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Established Camping

Diaz Lake Campground

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

**ALL WATERCRAFT ARE SUBJECT TO QUAGGA MUSSEL INSPECTION BEFORE ENTERING LAKE.** Boating Hours - Thursday to Monday 8AM - 6PM Tuesday and Wednesday 8AM - 2PM

**EASTERN SIERRA WINDS + UNATTENDED CAMPSIRES = WILDFIRES** - **Always EXPECT WIND in the Eastern Sierra** - **Put out your campfire at night and before you leave during the day** - **Never Walk away from hot embers or coals** - **Wind can reignite them, potentially burning down your camp and much more** - **YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your wildfire* *Under California Penal Code 542 You can be prosecuted and if you found guilty, you can be fined or jailed recklessly allowing a campfire to become a wildfire.**

Diaz Lake Campground, near Lone Pine, California, is a lively spot that caters to those looking for a mix of outdoor fun and social interaction. With its proximity to a small lake, it’s a popular choice for campers who enjoy water activities and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers.

The campground offers basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to settle in for a night under the stars. Visitors have noted the clean restrooms and the tranquil sounds of nature, although some have mentioned that the atmosphere can get a bit noisy, especially with the presence of jet skis and generators. As one camper put it, “This place was great and well organized,” highlighting the overall appeal of the location.

For those eager to explore, Diaz Lake is a convenient base for checking out nearby attractions, including the stunning Mt. Whitney trailhead. The area is also known for its beautiful sunrises and scenic views, perfect for early risers looking to soak in the natural beauty. Just keep in mind that the campground can get crowded, especially during peak times, so be prepared for a lively environment.

Whether you’re stopping for a quick break or planning to spend some time on the water, Diaz Lake Campground offers a straightforward camping experience with plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Description

City of Los Angeles - Department of Water and Power, CA

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Located just off US 395 for easy access, this large campsite circling the 80-acre Diaz Lake is the perfect location to explore the nearby area or just relax and enjoy lakeside camping. It is only three miles from all the amenities in the town of Lone Pine, which is also home to the Lone Pine Museum of Western Film. Just up the road from Lone Pine are the Alabama Hills, where more than 400 movies have been shot, from classics such as "Gunga Din" to recent hits like "Ironman." Further up is Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental US. Ten miles north on US 395 is the Manzanar Japanese American Internment Camp, which is now a National Historic Site. The campsite features fishing, boating, waterskiing, a playground for the youngsters and spectacular mountain scenery, with plenty of room for everything from large RVs to tent campers. Surrounding public lands offer hunting, hiking, climbing, biking and touring on ATVs down dirt roads. Potable water is also available and firewood is for sale onsite.

  • A responsible adult must accompany overnight campers under 18 years of age.
  • Campers may only occupy and place equipment on their selected campsite.
  • Campers must keep a clean campsite at all times and upon leaving.
  • Campers must vacate campsites no later than 10:00 A.M. On the last camping day as stated on their receipt.
  • No person may hold or occupy another campsite for someone else.
  • All paid campsites must be able to show receipts within a 24-hour period. Any campsite that cannot have payment verified within 24 hours are subject to a forfeiture of campsite and personal items left in the campsite.
  • Tents or other camping equipment left unattended for more than 24 hours shall be deemed to be abandoned, and shall be subject to removal by Park Staff/Officer.
  • In the event of an emergency, contact Park Staff or Entrance Station with your campsite information.
  • During the period of March 1 to October 31 of any year, potable water will be available.
  • No person shall camp for more than a total of 15 nights at any one recreation facility or during any 30-day period.
  • Campfires CANNOT be left unattended and must be extinguished upon leaving the campsite area.
  • Campfires MUST be contained or in the fire rings provided.
  • Keep all flammable materials away from the fire area to prevent spread.
  • Gather firewood only in designated areas. Woodcutting is prohibited.
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Location

Diaz Lake Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Three miles south of Lone Pine, CA on U.S. 395.

Address

1360 N. Main St.
Bishop, CA 93514

Coordinates

36.56193042 N
118.05808075 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

14%
47%
27%
14%
0%

3.5

out of 5

15 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2025

Sprawling Campground along Hwy 395

Because we had site 112, and it was March not July, and we could launch our canoe without any muss or fuss, and there were only a few other campers, I give this park 4 stars.  If we were here in July, well...we wouldn't stay here in July...period.  I can only imagine the crowds here after May 1.  This is a small lake and they limit the number of motorboats to 25, which is about 20 too many in my estimation.  Also, there is mandatory vessel inspection for mussels, and a $10 a day launch fee after May 1.  

So, timing is everything.  We had the lake to ourselves and we could launch our canoe directly from campsite #112.  The water is muddy, and much of the bank is not accessible from the water due to reeds, but the scenery looking at Mt Lone Pine, and Mt Whitney across the Alabama Hills is beautiful!

There was no check-in in March.  Reservations are online, and they will have your name on the post at the site when you arrive.  However, after May 1, you must have any vessel you are bringing with you inspected prior to entering the campground.

Each site will have a picnic table and fire ring and there are several water spigots throughout the campground where you can top off your tank.  However, most of the spigots do not have a nipple to screw on a water hose.  There are a couple that do.  There are also vault toilets and trash dumpsters throughout the campground.

The main downside to this campground regarding amenities is the lack of a dump site.  However, Boulder Creek RV Park just south on 395 will let you use their dump site for $25.   

The staff are very approachable and friendly and a couple of the maintenance guys even left us some cut firewood as they were thinning out the salt cedar trees.

The only demerits I give this campground in the offseason is the loud hwy noise from 395, which is inherent, and the small bits of trash that have become components of the sand.  Trash like broken glass, bottle caps, crushed aluminum cans, cigarette butts, dental floss applicators, etc.  Small stuff everywhere.  We spent an afternoon sifting through the sand, picking up trash around our campground, but it was really too big of a job for just 2 people.  Inyo County should organize a community clean up day where an army of volunteers with rakes can really go through the sand to pick up all of the debris.

Site112
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Bosn E., March 22, 2025
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Bosn E., March 22, 2025
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Bosn E., March 22, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 28, 2024

Great little place

This place was great and well organized, the restrooms were clean and the location was tranquil with the sounds of Bullfrogs serenading you at night.

Sitegroup site 45
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Parry H., May 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Parry H., May 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Parry H., May 28, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2023

Noisy

If you’re looking for a place to take your jet skis, dirt bikes, and screaming children all while running your generator 14 hours a day, this is the place for you!

Diaz lake is literally perfect for that sort of activity. If you’re looking to kick your feet up and read a book while enjoying nature you might want to look elsewhere.

Site124
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Andrew , June 1, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 30, 2023

Nice and easily accessible spot on the lake

We only stayed here for a night, enjoyed the water access and incredible sunrise views, did not enjoy the close quarters with other campers who were blasting music until the early hours of the morning. The site itself was clean and very easily accessible. Us and our dog enjoyed our time for the most part, though I would not stay here again and would recommend against staying here long. Unless you’re spending all of your time on the water, there’s little else to do. Even then, people were continually fishing in the designated swimming area, so you might get very little time to splash around and cool off depending on the courtesy of your fellow campers.

Site055
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Lauren K., April 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Lauren K., April 30, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2022

Beautiful stop on the way

This is a great driving reprieve from traveling along the 395! A lovely little lake surrounded by giant oak trees that offer lots of nice shade to spend time resting. Haven’t used this as a camping destination personally, but there are so many friendly people that vacation here whether it’s for group camp parties or family adventures. Amenities are slim, but I don’t mind the rugged camping. At only $14 a night, it’s perfect for those that just need to sleep a couple hours in peace and move on, or stay and walk around to take in the scenic surroundings. For what it is, it’s a great spot!

Siten/a
Month of VisitAugust
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Reviewed May. 28, 2022

Underrated

Very nice scenery, with a lot of space. It is nice not to be on top of each other. Nice off road and water sports opportunities.

Site134
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Federico C., May 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Federico C., May 28, 2022
Reviewed May. 9, 2022

Decent campground with a gorgeous view

I stayed 2 nights due to high winds in the area that were bouncing my little RV all over the hwy. Campground was a great place to use as a base to check out the area. I drove up and checked out the Mt Whitney trailhead and the view was incredible. Small little lake but quite a few campsites and they all looked to be relatively level. Also a designated tent area. Camped here in mid- May and it was pretty deserted. Had the place mostly to myself. 👍

Site91
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Laurie S., May 9, 2022
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Laurie S., May 9, 2022
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2021

Hot and beautiful

Stayed day after Labor Day. First come first serve and not many people there. Was able to find spot next to lake in tent only section. Looks like place was full for Labor Day with reservations but was still pretty clean. It was above 100 degrees so pulled in at 5 and left by 9:30 next morning but great spot with beautiful views for only $14. A goofy ranger stopped by to say “hello” in morning around 9 and checked our pass.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2021

BUGS!!!!

Road through here on a road trip one hot afternoon when I needed to get off the road. I saw that there was a lake so I thought it would be a great place to camp. I travel in a Toyota Yaris and sleep in my car. This is a very big Campground with a lot of campsites; car camping, tent sites, RV sites and boat sites also. They all come with a fire ring and a picnic bench. The trees are very sparse. My mistake was parking under trees thinking that I could utilize the shade to sleep. I got eaten alive I have so many bites all over me that it seems like I have a rash. The ants are both black and red in the sand outside and they bite. There are also sand flies that bite and spiders that bite and the birds are relentless. This lake is amazing the water is clear and the perfect temperature too bad the campground sucks! There are no flush toilets and no running water. The price is cheap but I probably won't be back maybe for a dip on my way out of town. But this place is way too buggy for me

Site132
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by kathleen K., July 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by kathleen K., July 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by kathleen K., July 2, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2021

nice views

$14 a night, right by a lake! super pretty. mountain view’s as well. the only bad part is i think this is a local hot spot, and there was loud trucks coming in and out in the late hours blasting music. also 4 wheelers going crazy!! did not sleep good at all.

SiteAlabama Hills
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by erin T., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by erin T., June 12, 2021
Reviewed May. 18, 2021

Nice midweek stop

Only a few people here on Tuesday. Pretty stop on the 395. Already 90 degrees in May but some trees so nice in the shade.

Site124
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Sandy M., May 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Sandy M., May 18, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2017

Early Campsite Check

Wanting to camp here in late July I took a drive to check out the campground prior to the trip. I did find that most of the campground is on dirt driveway. The sites that aren't on the shoreline don't have grass like those on the shore. They are mostly weeds and dirt. The campground itself seems to have almost everything except showers to make it comfortable. Pit toilets are on site. There are a couple areas with a hydrant for fresh water. The sites closest to the beach swimming area seem to be the absolute best overall. Bring a camp shower for a better experience.

When i made the visit in mid June it was very very hot. I think the temperature was around 108F. I checked the farmers almanac for late July and the temperature averages from 96 to 110. Not my cup of tea. Although the lake was very nice and I'm sure the water will feel great in the summer, sleeping during those high temps wouldn't be as great.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2016

Nice stopping point

At this point, we had finished the John Muir Trail and just needed a cheap place to stay. Diaz lake fit the ticket - had outdoor showers and everything. Was really loud at night, lots of drunk folks. People seemed to use this place for power boating and partying, which isn't really my cup of tea. Otherwise, the amenities were nice, and there were plenty of nice camp sites to choose from. Layout was a little confusing, so grab a map ;)

  • Review photo of Diaz Lake Campground by Katie K., September 12, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2016

Exposed but convenient for a quick stop

Diaz Lake Campground is right off HWY 395, has a small lake, picnic table, bathroom, and parking. Pros: easy to access, more like and in and out area. Accept pets. Flat surface. Lake can be a nice spot to hang out and watch the surroundings. Cons: too exposed to the highway an cars. Can be crowded and noisy. Relatively more expensive compare to other campgrounds in the area but not too much. In summary, this is a great place to go and sleep and then continue with your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Diaz Lake Campground?

Camping at Diaz Lake Campground can cost between $14.00 and $35.00 depending on the site.

Does Diaz Lake Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Diaz Lake Campground has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Diaz Lake Campground?

Diaz Lake Campground allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

Are fires allowed at Diaz Lake Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Diaz Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Diaz Lake Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Diaz Lake Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Diaz Lake Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Diaz Lake Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Diaz Lake Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Diaz Lake Campground, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Diaz Lake Campground?

There are 119 campsites at Diaz Lake Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts