Camping in Mammoth Lakes

December 23, 2025

Campgrounds in the Town of Mammoth Lakes

When Do Campgrounds In Mammoth Lakes Open?

Camping in Mammoth Lakes offers easy access to alpine lakes, forested trails, and the outdoor recreation of the Eastern Sierra. From lakeside campgrounds in the Mammoth Lakes Basin to forested sites near town and camping in Reds Meadow, each area provides a distinct setting and access to nearby hiking, fishing, and sightseeing.

Campgrounds In Mammoth Lakes

Whether you're pitching a tent beside an alpine lake, unrolling a sleeping bag under Jeffrey pines, or car-camping before an early-morning adventure, Mammoth Lakes offers a wide range of campgrounds to fit your trip. Each area offers its own atmosphere, access points, and scenery, making it easy to choose the experience that matches your style of camping.

Campgrounds are located throughout the Mammoth Lakes Basin, in town, and in the Reds Meadow Valley, offering a range of settings and access points.

Camp in the Mammoth Lakes Basin (accessible via the ESTA Lakes Basin Trolley) for easy access to alpine lakes, marinas, and numerous hiking trails. For a camping experience closer to amenities and serviced by the free Mammoth Lakes shuttle system, reserve a campsite in town. Or head to Reds Meadow (accessible via the Reds Meadow Shuttle) to camp near Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and popular fishing and hiking areas.

Looking for information specific to RV camping? Get details about RV camping in Mammoth Lakes.

Campgrounds in the Mammoth Lakes Basin

The Mammoth Lakes Basin is home to several lakes, multiple marinas with boat/SUP/kayak rentals, trailheads, a paved bike path, and easy trolley access, making it one of the most popular camping regions.

Twin Lakes Campground—The largest campground in Lakes Basin, with 94 lakeside sites near Tamarack Lodge and trailheads.
Coldwater Campground—Located above Lake Mary near Emerald Lake and Coldwater trailheads; 74 sites with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options.
Lake George Campground—A smaller, walk-in-only, first-come, first-served campground with 16 lakeside sites and access to the TJ/Barrett Lakes trailhead.
Lake Mary Campground—Forested campsites along the eastern shore of Lake Mary with great views and close access to the marina.
Pine City Campground—The smallest campground in Lakes Basin (10 sites), located on the western side of Lake Mary; first-come, first-served only.

Campgrounds in the Town of Mammoth Lakes

For campers who want outdoor access with the convenience of shops, restaurants, and shuttles:

Camp High Sierra (private, operated by Mammoth Mountain)
New Shady Rest Campground—Pine forest setting behind the Mammoth Welcome Center; close to town amenities.
Old Shady Rest Campground—Adjacent to New Shady Rest, also walkable to shops and shuttle stops.
Sherwin Creek Campground—A short drive south of town along Sherwin Creek, near Sherwin Lakes Trailhead; 85 forested sites.

Campgrounds in Reds Meadow (Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls area)

Located on the west side of Mammoth Mountain, Reds Meadow Valley offers six campgrounds surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and trailheads. Day-use traffic requires the shuttle, but campers may drive into the valley. All campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For availability updates, check with staff at Minaret Vista upon arrival.

Reds Meadow Campground—The largest in the valley (54 sites) with access to free hot spring showers for all campers.
Minaret Falls Campground—24 sites near Minaret Creek and close to waterfall viewpoints; fills quickly.
Pumice Flat Campground—Riverfront camping popular for fly fishing, with one group site reservable online.
Upper Soda Springs Campground—29 riverfront sites near the River Trail and great fishing access.
Agnew Meadows Campground—Near a major trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail, with standard sites, a group site, and a horse camp.

When Do Campgrounds In Mammoth Lakes Open?

Opening dates for campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes depend on winter snowfall and springtime temperatures. On lighter snow years, lower elevation campgrounds in town typically open in late May, with higher elevation campgrounds in the Mammoth Lakes Basin and Reds Meadow opening in June. However, on years when snowfall totals are higher, campgrounds may not open until late June.

Campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes usually stay open into the fall, although closing dates may vary by the campground and are based on weather.

For details about when campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes are open this year, view the Mammoth Lakes Campground Report.

How to Book a Campsite in Mammoth Lakes

Most reservable campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes, with the exception of Camp High Sierra, are run by the U.S. Forest Service. You can reserve a U.S. Forest Service campsite by booking online at recreation.gov, where you can search for campsites in Mammoth Lakes listed above. Campground reservations open on a 6 month rolling basis.

Camp High Sierra reservations can be made at Mammoth Mountain’s website.

Author

Meghan Miranda

Meghan has been living and playing in Mammoth Lakes since 2016. She enjoys any outdoor activities that her dogs can tag along for. See more of Meghan's adventures on her blog Meg Moves Mountains.