permitted in fire rings, but check for seasonal fire restrictions (Stage 1 Fire Restrictions may be in effect starting June 16, 2025). Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent pest spread.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and attended at all times, with a limit of two per site.
- Site Selection: With only 13 sites, Junction fills quickly during peak summer (July-August), especially on weekends. Arrive early (before noon) to secure a spot. Sites near the creek offer scenic views but limited privacy due to close spacing.
- Mosquitoes: Early summer can bring heavy mosquito activity, so bring repellent and protective clothing.
- Accessibility: The vault toilet is accessible, but the uneven terrain and closely spaced sites may pose challenges for those with mobility needs.
Visitor Feedback
Campers praise Junction Campground for its stunning alpine setting, proximity to Yosemite, and access to fishing and hiking. Reviews highlight the scenic views of granite peaks and the quiet atmosphere, with one camper noting, “Junction is a perfect stopover before entering Yosemite, with easy access to lakes and trails.” The small size is appreciated for its intimacy, but some mention the lack of privacy due to closely spaced sites and the absence of potable water as drawbacks. The clean vault toilet and convenient location at the Saddlebag Lake Road junction are frequently commended, though mosquitoes in early summer and cold nights are noted challenges. The first-come, first-served policy and high demand make early arrival essential.
Conclusion
Junction Campground is a serene, high-altitude gem near Tioga Pass, offering a small, rustic retreat at 9,600 feet with easy access to Ellery Lake, Tioga Lake, and Yosemite National Park. Its 13 forested sites, stunning alpine views, and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and paddling make it a favorite for tent campers and small RV users seeking an off-the-grid adventure. Despite limited amenities and privacy, the campground’s breathtaking setting and proximity to the Hoover Wilderness and Mono Lake create an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether exploring historic trails, fishing in alpine lakes, or stargazing under a pristine Sierra sky, Junction Campground delivers a memorable escape in one of California’s most spectacular regions.