6 Ways to Camp Responsibly in Mammoth Lakes

Being a responsible camper means leaving the mountains as beautiful as you found them. When you pitch a tent in one of Mammoth Lakes' campgrounds, following these six guidelines protects the landscape, the wildlife, and the experience for everyone who comes after you.

Know Camping Regulations

Whether you're staying at one of the campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes or getting a wilderness permit to backpack into the wilderness, your camping trip in Mammoth Lakes is going to require a bit of planning. Here's a list of things you should be thinking about before you head out on a camping adventure in the mountains:

Research permitting and regulations. For Mammoth Lakes, that usually means checking the U.S. Forest Service website.
If you don't have a reservation or permit, make a backup plan in case the area you planned to camp is full or out of permits.
Camp only on durable surfaces.
Camp at least 200 feet from water.
Know current weather conditions. That includes knowing if the area is ready for camping.
Learn the seven principles of Leave No Trace and be prepared to follow them.
Be a good neighbor to your fellow campers.

Respect Wildlife

The wildlife that calls the Eastern Sierra home, including deer, birds, trout, rodents and, of course, black bears, deserve to be treated with respect. Our bear safety guide covers everything you need to know about staying safe in bear country.

Give animals plenty of space (at least 50 feet) and never feed wildlife. Relying on human food be dangerous for animals because they may have trouble surviving on their own or become too comfortable around humans and find themselves in a situation that is unsafe for both animals and humans.

Store Food in Bear-Proof Containers

Keep all food and scented items (think: toiletries) in bear-proof containers. In established campgrounds, bear-proof containers called bear boxes are available to guests free of charge throughout the campsite. As soon as you arrive at camp, transfer your food, including coolers, from your car into the bear box.

If you're backpacking, you are required to carry a bear canister, which is like your own portable bear box. You can purchase or rent bear canisters at several local retail stores. The U.S. Forest Service office at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center also rents bear canisters.

Dispose of Trash Properly

Always dispose of your trash in locked dumpsters, securing the carabiner clip or latched handle used to lock the receptacle. Do not leave trash outside your camp or in your car or tent.

When backpacking, trash and leftover food should be stored in your bear canister until you are back in town and can dispose of the trash in a bear-proof dumpster.

Learn About Campfire Safety & Regulations

It's no secret that California is prone to wildfires in dry summers. While we can't control natural fires, we can take extra care to make sure we are never the cause of manmade fires by following fire regulations and practicing fire safety. Here are some of the most important rules of fire safety:

Know the current fire regulations and where you are allowed to have a campfire
Be sure to acquire the appropriate fire permit for any fires outside of designated campgrounds.
Buy firewood where you plan to burn it so you don't introduce pests from your hometown to the local environment.
Use existing fire rings.
Keep fires small and never leave a fire unattended.
Drown your fire dead out. The remnants of a campfire should be cool to the touch before you leave your campsite.

Leave Your Campsite Better Than You Found It

If you love visiting Mammoth Lakes (and how could you not, it's so beautiful here) treat the mountains and your campsite like a second home. Always try to leave your campsite or any trails you explore better than you found it. You'll be ensuring your next visit to Mammoth Lakes is just as magical. And you'll be saving some of the magic for other visitors who come after you as well.

Your first step toward more sustainable recreation can be as simple as reading and signing the Mammoth Lakes Promise to commit to keeping Mammoth Lakes beautiful.

Sign the Mammoth Lakes Promise

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the questions campers ask most about responsible camping in Mammoth Lakes.

Do I need a bear canister for camping in Mammoth Lakes?

In established campgrounds, bear boxes are available free of charge at your campsite. If you're backpacking into the wilderness, you are required to carry a bear canister. Bear canisters can be purchased or rented at local outdoor retailers and at the U.S. Forest Service office at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center.

Can I have a campfire in Mammoth Lakes?

Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds with fire rings, but regulations vary by season and fire conditions. Always check current fire regulations before your trip and acquire the appropriate fire permit for any fires outside designated campgrounds.

Do I need a permit to camp in Mammoth Lakes?

Established campgrounds require a reservation through Recreation.gov. Backpacking into wilderness areas requires a wilderness permit. Check the U.S. Forest Service website for current availability and requirements before heading out.

What is Leave No Trace?

Leave No Trace is a set of seven outdoor ethics principles designed to minimize human impact on natural environments. They cover everything from campsite selection and waste disposal to wildlife interaction and fire safety. Full details are available at the Leave No Trace website.