Inyo National Forest's Reds Meadow Campground sits at the far end of a road reviewers consistently flag as rough, so drivers should check conditions before heading in. The campground operates seasonally from June through October and functions as a resupply hub for PCT and JMT thru-hikers, giving it a mix of drive-in sites and designated hiker sites. Cell service is essentially nonexistent in the valley. Sites are spaced well apart, and the surrounding terrain includes views toward nearby mountains and open meadows.
Bear activity here is well-documented and frequent. Reviewers report bears moving through occupied sites, so the bear boxes provided at each site are not optional. The campground sits within walking distance of Lake Sotcher, roughly half a mile to a mile depending on site location, and connects directly to trailheads for Rainbow Falls and Devils Postpile National Monument. A hot spring just above the campground runs very hot and is reportedly more manageable in early morning hours. Mosquitoes can be heavy, particularly in July.
Amenities are more substantial than at many backcountry-adjacent sites. There are flush toilets, running water at faucets throughout the campground, pay showers, and a camp host on-site. A general store and cafe operate on-site with limited hours. Sharon B. describes the facilities as "the cleanest vault toilets ever." An adventure pass is required and can be purchased at the entrance station, which opens at 7am. Campers wanting a different setup nearby can look at Minaret Falls Campground, about 1.6 miles northwest, or browse pet-friendly camping near Inyo National Forest for additional options across the region.
Description
Narrow, single lane road. Only accessible in summer. Accessible by private vehicle only if camping.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsReds Meadow Campground is located in California near Devils Postpile National Monument
Directions
In Mammoth Lakes, CA, at intersection of State Rt. 203 (Main St.), Minaret Rd and Lake Mary Rd, take Rt. 203 west about 6 miles to the Minaret Vista entrance booth where a fee is paid. Continue through the booth on Rt. 203 for another 13.4 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Coordinates
37.61900033 N
119.07300054 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 20 min from Merced, CA
- 5 hrs 10 min from Fresno, CA
- 5 hrs 40 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 42 min from Hanford, CA















