Tuolumne Meadows Lodge - TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, California

Margaret N.

This spot is a classic glamping location. Classic means the bathroom is older, and other things as well, but it is all well loved. The canvas tent cabins are so cozy and the metal cots are fairly comfortable. This is also truly one of the most beautiful locations in the world, so the amenities are not the main attraction. Tasty food, comfortable bed, and hikes right outside your door.

Kris

As someone who has stayed at true "glamping" resorts it's important to understand this place is just a notch up from camping, and is not "glamping". As long as you have the right expectations (no electricity, no wifi, no cell service in tents, bare bones furnishings, shared bathrooms, etc), this is a great spot. It is ideally located for accessing hikes/activities along the Tioga Pass and exploring the east side of the park. I wanted to stay here so I could get an early start on some day hikes in the area and acclimate to the altitude for tougher hikes.

The staff were friendly and helpful, my tent was clean, and I especially appreciated the wood burning stove before bed (my tend actually felt hot enough to just use a sheet when I first went to sleep). It got very cold as the night went on and although wool blankets were provided, I used my own sleeping bag and was warm. The beds are basic (metal frame standard issue type of stuff that reminded me of going to camp as a kid) and there was a table with chairs in my tent, and 2 solar lanterns to use in the tent and while walking around camp at night. Seeing all my stuff could be a bit of a challenge after dark even with the lanterns, so I recommend getting organized while it is light outside and/or bringing additional sources of light.

My tent was probably as far as you can get from the communal bathrooms (separate for men and women) so I peed outside behind my tent during the night as there was no way I was going to trek that far in the dark. That said, the showers had warm water and had conveniently located bear lockers just outside of them to keep toiletries. Be sure you arrive with all of your food and toiletries well organized/consolidated for easy storage as you cannot have anything that could attract bears in your tent or car (a general rule you should follow whenever leaving your car somewhere in Yosemite or while camping there in any kind of tent).

It was quite the haul to get my stuff to my tent but they provide good wheelbarrows (although I still found carrying my things was easier). It took a little while to orient myself to where everything was around camp (water spigots to fill water bottles, bathrooms, etc) so again, it's ideal to arrive before dark to help find your way around.

The main lodge was simple but had a small cell phone charging station, displayed weather reports, and a restaurant. I didn't eat dinner there (I went a little bit outside of the park to Lee Vining) but enjoyed my breakfast burrito. They have communal style eating at the tables and I enjoyed talking to other guests while dining. I also appreciated that they had hot water out before breakfast service.

Nathalie V.

Stayed Aug 4 for one night. Had a great experience with lodge. I know they had opened in July, but rooms were clean and showers were very welcomed. Staff was extremely helpful and charging station was nice. We ate in the lodge in the evening to prepare for our 2 day back country hike. Perfect rest for the night before. Would recommend and what I would expect from tent cabin lodging.

Mafrey S.

I went there last week. It was clean and nice. There is a clean bathroom and no need token. Also before bedtime, there are food lockers that everyone must put all food there to avoid the bears

emi C.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge opened late the 2024 season, July13/14. They were understaffed both in housekeeping and the dining room. For about a week, there was shortages of soap, shampoo, toilet paper in the bathrooms. Dining was ok on 16 July but after 17 July, half the dining room staff QUIT in mass. Everything was self service especially for dinner with a LIMITED menu on paper plates. It was a semi-disaster when it came to dining. Many of the trash bins smelled of days old garbage! The concessionaire Aramark should lose their contract. Even the High Sierra Camps were canceled due to lack of staff. Though the registration desk folks were apologetic and understanding, they were put in a tough spot. Here’s hoping for Yosemite National Park authorities take a good look at the situation so nothing like this happens in the following years.

Nancy L.

Has been a horrible experience dealing with Aramark this past year with all the games they are playing with the Lodge. It was the jewel in the Yosemite crown of beautiful high mountain experiences. ||Read the 2024 report that National Parks superintendent released who downgraded Aramark to “marginal”, the lowest category before they lose the contract. ||They have let all the food safety and sanitation requirements lapse, endangering guests and bears - and the environment. Not safe to stay there.

PS62

Stayed as a couple for two nights in Sep 2019. While it was hot in the day time, it was (literally) freezing at night. However, good bedding and a plentiful supply of wood for the stove in the tent made this a great experience. The tent was clean but did not have any electricity - a solar / wind-up lamp was provided and there was a device charging station in reception. The staff were friendly and helpful and the communal facilities were perfectly acceptable and clean. Evening meals were tables of up to 8 people, and while the service could be a little slow, it allowed us to get to know our fellow diners. The 30 minute walk from camp to the 'twin bridges' was the highlight of my two weeks in California - absolutely stunningly beautiful. Compared to Curry Village, this place is heaven. Highly recommended.

JD-94-travels

My husband and I stayed two nights so that he could get an early start for the Clouds Rest hike. You pay a fair amount of money for something that is more like a camping experience. The "rooms" are tent cabins with army style beds. Linens and blankets are provided as is wood for the wood stove. There is one central toilet and shower facility, so be prepared to take a walk if you get up during the night. It does get cleaned at least once a day, but it still could be cleaner. Bring flip flops for the shower. All food and toiletries have to be stored in bear boxes.||||We ate several meals in the lodge's dining room. Be sure to make reservations for dinner; there are not reservations for breakfast. We enjoyed meeting other people when eating (most tables seat 5-8 people). The food was good and reasonably priced for the location.||||Because of the cost for lodging, we probably would not stay here again unless altitude acclimatization is essential. Our preference would be to stay in Lee Vining.