Eagle Meadow Horse Camp
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Eagle Meadow Horse Camp sits at 7,546 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, a high-elevation campground ideal for stock parties seeking shelter and stable water access.
Wind averages 8 mph but gusts to 28 mph in afternoon hours, funneling down the drainage system. Morning calm persists through mid-day; afternoon builds steadily. Temperature swings 17 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit across the year. High elevation keeps conditions cooler and drier than valley alternatives.
Over the last 30 days, the average NoGo Score here is 17.0, with temperatures averaging 32 degrees Fahrenheit and wind at 8 mph. The week ahead follows typical spring patterns for this elevation: expect temperature gains of 5 to 10 degrees if storm systems clear, but afternoon wind will remain a steady presence. Check the 7-day forecast grid below to pinpoint calm mornings and plan stock trips around wind peaks.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Eagle Meadow Horse Camp
Eagle Meadow Horse Camp occupies high Sierra terrain in the Yosemite corridor, accessed via Highway 395 from the east or Highway 120 from the west. The camp sits northeast of Tuolumne Meadows and serves primarily as a staging area for stock parties heading into wilderness trailheads. Road conditions and snow closure dates track Highway 120 opening windows; expect seasonal closures from November through May in heavy snow years. The meadow itself drains toward the Tuolumne River system and maintains reliable water for livestock through late summer.
Conditions at 7,546 feet follow classic high-Sierra patterns. The 30-day average temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit reflects spring transition; winter snow persists through early summer, and by late September freezing nights return. Wind behavior is the defining factor: the 30-day average of 8 mph masks strong afternoon acceleration funneling through the drainage. The rolling 365-day maximum wind of 28 mph occurs most often in afternoon hours from late spring through early fall. Crowding remains light (average 12.0 on the rolling 30-day metric) because the location appeals to a narrow user base. Smoke intrusion is minimal relative to lower elevations, but spring winds can kick up dust on exposed approaches.
This camp suits stock parties, backcountry outfitters, and horse camps with livestock requirements. Seasonal visitors arrive after snow clears and depart before fall storms. The meadow offers flat camping and pasture; nearby water and corrals support multi-day staging. Experienced users arrive Tuesday through Thursday mornings to avoid weekend congestion and afternoon wind buildup. Pack halters and tie-out gear; high-elevation wind can spook animals. Winter access depends on Highway 120 plowing; call ahead in spring and fall. Smoke season (typically mid-July through September) reduces visibility but rarely closes access.
Tuolumne Meadows, a major hub 8 to 12 miles west, draws far more traffic and provides ranger stations, permits, and commercial services. Visitors planning longer backcountry trips often stage at Eagle Meadow to access quieter trailheads and avoid Tuolumne's crowds. The Yosemite corridor overall experiences a surge the first weekend after Highway 120 opens; Eagle Meadow feels this echo, but its stock-only designation keeps daily counts lower than valley campgrounds. For riders comfortable with high elevation and wind, the trade-off is access to wilderness without the infrastructure dependency of lower-elevation parks.