Best Bets: Family Camping in and Around Mammoth Lakes

August 01, 2025

Mammoth Lakes offers a range of family-friendly campgrounds, from in-town sites near the Welcome Center to lakeside spots in the Lakes Basin, with several more just a short drive away.

A family camping trip in Mammoth Lakes doesn’t need to be complicated. The area has plenty of easily accessible campgrounds close to hiking, biking, fishing, and lake activities, making it an affordable and fun option for families. Local backpacking opportunities suit families ready to head into the backcountry, but you don’t have to be hardcore to enjoy camping in Mammoth Lakes.

How to Reserve a Campground

Reserving a campsite online is easy. You can also call 877-444-6777 to reserve a campsite over the phone. Most campgrounds also have walk-in sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and peak periods.

It’s always best to book as soon as possible for the best selection of sites, and rates at public campgrounds don’t fluctuate. The US Forest Service (USFS) has a complete list of campgrounds in the Mammoth and Mono Lake Ranger Districts. If you're not familiar with the area and want to talk to an expert, head to the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, where a USFS Ranger can show you maps and help you decide the best places for you to explore.

This guide focuses on tent camping, but most of the campgrounds also accept RVs and trailers, and private facilities are also available.

Family-Friendly Campgrounds

Nightly rates vary by campground; check current pricing when you reserve. All the campgrounds listed below have flush toilets and potable water. Many also offer interpretive programs. For a more primitive experience, there are abundant opportunities for dispersed camping throughout the region. Visit the Welcome Center or call 760-924-5500 for more detailed information about backcountry camping.

Campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes

Quick facts: New Shady Rest and Old Shady Rest: closest to town, near the Welcome Center and a paved multi-use path | Coldwater, Lake George, Lake Mary, Twin Lakes: in the Lakes Basin, near fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding

New Shady Rest and Old Shady Rest Campgrounds are closest to town and the Welcome Center, a municipal park with a playground and fields and a half-mile paved multi-use path that connects to free public transportation, the Town Loop or family-friendly biking options.

Lakes Basin campgrounds include Coldwater Campground, Lake George Campground, Lake Mary Campground, and Twin Lakes Campground. These areas are great for fishing, boating and easy access to family hiking and horseback riding. Your family will also enjoy the 5.3-mile paved Lakes Basin Path as it descends 1,000 vertical feet to The Village at Mammoth.

Ride the free Lakes Basin Trolley for daytime shuttle service to town or bike down and catch a ride back up. All the trolleys are equipped with bike trailers.

Campgrounds Just Outside of Mammoth Lakes

Quick facts: Convict Lake: 10 minutes south, hiking, boating, fishing, guided horseback riding nearby | Oh! Ridge: 20 miles north on the June Lake Loop, two beaches, kayak and paddleboard rentals on-site

Convict Lake Campground is just ten minutes south of Mammoth Lakes but feels more remote. You can hike around the lake, boat, fish or take a guided horseback ride. Numerous trailheads are nearby and you can even indulge in a meal at Convict Lake Resort.

Oh! Ridge Campground is located on the June Lake Loop just twenty miles north of Mammoth Lakes and is a favorite spot of Mammoth Lakes locals. There are two well-maintained beaches offering some of the best lake swimming (caution: no lifeguards on duty) in the eastern Sierra, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals right on the beach. There are also marina and boat launch facilities nearby.

Keep It Simple

You don’t need fancy equipment for a successful family camping trip. In fact, it’s best to keep things basic. An inexpensive pop-up tent works well when you don’t have to carry gear far. Choose one rated for more people than you have, so bags fit inside and everyone has room to spare. Bring a tarp to place underneath the tent. A rubber mallet is handy for tapping tent stakes into hard ground, and a thick or inflatable sleeping pad or air mattress helps everyone sleep comfortably.

It gets chilly in the mountains at night, even in summer, so bring a sleeping bag, warm clothes to sleep in, and a hat or beanie. You can make a sleeping bag considerably warmer by placing a blanket inside and wrapping yourself in it. A favorite pillow from home is a small comfort that makes a big difference, especially for first-time campers. Pack a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries and a spare bulb, and bring folding camp chairs for sitting outside.

Amenities

All of the developed campgrounds listed above have both fire pits and bear boxes, and some also have picnic tables and charcoal grills. Check current fire restrictions before you go. When restrictions are in place, you may only build a campfire in a developed campsite, and outside developed sites only camp stoves are allowed with a current permit.

Please obtain firewood locally and do not transport it long distances to help prevent the spread of insects and diseases. Never leave your fire unattended, and drown it with water until it is cool to the touch when you finish.

Bears and Wildlife

Black bears are part of the Mammoth Lakes community, and with luck you may spot one from a safe distance in its natural habitat.

To keep bears and other wildlife from becoming a nuisance and a danger to themselves and humans, secure all food, coolers, and scented items in the bear box at your campsite and never leave food out unattended. Keep a clean camp and dispose of trash in secure receptacles. Never leave food in your car overnight.

For a complete rundown on keeping your campsite bear-safe, see our bear safety guide.

Plan Your Family Camping Trip

Whether you want to stay close to town or post up lakeside in the Basin, Mammoth Lakes has a family-friendly campground to match. Remember to observe current fire restrictions and leave no trace principles on every family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which campground in Mammoth Lakes is best for families?

New Shady Rest and Old Shady Rest are the most convenient for families, located closest to town near the Welcome Center with a paved path connecting to free public transit and biking options. Families wanting lake access often prefer the Lakes Basin campgrounds (Coldwater, Lake George, Lake Mary, and Twin Lakes).

Do I need a bear box for family camping in Mammoth Lakes?

All developed campgrounds in the area already have bear boxes, so you won’t need to bring your own. You do need to use them, though: secure all food, coolers, and scented items, and never leave food out or in your car overnight.

Author
Betsy Temple-Truax
Betsy loves living and playing in Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra with her active family and friends. A passionate advocate for community recreation, Betsy never turns down an opportunity to swim, ski, paddle, travel or let someone else cook.
More Blog Posts By Betsy Temple-Truax

Plan Your Adventure

More Posts Like This

Related Content