Upper Blue Lake Dam Site Expansion Campground
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Upper Blue Lake Dam Site Expansion Campground sits at 8199 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra. A small, low-traffic alpine camp sheltered by ridge terrain, it runs calmer than the exposed lake basins to the east.
Wind arrives predictably in the afternoon, funneling off the lake and surrounding peaks. Morning hours are nearly still. The 30-day average wind of 10 mph masks stronger gusts mid-day. Cold persists year-round at this elevation; expect frost even in summer.
Over the last 30 days, the 30-day average score of 17.0 reflects typical spring conditions for this high-elevation camp. Wind has peaked at 24 mph, with an average of 10 mph and average temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead tracks similar patterns. Head here on calm mornings and plan around afternoon wind.
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About Upper Blue Lake Dam Site Expansion Campground
Upper Blue Lake Dam Site Expansion Campground occupies a narrow shoulder of land on the west shore of Upper Blue Lake, roughly 20 miles east of Highway 395 near Markleeville and south of the Alpine County Sierra Nevada spine. Access is via Highway 4 from the west (Ebbetts Pass route) or Highway 89 from the north; both routes climb to high elevation and close seasonally. The campground's small footprint and remote location keep crowds minimal even on weekends. Base popularity ranks at 0.3, meaning it receives negligible traffic compared to Highway 120 corridor camps.
The site sits exposed to afternoon wind channeled down the Upper Blue Lake drainage and off the surrounding ridge system. The 30-day rolling average wind of 10 mph masks the diurnal cycle: mornings hold still air, typically under 5 mph; by mid-afternoon, wind picks up to 15 to 20 mph and can gust to 24 mph or higher. Average temperature over 30 days is 31 degrees Fahrenheit; nighttime freezes are standard from October through May. Crowding averages 12.0 over the rolling 30 days, a fraction of Yosemite Valley or Highway 120 camps. Late September and October, before the first snow, offer the calmest and warmest window.
This camp suits backpackers and fishers prioritizing solitude over amenities. The lake itself remains cold year-round; paddlers and swimmers should expect conditions typical of high-Sierra lakes. Vehicle access is essential; the camp sits too remote for walk-in camping from nearby towns. Parking fills only during peak seasons (July through early September). Bring a stove; firewood is scarce at this elevation and fires are often restricted. Snow accumulation begins in October and persists into early June; Highway 4 closes seasonally, cutting access from the west. Confirm road status before driving from the Ebbetts Pass approach.
Nearby alternatives include Blue Lakes (lower elevation, warmer, more amenities) directly south, and the Highway 120 corridor camps (Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows area) 40 miles north. Upper Blue Lake Dam Site offers a trade: minimal crowds and morning stillness in exchange for afternoon wind and high-altitude cold. Visitors seeking a protected alpine cove with predictable conditions should aim for early morning hours or shoulder seasons when afternoon wind eases.