Sherrold Lake
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Sherrold Lake is a high-Sierra campground at 8,753 feet in the Yosemite corridor. Wind-exposed and cold-prone, it sits above the tree line with minimal shelter.
Afternoon wind is the dominant driver here. Mornings are often calm; by midday, gusts funnel across the open terrain. Temperatures average 32 degrees Fahrenheit on the 30-day rolling window, so expect lingering snow patches into late spring and cold nights year-round.
The 30-day average wind of 14 mph and NoGo Score of 17.0 show Sherrold Lake runs persistently blustery and cool. Temperatures have averaged 32 degrees Fahrenheit over the same window, with max gusts hitting 30 mph. The week ahead will clarify whether current conditions hold or ease; check the trend lines below to time your visit around calmer windows.
30 days back / 7 days forward
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About Sherrold Lake
Sherrold Lake sits at 8,753 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada, within the Yosemite corridor. Access is via Highway 120 from the west or Highway 395 from the east. The campground occupies exposed terrain above the forest canopy, offering minimal wind protection. Nearby landmarks include peaks and drainages running north-south along the Sierra crest. Base popularity is low relative to valley destinations, so crowds remain modest outside major holiday weekends. Parking is typically adequate, but arrive early in the day to secure a spot close to the lake.
Sherrold Lake transitions dramatically through the calendar. Winter locks the area under heavy snow; Highway 120 typically closes in November and opens in late May or early June. Spring thaw peaks in April and May, bringing cold water and potential wet conditions around campsites. The 30-day average temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit reflects late-spring or early-fall character; expect nights well below freezing through most of the year. Summer arrives briefly in July and August, with daytime highs reaching the low 50s but afternoon wind still averaging 14 mph. Crowding remains low year-round at 12.0 on the 30-day rolling average, compared to valley sites that spike above 50.
Sherrold Lake suits visitors comfortable with cold, wind, and self-sufficiency. Backpackers passing through on alpine routes, mountaineers staging for peak ascents, and anglers working the high-elevation lake find value here. Families with small children should plan for extreme cold and wind protection; this is not a sheltered destination. Kayakers and paddlers should target mornings before the 30 mph max wind threshold kicks in. Snow lingering past June demands confirmation of site conditions before a spring trip. Solar charging and stove-based cooking are practical given the exposure.
Nearby alternatives in the Yosemite corridor include sheltered coves and lower-elevation lakes that offer warmer water and reduced wind. Tioga Pass and the eastern Sierra gateway towns (Lee Vining, Mammoth) lie within an hour's drive and offer resupply, fuel, and shelter from storms. Highway 120 closes seasonally, creating a hard cutoff for access; plan trips during the open window and monitor road conditions before departure.