Mammoth Lakes Camping: 16 Best Campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes [2023]

Do you want to go on a Mammoth Lakes camping trip?

Perhaps you’ve spent hours researching which campground to book but found yourself overwhelmed with too many choices. 

Well, we are here to help you select the perfect campsite in Mammoth so that you can get to planning the other details like how much chocolate for smores to pack.

This list of the best campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes has enough information to help you pick the best campsite and plenty of extra details to help you plan your trip. 

Now sit back and let us help you pick the perfect campsite for your Mammoth Lakes camping trip.

Camping in Mammoth Lakes Overview

There are a lot of options for areas to camp in Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding Eastern Sierras, including 35 campgrounds spread out across four different destinations.

This guide covers the Mammoth Lakes area, Devil’s Postpile (Reds Meadows) area, June Lake, and Rock Creek (Crowley Lake). 

Staying in Mammoth Lakes provides you easy access to explore the Eastern Sierras as well as the nearby Yosemite National Park for a day trip.

16 Best Campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes

1. Twin Lakes Campground Mammoth

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 94, no RV hookups
• Best Campsites:  5, 46b, 71, 93
• Cellphone Reception: limited, AT&T and Sprint get some coverage
• Amenities: flush toilet, HOT showers, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, food storage locker, general store
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes, but first come, first served is available during the off-season
• Reserve Campground | Twin Lakes Campground Map

The Twin Lakes Campground is located in the lowest lake of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and it also happens to be the largest campground in the region. 

This Mammoth Lake campground has over 94 lakeside campsites divided between the eastern and western shores of Twin Lakes.

Visitors can choose between sites closer to the shore or those a little up on the hill that are just a short walking distance from the lake. 

If you want privacy, you’ll be glad to know that this area is well-forested by lodgepole pines which provide ample shade and further isolate the sites.

2. Lake Mary Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 51, no RV hookups
• Best Campsites:  5, 6, 33, 41
• Cellphone Reception: limited, AT&T gets some coverage
• Amenities: flush toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker 
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes, but first come, first served is also available (sites 46-50)
• Reserve Campground

Lake Mary is the largest lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and it is also the most developed. 

Lake May campground is also a bit more crowded than the other campgrounds nearby if you decide to stay here.

This is because the sites are close together, and though there are plenty of pine trees, there is little privacy between neighbors.

However, staying at this campground will provide you with direct access to the lake along with its gorgeous views.

If you’re looking into exploring the John Muir Wilderness, the Duck Lake Pass Trailhead starts at the other side of the campground at the edge of Coldwater Creek Road and Coldwater Campground.

3. Lake George Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 15, no RV hookups
• Best Campsites:  8, 10, 16
• Cellphone Reception: No
• Amenities: flush toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker, general store nearby
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: First come, first served only

Lake George Campground is just a few minutes’ drive from the Lake Mary Campground, and unlike its neighbor, this one is relatively small in size with only 15 campsites.

The sites are shaded by the forest of pine trees that surround the lake and provide a canopy for the campground.

However, because of the area’s small size, they tend to be close to each other, so don’t expect much privacy when staying here. 

The upside is that this campground has a quiet atmosphere, and if you want some lakeside tent camping in Mammoth, all the sites are right by the lake.

4. Coldwater Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 74, no RV hookups
• Best Campsites:  15, 37, 52, 61
• Cellphone Reception: limited, Sprint and At&t get some coverage
• Amenities: flush toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

Continue upstream from Lake Mary, and you will soon find Coldwater Campground, which is one of the best places to camp in Mammoth Lakes.

This particular Mammoth campground is frequented by campers who love its easy access to the water.

Two creeks border it, and trailheads for nearby lakes can be found at the upper end of the grounds. 

The 5-mile Duck Pass Trailhead is a favorite as it allows avid hikers access to Arrowhead Lake, Skelton Lake, Barney Lake, and Duck Lake.

As you enter the campground, you will find that most of the sites are large and offer plenty of privacy.

Also, some sites are well-shaded by pines, while there are sites as well that are a bit more exposed to the sun.

This is one of the best campgrounds in Mammoth and is also much quieter compared to the other campsites in the area.

5. Sherwin Creek Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 87, no RV hook-ups
• Best Campsites: 19, 21, 37, 54, 81
• Cellphone Reception: Yes
• Amenities: vault toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker, general store
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes, but first come, first served is also available
• Reserve Campground

Sherwin Creek Campground is less than a 10-minute drive away from Mammoth Village, and though it does not have direct access to any of the beautiful lakes in the area, it is just a few steps away from a nice creek.

If you love waking up to the sound of water flowing, a lot of its first come, first served sites are situated right by Sherwin Creek. 

These sites also feel more secluded, which is excellent if you like to have more privacy. 

The area is far enough from the highway and the town’s main roads that you won’t get traffic noise, but off-roaders on nearby tracks disturb the peace and tranquility.

If you’re looking for the best campground in Mammoth Lakes with first-come, first-served sites, stay at Sherwin Creek campground.

6. New Shady Rest Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 92
• Best Campsites: 69, 83, 105, 115, 139
• Cellphone Reception: Yes
• Amenities: flush toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

New Shady Rest Campground is isolated away from the lakes in the area, but it is very close to town and is still only a short 10-minute drive from much of the area’s outdoor recreation. 

It is also near public transportation which is by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. 

If you want to avail of the free shuttle that goes around most of the popular spots in Mammoth Lakes, then this is an ideal campground for you.

The sites are well-spaced from each other, offering enough privacy, and mature Jeffery pines shade the whole area.

However, because of its location, you might get the occasional traffic noise though it doesn’t get too bothersome that you won’t enjoy some peace and quiet while camping here.

7. Camp High Sierra

• Type: Tent, RV, Cabin, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 52 with six tent-only sites, 36 Tent/RV sites (9 with full hookups), and ten cabins
• Best Campsites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 21
• Cellphone Reception: Yes
• Amenities: flush toilet, HOT showers, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker, RV hookups
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

If you’re looking for somewhere to camp in Mammoth Lakes that has more of a family vibe to it, then you probably would love Camp High Sierra.

Its amenities and accommodations lean more on being able to accommodate groups and families visiting the area.

The campsites are large and spaced enough for privacy while towering trees provide ample shade throughout the camp.

This is the only campground in Mammoth that offers full hookups for a good number of its RV sites, plus they offer free showers to all guests that are staying at the facilities. 

Camp High Sierra is the only campground on this list that California Land Management is not operated by Inyo National Forest.

8. Reds Meadow Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 52, no RV hookups
• Best Campsites: 9, 13, 52
• Cellphone Reception: limited
• Amenities: vault toilet, HOT showers at the resort, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: First come, first served only.

If you want to visit the Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow Campground is less than 2 miles away from its parking lot. 

This campground is also a great access point to the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail, which makes this a good jump-off point to experience sections of these epic thru-hikes.

The campsite is situated in a picturesque meadow that is close to both Sotcher Lake and Reds Meadow Hot Springs, which are short walks from the campsite.

A Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus services the area, but if you are camping here, you are allowed to take your car with you for a fee and drive through the narrow access road that leads to the campground.

9. Upper Soda Springs Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 28, no RV hookups
• Best Campsites:  7, 15, 21
• Cellphone Reception: limited
• Amenities: vault toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: First come, first served only

The Upper Soda Springs Campground is an underrated hidden gem amongst the campgrounds in the Mammoth area.

The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River runs right next to the campground, which provides some excellent opportunities for wading in the water and some trout fishing. 

This is also a good jump-off point for taking the complimentary shuttle to Devil’s Postpile Monument and Reds Meadow.

You can also hike nearby Minaret Falls and Rainbow Falls, which are popular spots in Mammoth that you should not miss.

The campsites are not too close to each other, so there’s plenty of privacy. At the same time, the entire area has ample shade from lodgepole pines.

10. Convict Lake Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Cabin, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 88
• Best Campsites: 6, 15, 29, 33, 53
• Cellphone Reception: No
• Amenities: flush toilet, HOT showers nearby, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker, the general store at the resort nearby
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes, but first-come, first-served sites are also available
• Reserve Campground

When considering camping near Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake Campground would probably be somewhere on the top of the list.

Not only is it very close to the scenic Convict Lake, but it also has beautiful Laurel Mountain as its backdrop.

The sites are fairly spacious, some overlooking the lake while others are near the lakeshore.

The area can be pretty exposed, though, as there isn’t much shade from trees available, with primarily low vegetation filling the landscape. 

Make sure to bring in some form of extra shade if you decide to camp here.

There is also a Marina on the Lake where you can rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards and buy a fishing license.

11. Convict Lake Resort

• Type: Cabin
• Number of Sites: 31 cabins
• Cellphone Reception: limited
• Amenities: flush toilet, HOT showers, barbecue grills, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, general store
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

Convict Lake Resort is about a 15-minute walk from the Convict Lake Campground, and it is the place to book if you want to enjoy the outdoors while having the comforts of home.

The lodgings here are all cabins that could accommodate as few as two people to as many as thirty-four.

So, if you and your partner or party are not exactly the outdoorsy type and you don’t want to sleep in a tent or an RV, this resort will be perfect for you.

The resort retains a mostly quiet atmosphere except for when there are events hosted like weddings. 

The accommodations are great for large groups, so be prepared for some noise if you book here.

12. Silver Lake Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 65
• Best Campsites:  15, 19, 35, 43, 60
• Cellphone Reception: Yes
• Amenities: flush toilet, HOT showers, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, food storage locker, general store nearby
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

The Silver Lake campground is located at the northern shore of Silver Lake, which is a part of the June Lake Loop. 

This campground near Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by stunning views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain peaks that make this one of the most beautiful campgrounds on the list. 

This particular location is famous for fishing and is actually near the region’s oldest “trout fishing retreat” at Silver Lake Resort. 

This neighboring facility has a small cafe and a general store for small camping provisions and fishing supplies.

13. June Lake Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 28 sites in total, six tent-only sites
• Best Campsites:  6, 10, 13, 22
• Cellphone Reception: Yes
• Amenities: flush toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, cell reception, food storage locker, RV hookups
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes
• Reserve Campground

June Lake Campground is located on the southern end of June Lake and butts up with the town center. 

This makes it very convenient for supply runs or an easy lunch in town, but it takes away from the tranquil nature associated with camping.

It’s close to the marina, where you can rent a boat or a kayak if you want to take it out on the lake and maybe cross to the beach on the northern shore.

Otherwise, the Oh Ridge Day Use Area and the beach are just a short drive around the lake if you also don’t want to be out on the water.

Some sites are tucked away, well-shaded, and feel very private, while others are sandwiched together and are closer to the shore, which means they are fairly exposed.

14. French Camp Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 85, no RV hookups
• Best Campsites: 22, 43, 55, 78, 81
• Cellphone Reception: Yes
• Amenities: flush toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes, but first come, first served is also available
• Reserve Campground

Located between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, French Camp is just right off Hwy 395 and is a great quiet spot to spend the night whether you’re passing through on a road trip, on your way to Mammoth Lakes.

It’s bordered on one side by Rock Creek, which happens to be a great spot for fishing, where you will see a lot of anglers and fishermen spread out and quietly enjoying their day on the creek.

Compared to the other campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes, this one feels more secluded and tucked away.

So if you really like some peace and quiet in nature away from the crowds, you might want to check this place out.

The campsites here are very spacious, have ample shade, and offer a lot of privacy with a creek that runs alongside it.

Although there are no showers available, you can stop by Tom’s place for paid showers which is less than a mile away.

15. Rock Creek Lake Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 26 in total with 6 tent-only sites, 2 RV-only sites with no hook-ups
• Best Campsites:  3, 5, 22, 25
• Cellphone Reception: No
• Amenities: flush toilet, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes, but first come, first served is also available
• Reserve Campground

This campground is located on the southeastern end of Rock Creek Lake, which is about 35 minutes southeast of Mammoth Lakes off Highway 395.

It will take a bit of a drive to the nearest town, which may be an advantage if you’re looking to experience camping like you’re in the middle of nowhere. 

The place has a quiet atmosphere, has excellent access to the lake and its crystal clear waters, and it’s just a relaxing place with great views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

This campground is close to the Little Lakes and Mono Pass Trailhead, which are popular amongst day hikers.

Overall this is one of the best campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes that is perfect for those who want to be away from the crowds in Mammoth Lakes.

16. East Fork Campground

• Type: Tent, RV, Trailer
• Number of Sites: 133, with 25 tent-only sites, no RV hookups
• Best Campsites: 114, 116, 118, 121, 125
• Cellphone Reception: No
• Amenities: flush toilets, fire pit, picnic table, drinking water, pets allowed, food storage locker
• Accessibility: Drive-up
• Reservations?: Yes, but first come, first served is also available
• Reserve Campground

East Fork Campground is a large campground with over 133 sites that are nestled alongside Rock Creek. 

The landscape surrounding the campground is rugged, but the water from the creek nourishes the pine, fir, and aspen trees that provide plenty of cover for most of the sites. 

Some sites are close to Rock Creek, which provides the opportunity to relax and sleep with the sound of the nearby rushing water. 

The campground is located close to Rock Creek Lake and is also near the Little Lakes Trailhead, which leads you into the John Muir wilderness.

If you have issues with altitude, this campground near Mammoth Lakes might not be the best option for you as it sits at 8900 feet of elevation.

Overall Best Camping in Mammoth Lakes California

• Overall Best Campgrounds: Twin Lakes Campground, Coldwater Campground
• Best First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds: Lake George, Reds Meadows
• Best Campgrounds with Secluded Sites: French Camp, Rock Creek
• Best Campgrounds with Amenities: Camp High Sierra

16 Best Campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes Table

Mammoth Lakes Camping Map

Mammoth Lakes Camping Reservations

Most campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes can be reserved through Recreation.gov, with a couple of privately-owned sites. 

Most sites are on a 6-month rolling basis which means that on December 1st, you can reserve for June 1st, on December 2nd, you can reserve for June 2nd, and so on. 

• HOW TO BOOK A MAMMOTH LAKES CAMPSITE 

The first step is to create an account with Recreation.gov ahead of time, which is simple and straightforward.

If you are reserving a popular campsite and need to book six months in advance, make sure to do the following:

1. Have a few campsites pre-selected since sites get booked up very quickly.

2. Be logged in to your computer before 7 AM PST and be ready to book your campsite.

3. Add the campsite to your cart as soon as possible, and you will have about 15 minutes before it’s released.

• WHEN TO BOOK MAMMOTH CAMPGROUNDS

As mentioned, most campgrounds release their availability six months before.

You don’t necessarily have to wait for your entire camping trip’s dates to be released before you book.

For example, if your trip is from June 1st to 5th, you can reserve your campsite as soon as the availability opens up for June 1st, which would be December 1st on a 6-month rolling basis.

Dispersed Camping near Mammoth Lakes

The area near Mammoth Lakes is one of the best places for dispersed camping in California.

Some campsites have easy access to relaxing hot springs where you can enjoy some solitude in the wilderness.

To know where you can and cannot camp in Mammoth Lakes and Eastern Sierras, use this interactive map and make sure to read the guidelines from the Inyo National Forest.

While camping is free, a campfire permit is required for all flames, from charcoal grills to simple camping stoves.

Free Camping in Mammoth Lakes

These are our favorites for free camping in Mammoth Lakes.

• Wild Willy’s Hot Springs – no potable water, no toilets

These hot springs are located down a rough road off Hwy 395. There’s no entrance fee for this camping and hot springs experience near Mammoth Lakes.

• Mammoth Scenic Loop – no potable water, no toilets

The scenic loop begins just north of downtown Mammoth and offers visitors a relaxed way of enjoying some of the area’s attractions.

• Owen’s River Road – no toilets, but water is available at the nearby Crestview Rest Area.

Just off Hwy 395, this paved road follows along the Owen’s River and is frequented by dispersed campers looking for a quiet spot away from crowds.

• Upper & Lower Deadman Campground – no water, (4) vault toilets

For camping lovers, this is a great free camping spot near Mammoth Lakes with a nearby creek that has great trout fishing.

• Glass Creek Campground – no water, (10) vault toilets

This free campground has decent vault toilets and is very popular with RVs.

• Big Springs Campground – no potable water, (2) vault toilets

This is a beautiful area to camp for free, but it does get very busy on weekends and holidays.

• Hartley Springs Campground – no water, (4) vault toilets

The campground area is really well spaced out and has a good canopy provided by the forest of pine trees.

• Sagehen Meadows – no water, (2) vault toilets 

If you want a less crowded public land camping experience near Mammoth, this is it if you don’t mind the sun exposure.

Best Time to Camp at Mammoth Lakes 

The best time to go camping at Mammoth Lakes is during early fall when there isn’t as much of a crowd as there is during the summer.

Also, the weather tends to be more favorable as it isn’t too cold or hot. 

Mammoth Lakes gets a lot of snow in the winter, so some areas and campgrounds are more challenging to access, and some roads are even subject to road closures.  

Practical Information for Camping at Mammoth Lakes

• Be mindful of the elevation

Mammoth Lakes is relatively high in terms of elevation than some of its neighboring towns. 

If you are coming in from a lower elevation, listen to your body, wait for it to adjust to the changes, and just remain properly hydrated.

When camping at an elevation, it also gets quite chilly at night, similar to camping in Lake Tahoe.

• Some campsites may not open until early June due to snow cover

Even if you have an ideal campsite in mind, check the location ahead to know if the place is closed and is still yet to open during your visit.

• Be Bear Aware

Be aware that you are traveling in bear country; as such, be wary and follow instructions carefully. Most of the campsites provide bear storage lockers for your and the bear’s safety.

• Fire restrictions may be imposed.

Before arriving at your campsite and upon arrival, keep yourself updated on any restrictions that may be in place. 

Check-in with the campsite host for the latest updates. To be better prepared when such situations arise, bring a propane stove to cook your food.

• Cellphone reception is limited in some areas.

Even if the campsite does say that it has cell coverage, most of the time, it is limited at best. 

Some of the Mammoth areas also have limited cell coverage, so to keep your trip unhampered, download all necessary maps for easy access offline.

FAQs

Can you camp in Mammoth for free?

Yes, there are some areas in Mammoth that you can camp in for free. Most of these sites also do not need any prior reservation and come on a first-come, first-served basis. Take note also that these sites are primarily for dry camping.

Can you camp anywhere in Mammoth Lakes?

No, you’re not allowed to camp anywhere in Mammoth Lakes. Outside of staying at established campgrounds, there are specific dispersed camping areas where you can camp, so you should check beforehand.

How much does it cost to camp at Mammoth?

The average cost of a campsite in Mammoth Lakes is about $30 per night. 

Where can you camp in the winter in Mammoth?

During winter, you can camp at Mammoth Mountain RV Park. It’s open all year round, unlike most of the campsites in the area that are only open seasonally.

Do we need a reservation for Mammoth Lakes?

You do not need a reservation to visit Mammoth Lakes. However, if you plan to camp at one of the established campgrounds, you will need to book your campsite ahead of time unless they offer first come, first served sites.

Wrap-Up: Mammoth Lakes Campgrounds

With so many campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes to choose from, it is undeniably tricky to decide which one will work best for you.

With this list, you will have no problem planning your Mammoth Lakes camping trip when you visit the Eastern Sierras. 

Now pack up your camping gear and load up the car for your next big adventure.