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New Shady Rest Campground

Fishing access, proximity to town, and a forest setting under tall Ponderosa pines draw campers to New Shady Rest Campground each summer in Mammoth Lakes. The campground sits within Inyo National Forest and runs from early June through late September, with sites spread across an open pine forest that gives most campers reasonable separation from their neighbors. Bears are active in the area, and all sites include bear boxes alongside fire pits.

Site leveling is worth researching before arrival. Some sites sit on noticeable slopes, and at least one reviewer found their 25-foot trailer sitting nearly 10 inches lower on one side. RVs up to 41 feet are accommodated, but site-specific length limits vary, and smaller sites are better matched to tents or compact rigs. Camp hosts are consistently praised across multiple reviews and have helped more than a few campers sort out site problems after check-in. Flush toilets are clean and well-maintained. No showers are on-site, though nearby Twin Lakes Campground has pay showers. A dump station runs $10, and potable water is free.

Thamar D. puts it plainly: "Conveniently located near town but in the woods." The campground is a short distance from restaurants, grocery stores, and the visitor center, making it a functional base for exploring the Mammoth Lakes area. Campers who want more solitude can look into Old Shady Rest Campground nearby, or browse campsites near Mammoth Lakes for a fuller picture of what the region holds. Reservations are available and fill quickly in peak season, so booking early is advisable.

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Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Due to Forestry work nearby, please be advised of the following:

  • A road closure affecting Sawmill Cutoff will be in place weekdays until June 19th. The road is open after 5:00 PM Friday through Sunday.
  • Forest closures will be in place behind (to the North) of Old Shady Rest CG through August 15th.
  • Areas adjacent to Old Shady and New Shady Rest Campground may operate from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
  • Higher levels of noise may exist depending on where the contractor is working - heavy machinery and chainsaws will be in use.
  • Closed areas include Forest Service land, portions of Shady Rest Park, the paved multi-use path, and the disc golf course.
  • Please exercise caution in this area as trees are being felled, heavy machinery is being operated, and debris may be present.

EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $10.00 per vehicle, per night and will be collected by the camp host.

RV Road Trip Guides

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Map & DirectionsNew Shady Rest Campground is located in California near Mammoth Lakes

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

New Shady Rest is near Mammoth Lakes, California, 300 miles north of Los Angeles and 165 miles south of Reno, Nevada. Take U.S. Highway 395 to State Route 203. Proceed west on 203 for 2.8 miles to Old Sawmill Road. Take a right, go 0.1 mile, and turn right into the campground.

Coordinates

37.647339 N
118.962521 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 127 users
    Last on 6/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 104 users
    Last on 6/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 67 users
    Last on 6/28/26

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 127 users
    Last on 6/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 104 users
    Last on 6/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 67 users
    Last on 6/28/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - New Shady Rest Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

78%
11%
11%
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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious, pine-shaded sites and consistently praised the helpful hosts. The convenient town location was frequently mentioned, though visitors should expect no showers and some sites on slopes.

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2026

Simply wonderful

We had a wonderful week-long stay and wanted to give a special thank you to camp hosts Patty and Mike.

We originally reserved Site 86, but after arriving we found it was extremely uneven for our 25-foot Airstream. One side of the trailer was nearly 10 inches lower than the other. In our opinion, Site 86 is much better suited for tent camping or very small trailers.

Patty and Mike went above and beyond to help us find a more suitable site and get settled in. Their friendly attitude, local knowledge, and willingness to help turned what could have been a frustrating start into a great camping experience.

The campground is beautiful, well-maintained, and surrounded by tall pines. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and are very grateful for the outstanding support from Patty and Mike.

Thank you for making our visit such a memorable one!

Site115
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Jeff S., June 11, 2026
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2025

Great spot!

This is our second time camping at New Shady Rest campground. We love the wide spaced sites set among an open Ponderosa pine forest. The bathrooms are clean with flush toilets, but no showers. Camp hosts are friendly and the location is convenient to the visitor center and town. Dump site for $10. Free potable water.

Site105, 100
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Kim G., July 14, 2025
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Kim G., July 14, 2025
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Kim G., July 14, 2025
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2025

Hidden Gem

The campground is beautiful with amazing weather in the summer, very chill and welcoming vibe. Great spots with level ground and shade with first come first serve spots for last minute campers! very glad to have found this

Site127
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Summer M., June 30, 2025
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Summer M., June 30, 2025
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Summer M., June 30, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2024

Great Campground

We are visiting the local area up to Lee Vining so the location is very convenient. The sites are well laid out. All have fire pits and beat boxes (bears are active locally) Some of the sites are a bit tricky to get into and some on a slope. Bathrooms are clean (no showers) and the hosts fantastic. Conveniently located near town but in the woods.

Site92
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020

Downtown Mammoth Lakes

New Shady is a good campground located within the city limits of Mammoth Lakes. It's right off the main road into Mammoth and a few blocks from restaurants and grocery stores. It's perfect if you want a place to crash at while enjoying the city. If you are looking for a remote and more camping experince, this might not be the place for you.

The spaces are right on top of each other. There are no shower facilities at the campground but plenty of restrooms. The closest showers are located at Twin Lakes Campground but there's an $8 and wait to use them; go early. 

Caution: Some of the sites are not level (on an incline) so check before you book. 

Book early because this place gets full. 

The host are super friendly; say hi 

Cell Service: Verizon = Good

Sprint = Ok

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Berton M., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Berton M., August 11, 2020
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Berton M., August 11, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2020

Spacious wilderness sites

We are currently spending a few nights at New Shady Rest Campground, and have really enjoyed the spacious sites among the pines. We had spent a few nights at the Mammoth RV Park, but we weren't happy with confined and noisy space. After riding our bikes through New Shady and talking to the friendly camp host, we decided to abandon the RV park and move. So glad we did.

Most of the sites are widely spaced out, so you're not too close to your neighbors. But, if you're in an RV or towing a trailer, pay close attention to the max length or your site. Some of the smaller sites are only suitable for tent camping.

We liked this place so much, we're coming back in August!

Site134 & 128
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by David W., June 19, 2020
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by David W., June 19, 2020
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by David W., June 19, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2016

large campground, beautiful location

We loved these sites because they're RIGHT by town, but you're off in nature as well. The staff can't be beat (saved our booties a couple times), amenities are clean, and cozy sites. Would camp here regularly if I lived closer.

  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Katie K., September 12, 2016
  • Review photo of New Shady Rest Campground by Katie K., September 12, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2016

large campground

plenty of options, camped in May. Glad it was open. Great location, biked around town. Just had bathrooms, no showers. bear lockers. plenty of space in between other camp sites

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2016

better than the older shady

not too much different about new/old I prefer where the new one sits in comparison to noise from road travel. the majority of people staying here do so for the access to McDonald's nearby. if you want to avoid crowds, camper vans, hop on old shady rest road and drive 2 miles out of town. from there on you have free camping for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a detailed map of New Shady Rest Campground?

Detailed maps of New Shady Rest Campground are available at the visitor center in Mammoth Lakes. When you arrive at the campground, friendly camp hosts can provide you with maps showing the layout of sites. For planning purposes, check the USFS website for the Inyo National Forest, which manages this campground, or contact the Mammoth Lakes Ranger District directly. The campground features an open Ponderosa pine forest layout with well-spaced sites, some of which may be on slopes or require careful navigation to access.

What do visitor reviews say about New Shady Rest Campground?

New Shady Rest Campground receives high marks for its spacious sites nestled among Ponderosa pines, clean facilities, and convenient location within Mammoth Lakes. Campers appreciate being close to town amenities while still enjoying a natural setting. The campground offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly, helpful camp hosts. Many visitors note the convenient proximity to restaurants, grocery stores, and the visitor center. The campground is described as having a chill vibe with level ground at most sites and good shade coverage. Some sites may be tricky to access or sit on slopes, so selecting carefully is recommended.

Are there showers available at New Shady Rest Campground?

No, showers are not available at New Shady Rest Campground. The facility offers clean bathrooms with flush toilets but no shower facilities. Campers planning extended stays should prepare accordingly with alternative bathing solutions or research nearby public shower options in Mammoth Lakes.

Is New Shady Rest Campground located in Mammoth, and how does it compare to other Mammoth campgrounds?

Yes, New Shady Rest Campground is located within the city limits of Mammoth Lakes, right off the main road into town and just blocks from restaurants and grocery stores. Compared to other Mammoth options like Mammoth RV Park, New Shady Rest offers more spacious sites and a natural forest setting while maintaining urban convenience. It's ideal for visitors wanting to balance outdoor experience with town access. However, those seeking a remote wilderness experience might prefer campgrounds farther from town. New Shady Rest features an open Ponderosa pine forest with well-spaced sites, clean bathrooms (no showers), bear boxes, and fire pits. There's also a dump site available for a fee.