Vogelsang High Sierra Camp

Overview

Vogelsang High Sierra Camp sits in classic granite-and-lake country and is the highest of Yosemite’s High Sierra Camps, perched around 10,000+ feet. When the system operates, it offers a backcountry lodge experience without hauling the kitchen sink—think tent cabins, bunks, and hearty meals hauled in by pack mules.

Current Status

The High Sierra Camps, including Vogelsang, are not operating in 2025 due to unavailable potable water and toilet utilities. The camp was also closed in recent seasons. You can still backpack in the area with a valid wilderness permit, but there are no services at the camp site this year.

Getting There

Vogelsang is a backcountry destination—no road access. It’s roughly 7.2 miles south of Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and about 7.6 miles from Merced Lake via the Fletcher Creek Trail. A longer option to Merced Lake (about 8.4 miles) crosses Vogelsang Pass, the high point on the multi-camp loop. A popular out-and-back from Tuolumne Meadows via Rafferty Creek runs about 14.3 miles round trip with around 1,600–1,700 feet of gain to the camp area.

What You’ll Find (when operating)

• Lodging: About 12 tent cabins historically, simple bunks, and a communal vibe.
• Meals: Sit‑down breakfast and dinner for overnight guests; backpackers traditionally could purchase meals as well.
• Facilities: Restrooms are composting/privy style; there are no showers at Vogelsang.

Nearby Highlights

This is a dream base for high-country day hikes: Fletcher and Vogelsang Lakes, Evelyn Lake’s open meadows, and the viewpoint from Vogelsang Pass. Strong hikers sometimes link multiple lakes in a single day from camp when it’s operating.

Reservations & Permits

When the camp system runs, space is extremely limited and handled by a lottery, typically accepting applications in early fall for the following summer. For trips this year, treat Vogelsang as a backpacking destination: you’ll need a wilderness permit, and bear canisters are required.

Seasonal Conditions

Expect classic Sierra swings: warm days, cold nights, and surprise thunderstorms. Early to mid‑summer mosquitoes can be fierce—bring effective bug protection. The traditional operating window for the camps is roughly June/July through September, weather permitting.

Best Time to Visit

If you’re backpacking while the camp is closed, start early from Tuolumne Meadows to make miles in the cool morning and to dodge typical afternoon storms. When the camp system resumes in future seasons, midweek dates and shoulder weeks of the operating window tend to feel quieter.