Tuolumne Backpackers Campground - Late Sept

[johnstream]

We're heading on a northbound loop up Cold Canyon and down Rogers. I know Tuolumne Campground will be closed, but what are the chances of ditching our car at the lot at Lembert and picking a spot inside the campground? Will the rangers throw us out?

I'd rather not get a site down the road at Porcupine. I'd prefer to be as close to the TH as possible.

What are your thoughts?

[AlmostThere]

I don't know what to think since I never tried to camp in a closed campground. Don't think I ever would - I am the one who sees a backcountry ranger every time I am in the park and gets asked all the time if I have a bear canister, etc. If there is someone who is most likely to get caught breaking rules it will be me...

Porcupine isn't your only option, you know. There's campgrounds at Tioga and Ellery Lakes, just outside the gate. It's a shorter drive.

[dan]

The Tuolumne Meadows campground is usually open through the last weekend in September. Checking the website,
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/nrcamping.htm
shows it open until Mon. Sept. 27th this year.
I've been at the TM campground the last weekend it was open. Even the TM store and grill were open (no guarantees for you though, haven't checked this year's status for the store/grill).

[RAINMAN19]

I was under the impression that if you had a backcountry permit you were entitled to stay in the backpacker section. correct?

[dan]

I was under the impression that if you had a backcountry permit you were entitled to stay in the backpacker section. correct?

Not correct. You can only stay in the backpacker section when the Tuolumne Meadows Campground is open (in summer). When the campground is closed but the road is open (in fall and late spring) you can't stay there.

You can stay there after the road closes (Winter).

[jeremy1701]

I was under the impression that if you had a backcountry permit you were entitled to stay in the backpacker section. correct?

I would call the Backcountry Office. They will give you a definitive answer.

[johnstream]

I called and they said maybe. it all depends on the plumbing and whether or not the water is turned off. i'm calling next week to find out for sure.

[jeremy1701]

I called and they said maybe. it all depends on the plumbing and whether or not the water is turned off. i'm calling next week to find out for sure.

Maybe?! So much for definitive!!

[hotrod4x5]

I called and they said maybe. it all depends on the plumbing and whether or not the water is turned off. i'm calling next week to find out for sure.

Maybe what? Maybe you can camp in the closed campground?