PEAKLIFE

By PEAKLIFE

If you are someone who loves to explore the outdoors and stay close to nature, Mammoth Lakes in California should definitely be on your bucket list this year. The year-round adventureland is one of those places you have to see to still not totally believe. It is a beautiful destination for camping, with more than 800 campsites allowing nature and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the area’s rich topography, flora, and much more. These campgrounds near famous trailheads are popular among hikers seeking nature’s visual spectacle in Mammoth Lakes.

Here are some of the best camping sites to explore in Mammoth Lakes, California. Take a look!

Campgrounds at Mammoth Lakes Basin

Accessible by road, the Mammoth Lakes Basin area is home to five campsites with trails and lakes in their backyards. Apart from camping, these sites also offer opportunities for other activities such as boating, kayaking, biking, and more. The entire region can be accessed by the Mammoth Lakes Trolley, even campsites located on the off-the-beaten-paths.

Twin Lakes Campground

It is the largest compound in the Mammoth Lakes Basin area, with a whopping 94 campsites by the lake on both the Lower and Upper Twin Lakes near Tamarack Lodge. The area also leads to many trailheads as the basin path meanders through the campsite, offering a thrilling outdoor experience for all ages.

Coldwater Campground

Situated in a pine forest above Lake Mary on the south end and near the Coldwater and Emerald Lake trailheads with both creeks running on either side, the Coldwater Campground has 74 campsites offering an adventurous experience in nature.

Lake George Campground

A comparatively smaller campground in Mammoth Lakes, Lake George, located on the lake, offers 16 sites. There are a couple of nearby trailheads such as TJ and Barrett Lakes that are popular among hikers.

Lake Mary Campground

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Mary, the campsites of Lake Mary Campground are nestled in a lodgepole pine forest offering stunning views. Out of its 10 campsites, Pine City Campground, located on Lake Mary’s western shore, is the smallest in the region. It is also the only campground in the area that does not accept reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reds Meadow Campground

Comprising 6 campgrounds, the Reds Meadow Valley, located on Mammoth Mountain’s west side in the Middle Fork San Joaquin River drainage, offers plenty of things to explore. Reds Meadow Campground has 54 campsites, making it the largest of its kind in the valley. With free hot spring showers and more to experience, the campground is very popular among hikers and campers.

Minaret Falls Campground

This campground with its 24 campsites is located at the cascading point of Minaret Creek into the San Joaquin River. A great spot for photographs and viewing waterfalls, this area is also very popular among nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Pumice Flat

A popular campground area for fishing, the Pumice Flat, located on the river, is one of the smaller campgrounds in the area but also offers a group campsite for large groups.

Upper Soda Springs Campground

Visit the 29 big campsites at Upper Soda Springs Campground to experience the thrill of riverfront camping. Located near a hiking trailhead that goes up to the River Trail, the campground is popular as a fishing spot.

Agnew Meadows Campground

Located near the Agnew Meadows Pack, Agnew Meadows Campground is an important trailhead of the popular Pacific Crest Trail. The grounds are situated on a cliff overlooking the river, offering the best camping adventure.

New Shady Rest and Old Shady Rest

Located close to the hustle and bustle of town, shops, restaurants, and more in the pine forest behind the Mammoth Welcome Center, the New and Old Shady Rest offers 141 campsites.

Mammoth RV Park

Open year-round, it is the only private campground in the area that offers both full and partial hook-up amenities as well as cabins and tents. Located across from the Mammoth Welcome Center near town, the park offers the experience of camping with all modern amenities such as hot showers, laundry, a heated pool and spa, and a water fill and dump station.

Sherwin Creek Campground

Located just a couple miles south of town on Sherwin Creek Road, the Sherwin Creek Campground has 85 campsites nestled in the cosy shade of the pine forest.

Picture credits : Mammoth Lakes Tourism