Free Camping Collection with

Camper submitted image from Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site - 1

Camper submitted image from Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site - 2

Nature

Camper submitted image from Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site - 3

People

Camper submitted image from Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site - 4

Roads

Camper submitted image from Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site - 5

Activities

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

6 Reviews

About

USDA Forest Service

Dispersed camping is allowed on public land in the Mono Basin—the Jeffrey pine forest off of Highway 120 east is a recommended dispersed camping area. If you plan on having a campfire, propane stove, lantern, or any open flame, you must obtain a permit. Camping is allowed on the exposed lakebed surrounding Mono Lake by permit only. Camping on the islands in Mono Lake is allowed by permit only, except during April through August when the islands are closed to all boaters. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed recreation areas such as South Tufa, Navy Beach, Old Marina, and County Park. Permits are available free-of-charge at the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center

Suggest an Edit

Location

Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site is located in California

Coordinates

37.92244155185447 N
119.04202105429977 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Poor
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Poor

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Jaden J.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2023

Beautiful spot!

I came here late at night and there were plenty of places to park off the side of the driveway! They were all spread out so everyone got their privacy, and the views were amazing! Overlooking mono lake on one side and a mountain range on the other, definitely recommend. Super easy to find, right off of CA-120 and far enough to not hear the cars driving at night. Loved it here!

Site2nd pull off on the right

Month of VisitSeptember

Lucas

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2023

Great view and quiet

Great view of the sierras and mono lake. On a sandy bluff overlooking the lake. Lots of bugs, but wind and road conditions were good. July1st

Sitesites not posted

Month of VisitAugust

Val C.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2023

Epic

Came up here in July. It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help.

Siteno site #s, but a bad ass view.

Month of VisitAugust

Emma

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 21, 2022

Good spot

It was pretty windy when we went but still a lovely spot. Very close to the highway so we were alone but could still hear some traffic - still got pretty quiet though. The ground is pretty shifty but still good access for any kind of car.

Month of VisitApril

Tyler R.

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2021

Great place to chill after hiking

Nothing too fancy but has everything you need.

Month of VisitMay

(9) View All

Gustav H.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2021

Great Views

Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater. You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area.

The road gets a little rough and soft after the 4th site.

Good Verizon service (4G/LTS, 4 bars).

This is a primitive campground near a unique geological and biological site. The area is relatively pristine and we hope that it will stay this way when you visit. Please take all trash out including TP. Campfires are not allowed here; there are no pre-existing sites and fire rings. The ash/sand might be a little soft for securing tents. When there is wind, it really blows.

SiteStayed at the first pullout to the right

Month of VisitOctober