AGNEW MEADOWS GROUP CAMP
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Agnew Meadows Group Camp sits at 8,320 feet in the high Sierra, east of Yosemite Valley. A sparse, windswept compound better suited to organized groups than solo travelers.
Afternoon wind climbs steadily from early spring through fall. The 30-day average wind is 9 mph, but gusts spike to 26 mph by mid-day. Morning calm lasts until late morning; skip the site after noon if you're sensitive to exposure.
The past month averaged 16 NoGo Score with temperatures around 29 degrees Fahrenheit and an average wind of 9 mph. The week ahead will track typical spring patterns for this elevation: cold nights, moderate wind rise through midday, and crowding tied to road access from Highway 120. Late-season snow melt and afternoon thermals drive the peak wind window.
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About AGNEW MEADOWS GROUP CAMP
Agnew Meadows Group Camp occupies a high-elevation plateau in the Yosemite corridor, roughly 2 miles east of Yosemite Valley via the Tioga Road (Highway 120). The campground is accessed from Lee Vining to the east or from Yosemite Valley to the west; Highway 120 is the only year-round approach. The site sits above 8,000 feet, placing it well above the Valley floor and into true Sierra Nevada terrain. Group use dominates; individual sites are sparse and booking requires advance reservation through the USDA Forest Service. The compound offers no shelter from wind or weather; exposure is the defining trait.
Spring and early summer bring the most reliable traffic, driven by Highway 120 opening windows and warming temperatures. The rolling 30-day average temperature is 29 degrees Fahrenheit, reflecting late-winter conditions at this elevation. Wind patterns are predictable: calm or light in early morning, building through late morning and peaking in early afternoon as thermals rise off the surrounding basins. The 30-day average wind is 9 mph, but afternoon gusts regularly reach 26 mph. Crowding averages 12 across rolling windows, low compared to Valley campgrounds but higher on weekends immediately after road reopening. Smoke is rare; elevation and exposure allow quick air turnover.
Agnew Meadows Group Camp suits organized groups, pack trips with horses or mules, and climbers staging for high-country missions. The site is not ideal for car campers seeking solitude or families with small children; wind exposure and isolation demand experience. Visitors plan around afternoon wind by scheduling morning activities and seeking shelter or departing before midday gusts. Parking is limited and reserved; overflow is not permitted. Water, toilets, and basic facilities are provided. Winter closures are strict; Highway 120 and the campground are inaccessible from late fall through late spring, depending on snowpack.
Visitors comparing options often pair Agnew Meadows with nearby Tuolumne Meadows Campground, 10 miles south, which sits at similar elevation but offers more exposed lake access and higher base crowding. Ellery Lake and Lee Vining Creek to the east provide fishing alternatives at lower cost and less reservation friction. The High Sierra Camps loop, also accessible via Highway 120, offers a packstock-friendly alternative with more structure and lower wind exposure in certain sites. For organized groups specifically, Agnew Meadows remains the corridor's primary option; no substitute exists at this elevation within the Yosemite boundary.