Big Bend Campground is set deep in Lee Vining Canyon along meandering Lee Vining Creek. Only a mile upstream the creek cascades through a series of falls 1,700 feet down a gorge from Ellery Lake. Around Big Bend Campground the creek has slowed to a gentle flow through a meadow. Views of the peaks to the west are wonderful. The campground itself is in a mature conifer forest.
Big Bend Campground has 17 sites which are first-come, first-served. In the peak of summer when Tuolumne Meadows is crowded, visitors to Yosemite head down Lee Vining Canyon in search of a campsite. The campground is 3 miles up Poole Power Plant Road off Highway 120, nine miles east of Yosemite's eastern entrance station at Tioga Pass. Campsites are fairly well spaced out along a single road. Tents must be pitched on the provided pads.
| Big Bend Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Big Bend Campground Location: | On Poole Power Plant Road, 3 miles off Highway 120, nine miles east of Tioga Pass |
| Elevation: | 7,700 feet |
| Mileage/ Driving Times: | Modesto - 145 miles, 3:27 Reno - 145 miles, 2:48 |
| Number of Campsites: | 17 |
| Camping Season: | Late April through mid-0ctober, depending on weather |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 vehicle, 2nd vehicle $5 |
| Maximum Length of Stay: | 14 days |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Inyo National Forest |
| Information - Inyo NF, Bishop |
(760) 873-2400 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| No Reservations: | All campsites at Big Bend Campground are first-come, first-served. |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | 30 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | None designated, but some sites are accessible |
| Fees: | $26 per night |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, Noon |
| Big Bend Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Attractions near Big Bend Campground: |
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Big Bend Campground is among the trees along Lee Vining Canyon
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Purchase firewood locally to avoid spreading pests.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate
Big Bend Campground
For those camped at Big Bend Campground, stunning Mono Lake is only a short drive away. Mono Lake's beauty and wildlife beckons visitors from around the country. Up and down the Lee Vining Canyon are other wonderful places to visit.
Check Inyo National Forest - Big Bend Campground for any campground updates.
