Pine City Campground

Pine City Campground appears to operate primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. With only 10 sites available, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, as the campground can fill up quickly - sometimes by early evening. For the most current reservation information, contact the Inyo National Forest office or check their official website. Given its limited capacity and popularity, having a backup camping option in the Mammoth Lakes area is recommended if Pine City is your first choice.

Pine City Campground offers stunning scenic views of snow-capped mountains overlooking the adjacent lake, providing excellent photo opportunities throughout the day. The campground's proximity to Lake Mary creates picturesque backdrops for landscape photography. While the campsite itself can get quite hot midday, the lakeside area offers shady spots perfect for capturing serene water reflections. Early morning and evening golden hours provide the best lighting conditions for photography, especially of the mountain vistas. The relatively small size of the campground (only 10 sites) means you can quickly access various vantage points for different compositions.

Pine City Campground is situated directly on the Lake Mary Loop Road in Mammoth Lakes. It's positioned between the road and Lake Mary, with the lake just across the road from the campground. The location is very convenient, within walking distance to Lake Mary Marina and close to another primitive campground nearby. This central location in the Mammoth Lakes area provides easy access to other recreational opportunities while offering mountain and lake views. The campground's position on a high-traffic road means it's easily accessible but also experiences consistent vehicle noise throughout the day.