Looking for the best options for camping with dogs near Benton? Find the best information on pet-friendly campsites and dispersed camping near Benton, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each pet-friendly spot offers quick access to one or more of Benton's most popular destinations.
Easy access to fishing, a marina and boat rentals make June Lake Campground a favorite spot for both families and anglers. The facility sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in close proximity to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. The town of June Lake offers the convenience of shopping and dining, while the surrounding land and lakes provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities.
Campers have no problem staying busy and enjoying the outdoors. Fishing for rainbow and Alpers trout, canoeing, boating and walking are just some of the activities available around the lake. Numerous trails lie minutes away, an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The Fern Lake Trail, a short drive away, leads into the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness. Skiing is a major winter pastime in the area. A drive along the June Lake Loop results in expansive views of rugged mountain peaks and several lakes.
Campers have no problem staying busy and enjoying the outdoors. Fishing for rainbow and Alpers trout, canoeing, boating and walking are just some of the activities available around the lake. Numerous trails lie minutes away, an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The Fern Lake Trail, a short drive away, leads into the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness. Skiing is a major winter pastime in the area. A drive along the June Lake Loop results in expansive views of rugged mountain peaks and several lakes.
Campsites are located in a mixed aspen and pine forest above the eastern shoreline of beautiful, 257-acre June Lake. Many points in the campground have views of the surrounding 11,000 and 12,000' peaks. The campground's elevation is 7,600 feet. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.
Mono Lake and its many activities are minutes away. Hikers can access the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness via nearby trails, and Yosemite National Park is a great day trip. Ansel Adams Wilderness Yosemite National Park
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$30 / night
Convict Lake Campground is situated near Convict Lake amidst the beautiful scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake and surrounding national forest provide many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation. The campground and nearby resort offer many amenities for a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. The facility is located between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California, near Mammoth Airport.
The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can cast a line for rainbow and brown trout in the creek or lake. Power boats are limited to electric motors on the lake (six horsepower or less). The area's majestic scenery and variety of trails draw in hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. The 3.5-mile Lake Trail can be accessed from the campground, and many other trails are in nearby John Muir Wilderness.
The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can cast a line for rainbow and brown trout in the creek or lake. Power boats are limited to electric motors on the lake (six horsepower or less). The area's majestic scenery and variety of trails draw in hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. The 3.5-mile Lake Trail can be accessed from the campground, and many other trails are in nearby John Muir Wilderness.
The campground sits at an elevation of 7,500 ft. and provides gorgeous views of the lake and the dramatic mountain scenery. Convict Creek runs through the campground, and the 167-acre Convict Lake is about 100 yards away. Shrubs and low vegetation fill in the landscape, though tall aspen and cottonwood trees grow along the creek. The area is abundant with wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.
Visitors can explore the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches for 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain, and offers extensive hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.
$30 - $33 / night
$33 / night
Located near Mammoth Lakes, Crab Cooker Hot Springs is one of several hot water springs in the area that are suitable for soaking in. The pool consists of a manmade cement tub with water piped in from a mineral spring about 30 feet away. Though the water at the source is too hot to bathe in, or even to touch, the tub has been outfitted with a valve that allows for the control of hot water.
Crab cooker is located on land that is owned by the LA Department of Water and Power, which forbids camping. However, camping is permitted on nearby public land.
Mammoth Mountain RV Park offers full and partial hook-up sites, tent camping and cabins in the beautiful alpine town of Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Mammoth Mountain offers an impressive 175 different campsites to choose from, including 49 full hook-up sites, 105 partial hook-up sites, 17 tent sites, 2 group tent sites, and 2 cabins. The park is ideally located near sightseeing, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, shopping and much more!
$35 - $80 / night
East Fork Canyon is in a beautiful wooded section of Rock Creek Canyon, near Lower Rock Creek. Anglers, hikers and photographers enjoy this scenic location in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The facility is large and accommodating, with several loops of campsites.Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather.
Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the creek may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers in the backcountry are treated to populations of golden trout. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers. There are several trails in and around Rock Creek Canyon, some of which meander around high-elevation alpine lakes.
Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the creek may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers in the backcountry are treated to populations of golden trout. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers. There are several trails in and around Rock Creek Canyon, some of which meander around high-elevation alpine lakes.
This beautifully wooded area is dense with pine and fir trees, with aspens that turn golden and shimmer in the fall. Sitting at an elevation of 8,900 ft., East Fork offers views of the taller mountain peaks that surround it. The campground is adjacent to the clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek, which originates in the John Muir Wilderness and runs for 22 miles through the bottom of Rock Creek Canyon. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.
For facility specific information, please call (760) 935-4012.
For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in nearby Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July.
$30 - $33 / night
Grandview Campground is nestled in low hills covered with Pinyon and Juniper. A large open area in the middle of the campground gives a truly grand view of the night sky. The combination of 8,600 foot elevation and no intrusive city lights make this a popular site for star gazers and astronomy groups. Campers are asked to minimize their use of generators and lights so everyone in camp can enjoy a peaceful night of stargazing. Grandview is also the nearest campground to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, just 5 miles to Schulman Grove. The campground has 23 sites spaced on two loop roads. Most sites are flat and sandy with ample shade. Each site has a table, fire ring, and parking for one or two vehicles. Firewood sources are limited. Do not collect wood from live or standing trees.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services, such as trash removal, tables, or toilets. There are extra responsibilites and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Most of the land in Inyo and Mono counties is publicly owned. Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is allowed throughout much of the area. If you plan to backpack into a wilderness area to camp, you will need a wilderness permit, issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers. If you wish to camp outside of developed campgrounds/sites, there are a few things you need to know:
Land Ownership: The three major land-owning agencies in the Eastern Sierra are the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Los Angeles. Dispersed camping is allowed on most Forest Service and BLM land. However, camping is prohibited on land owned by the City of Los Angeles.
Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a copy of the Inyo National Forest map, which depicts land ownership as well as roads, streams, trails and other features. The map also shows “restricted use areas” where dispersed camping is not allowed.
Restricted Use Areas: Certain high-use recreation zones, including those along paved roads leading into the mountains, are not open to dispersed camping (see Inyo National Forest map). Dispersed camping is not allowed in the following areas: Horseshoe Meadow, Onion Valley, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, McGee Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Reds Meadow Valley, June Lakes Loop, Lee Vining Canyon, Lundy Canyon, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and any research area.
Owens River: All land along the Owens River is owned by the City of Los Angeles, and is closed to camping.
Length of Stay: On Inyo National Forest land, you may camp up to 28 days per six months on any one ranger district (there are 4 ranger districts on the Inyo –Mt. Whitney, White Mountain, Mammoth, and Mono Lake). Always check with your local ranger station.
Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface. These sites might have a primitive fire ring. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Try to select a campsite at least 100 feet from lakes and streams.
Campfires and Fire Permits: If you plan to build a campfire or use a barbeque or camp stove, you must obtain a campfire permit from a Forest Service, BLM, or CalFire office. You must have a shovel and a container of water (for drowning the fire). Clear an area least 5 feet wide all the way around your fire ring down to mineral soil. During times of high fire danger, camp fires are prohibited; always check with the local fire office or ranger station for fire restrictions.
Sherwin Creek Campground is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains within 2 miles of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. Popular among anglers, hikers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts and photographers, the campground is near some of the most spectacular wilderness and outdoor recreation areas in the Sierras.
With a motocross track and trails, Sherwin Creek is a hot spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are also a draw for hikers. The Valentine Lake Trail and additional trailheads provide access to the John Muir Wilderness. The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can try for rainbow trout in the creek.
With a motocross track and trails, Sherwin Creek is a hot spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are also a draw for hikers. The Valentine Lake Trail and additional trailheads provide access to the John Muir Wilderness. The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can try for rainbow trout in the creek.
The campground is situated in a shady forest of Jeffery pine, bordered by aspen-lined Sherwin Creek. The elevation is 7,600 feet. Wild roses and other flowers bring color to the landscape in spring and early summer. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.
For campers interested in local events, the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth annually in mid-July. Several other events and amenities are available in town. Many great day trips for sightseers are available in the area, such as Yosemite National Park, Mono Basin and Devils Postpile National Monument.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$30 / night
Stayed one night on the way to Yosemite. Nasty snow rainy day. Restrooms and showers clean. Laundry good. Park needs some TLC. Unlevel sites. Cable had terrible connection. Wifi very weak.
This is our 3rd time staying here and we love it every time. There were only a few other campers here when we stayed the week before Christmas and there were plenty of spots open. Even when it’s busy, it seems like you can always find something. We love it here. So peaceful and absolutely quiet. Lots of rock climbers come in for the day and leave in the afternoon.
Something we hadn’t noticed before were all the goatheads, everywhere. Watch your dog’s paws.
Decent cell reception for ATT and Verizon, not great, but usable. Easy drive to Bishop for supplies, and the free dump & water fill at the Speedway at the other end of town is really nice.
The road in is fairly washboarded, but manageable. The road along the back side of the stone “wall” has gotten worse since we were here last. Parts of it are really rutted and washed out. Hopefully they are fixed at some point, not sure I’d feel comfortable driving our class c on it as it is now. Luckily there are plenty of spots out off the main road so we didn’t need to drive down that road this time.
Saw the rangers go by a couple of times during our 2 night stay here. One stopped and took notes and took a picture of our rig- glad to see that they’re tracking people and enforcing the 14 day limit!
We were looking forward to our first stay near June Lake. Oh Ridge was ok. We were in the Rabbit loop, site 57 with a partial mountain view. The sites are very close together with little privacy. Flush toilets in the loop were clean. From the nearby squirrel loop one can walk to June lake. No hiking near the campground. However we drove off in the morning and hiked the Parker Lake trail. If you only want to fish or do lake activities this campground may be ok for you. It was not our thing.
Beautiful waterfront spots adjacent to Bishop creek, toilets, showers, fish cleaning station and these days most importantly WIFi especially if going with teenagers. Everything you need to have an enjoyable experience, even with teenagers.
Great spot. There were quite a few people out but it was also labor day weekend, I still had no issue finding a spot and there were more sites available. Amazing stars and great hot spring.
The campground was big yet still quite. We came up on a Thursday and got a first come spot. There are plenty of restrooms and water faucets throughout the campground to fill up.
Most of the camp sites seemed pretty uneven so come prepared.
No wildlife sitings during our stay
Incredible views of the mountains and alpine lakes from the highest campground in California (10k). Primitive camping with vault toilets, incredible campground host, potable water, firewood for sale. Accessible via a gravel access road, might be challenging to traverse for anything bigger than small trailers/RVs. Best campground I’ve ever been to!
I had always wanted to camp in the Inyo national forest. Oh ridge was on my list and I was able to finally make the trip. It was a hefty drive from the Central Valley but the views were stunning. The mountainous route was sketchy but arriving to June lake was amazing! Our campsite was awesome, site 6 in bear loop. You can see the lake perfectly from our site. There’s bathrooms and an easy short drive to the town. From our site we drove down to June lake which was short and easy. You could technically walk but I don’t recommend it if you don’t like walking uphill. The lake is cold but beautiful!
Most sites here looked to be closed off from eachother, and fairly private but was unpleasantly surprised to find that I had reserved one of the least private sites available (48)
The campground was quiet and reached below freezing temperatures each evening but hit 80-85 by peak sun.
The bathrooms were well stocked and clean, and campers were responsible with bear safety.
Every night around 6-7 pm a UPS truck would come tearing through the campground Atleast double the limit and sometimes driving against traffic on a one way road.
This is my second time staying at Trumbull Lake Campground to access the hiking into the Hoover Wilderness. Both times have been fantastic. Trumbull Lake is at just under 10,000 feet elevation, making it a great place to escape the summer heat. The surroundings are beautiful. The campground is very simple, just how I like it. Near the campground are Trumbull Lake, Little and Big Virginia Lake, and Red Lake. Along the trail once you enter the Hoover Wilderness is a string of lakes starting with Blue Lake, then Cooney Lake, the three Frog Lakes, and Dry Pond. The trail continues over a pass at 11,100 feet elevation where you get a spectacular view on the other side looking towards Yosemite. Just on the other side was an unnamed lake and Summit Lake about another 3 miles in the distance. Highly recommended for the night before and after a day of exploring the wilderness.
We were driving from Las Vegas to Yosemite > It’s a nice spot to spend the night, it’s almost halfway.
The access to the spot was 30min of dusty road but flat enough to drive at 35mph in a campervan.
The parking area is quite big Now one when we arrived near 8.30PM 2 cars when we woke up
It’s nice to be in the middle of nowhere, without any service. A lot of animals near the water (frogs, ducks, birds, cows, fishes)
There is toilets
Still 4 stars, more accurately 3.5 stars. We were under the trees this time instead of on the asphalt parking lot slab. All dirt, dirt back in site, dirt camp site accessed by a dirt road. Expect lots of dust. Bring all your campsite mats, you will need it. We backed in pretty deep to the site as not to run into our neighbor, My long shore cord had to be stretched to get to the power box. The water and sewer fine. Why these boxes are so far back almost into the next site is puzzling. Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early. Not really sure if there will be a third visit.
Plenty of spots either in this area or the one down the road. If you work remote keep searching and you’ll find a spot where starlink isn’t blocked by trees.
10 minutes from town. About 25 minutes the famous mobil gas station. They sure did treat us good. Expensive gas but 2 water spigots, easy to access bathrooms and delicious meatloaf
Sagehen gives you beautiful roads throughout, no 4-wheeler required. Pines tree forest, big lots and 1bar phone reception just up the hill. I take my chair and take care of business.
this site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers. Road is doable with a car but the grade sucks. Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet
The road is maintained but requires high clearance.
There are many sites on the way in and then 5 or 6 once at obsidian meadows trail head.
A few rock fire rings, but cannot be used when we were there.
Good AT&T and T-Mobile coverage
Great option, plenty options a dirt road
would be a nice spot but drove all the way here to see “no camping”
We got to Big Springs Campground in the night on July 3rd we found site #14 available. This campground has only 25 sites some good shade, poor shade or no shade at all. Site 14 was near the restrooms (vault restrooms). Camp host available. Cell phone service poor. We liked the campground and the we loved the creek!
We stayed 2 nights, went fishing and had a blast. No electricity or water. Showers are old-you have to buy shower coins for 6 min of hot water. But the river, fishing and view is gorgeous. Most campers have a generator for power but it has to be turned off at 10pm.
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Kellie’s, Brown's Owen River Campground, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a beautifully maintained campsite. The facilities were spotless, and the scenic views were breathtaking.
Kellie has created a perfect blend of comfort and nature, with plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the river, there's something for everyone. The attention to detail and the friendly atmosphere made our stay truly memorable.
I highly recommend Brown’s Owen River Campground to anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable getaway. We can't wait to return! Five stars all the way!
We’ve camped in Oh Ridge twice already and we have loved it! Both times we stayed in I believe Bear 17 site. Oh Ridge has flush toilets no showers but coin showers next door, next to the market. You can literally walk to June Lake.
Memorial Day Weekend 2024 Our first time camping in this free campground (donations to the campground are welcome). We stayed in a double site (for 12 people). The camp host was very welcoming. The creek and vault restrooms weren’t far from our site. We’ll definitely keep this campground in mind!
Cool water, a nice breeze in the evening, water sounds day and night. Quiet.
Nice flat spots along the Scenic Bypass road (not just where the map says). More secluded spots up the hill. The dirt hill road is fairly decent, but no medium+ to large rigs.
5 minutes into Mammoth town. 30 mins to Route 120 west turn, that takes you into Yosemite (tioga pass). I enjoyed a week's stay here. Negatives? Poor and spotty cell. A lot of airborne dirt when dirtbikes, and ATV's are active on weekends.
I would return to this enjoyable spot.
Gull Lake is a fabulous campground if you can secure a site. It’s a very popular location with limited availability. Sites 11 through 7 offer direct water access, and even site 1 has water access across the street. It’s perfect if you want to launch a boat or kayak and have access directly from your campsite.
However, be cautious when booking. My specific site, site 8, was advertised as suitable for a 40-foot vehicle or RV, but it was actually more suitable for about 25 feet. I barely managed to fit my trailer and truck. I wouldn’t recommend this campground for large RVs, as the sites are quite shallow.
The restrooms are clean, and there are trash receptacles near them. There is no camp host on site, so if someone doesn’t show up for their reservation, there’s no one to assist with rebooking the site. On the plus side, cell service is great.
Stay at Rock Creek Lake Campground in mid June. The drive up from Hwy 395 was easy for a mountain road. There were about 7 campgrounds along this corridor. Rock Creek Lake is at the top. The campground is at about 9,500 feet so be aware for altitude.
Campsites are very close to the water. The walk in tent sites are next to the creek. We were in site 24. This site was located in a small clearing that gets midday sun so it can heat up. Other than site 25, the other sites had better shade coverage. The walk in sites had a dirt pad for your tent, picnic table and bear locker. Your site has assigned parking.
It was about a 50 to 75 yard walk from the parking, water spout, and bathrooms. Camp host was pleasant and had wheelbarrows to help move your stuff. The bathrooms were flush toilets and sink. The sink faucets were variable.
The weather was still quite chilly especially at night. The campground in general was very quiet. We didn't hear loud music or groups over 4 days. There were lots of mosquitos the whole time. Rock Creek Lake Resort just down the road has a store and restaurant serving pie. During the weekend, there are lots of day use visitors but they cleared out in the evening.
I would definitely be back
Camping near Benton, California, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.
Camping near Benton, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Benton, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Benton, CA is June Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Benton, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 148 dog-friendly camping locations near Benton, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
