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Tenaya Lake

Yosemite National Park, CA

Nature

A clear alpine lake at about 8,150 feet beside the Tioga Road, ringed by granite domes. Sandy beaches at both ends make it a good picnic and swim stop in summer; the water stays cold.

Nearest town
Yosemite National Park, CA
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
37.8290, -119.4600

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Ellery CampgroundCampsite
    14 mi from Tenaya Lake · 12 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
  • Mono Vista RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    20 mi from Tenaya Lake
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
  • Oh! Ridge CampgroundCampsite
    21 mi from Tenaya Lake
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
  • Hodgdon Meadow CampgroundCampsite
    22 mi from Tenaya Lake · 103 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
  • Wawona CampgroundCampsite
    23 mi from Tenaya Lake · 97 pitches
    TentsCaravansToilets
  • Indian Flat RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    24 mi from Tenaya Lake
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi

All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Tenaya Lake?

Tenaya Lake is in Yosemite National Park, CA, at GPS 37.8290, -119.4600. It is about 9 mi from Yosemite Valley.

Can you camp near Tenaya Lake?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Porcupine Flat Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 65 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Tenaya Lake?

Tenaya Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Yosemite end to end: sequoias, Glacier Point and Tioga Road.

What is there to see near Tenaya Lake?

Places worth a stop nearby: Olmsted Point (2 mi), Tuolumne Meadows (6 mi), Upper Pines Campground (9 mi) and Glacier Point (9 mi).

When is the best time to visit Tenaya Lake?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Part of these destinations