Scenic Loop Road provides multiple free dispersed camping options near Devils Postpile National Monument, with numerous pullouts and dirt roads offering primitive campsites among the pines. Both east and west segments of the loop feature flat camping spots suitable for tents and smaller vehicles, while some areas can accommodate larger rigs with proper clearance. The sites sit approximately 10 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, offering convenient access to services while maintaining a secluded forest setting.
Most dispersed campsites in the area have no amenities—no water, toilets, trash service or hookups. Visitors consistently mention the accessibility of these locations, with one camper noting, "there are over 100 campsites along this road all first come first serve." The road conditions vary, with some areas requiring higher clearance vehicles. As one camper shared, "The ones closest to the main road are taken over quick but if you have 4wd you can get back pretty far and away." Additional dispersed options exist at Upper Deadman Creek, where visitors can find basic pit toilets and established fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally.
"Our Tacoma made it to the campsites toward the back of the grounds just fine, but there was access closer to the main road for vehicles without high clearance."
"Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles. All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick."
"Got here on Sunday - plenty of spots to park the camper van both Sunday and Monday. Multiple turn offs on the Scenic Loop road to camp at. No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings."
"As you drive along this road, every 10 seconds you will pass a dirt road. Each dirt road has multiple campsites!"
"You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area."
"We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves."
"4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees."
"About 8 spots at the end of the dirt road. Only one bar of service. It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft."
"All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake)."
"The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat! "
"Free site, can stay for up to 14 days. Some nice flat sites, lots of trees and a creek nearby."
"Great dispersed campground for those looking for more nature and privacy. Great place to go atv or off roading. Nice little creek near by and hiking trails."
"Pass the two normal campgrounds and there’s a ton of turn offs to camp at. We have a 30ft so it was pretty big and it was freeeeeeee"
"With mountain biking trails throughout."
"All the spots closest to 395 were taken when we went in late September, but we found this spot that I've marked here that was easily accessible in our 26ft Motorhome. "
"We stayed a bit closer to 395 and it was easy to navigate with a 26’ RV."
"And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help."
"Several spots available along the forest service road, even arriving after 7pm. Some spots are spacious, others only fit something small like a camper van (what we got)."
"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."
"Nice off road trail with some scattered sites."
GuideThis place was packed on a Saturday in November! We ended up parked in the lot. No cell service for ATT. Would've been really nice if we had gotten an actual site. We saw there were tables and fire pits at the sites. We didnt use the bathrooms but they were there as well as a dumpster.
GuideGreat spot near the park entrance. Lots of spots kind of clustered together and other people camping. Zero AT&T reception.
ScoutScenic overlook of Mono Lake not far off hwy 395, but very quiet and peaceful. Can be very windy though.
GuideThere is so many spots back here! We stayed a bit closer to 395 and it was easy to navigate with a 26’ RV. We had initially looked for a spot on the Mammoth side of the highway but found this dirt roads more level and open for the RV. Lovely minus some sort of small critter kept waking me up in the night.
TravelerThe 0.5 mile gravel road has washboards and potholes but it’s short and offers at least a handful of pullouts for flat parking/camping. There’s nothing around except high desert views of the mountains and nearby hot springs. The signs indicate a 14-day camping limit.
GuideDidn’t stay at this exact spot but a bit farther down Casa Diablo road. First few spots were occupied but spread out. Super peaceful. Road was in good condition late Oct 2026 and fine for 26’ RV. 5G AT&T service.
ScoutFirst spot with a 22 feet TT. No problem, amazing view
GuideLoads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
GuideThis is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
Dispersed camping in the vicinity of Devils Postpile National Monument provides access to elevations between 7,500-9,600 ft in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Sites are located within Inyo National Forest, which covers over 2 million acres across California and Nevada. Most free camping areas are accessible from May through October, with forest roads typically closing during winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Explore crater formations: Upper Deadman Creek area offers access to volcanic formations nearby. "Great place to go atv or off roading. Nice little creek near by and hiking trails," notes one camper at Upper Deadman Creek.
Visit hot springs: Several thermal areas exist within 30 minutes of dispersed camping sites. "Camping in Inyo national forrest, outside of mammoth lakes. There are hot springs scattered through out the forrest. Clothing optional. If your clever and or smart enough to find them your in for a real treat," reports a visitor at Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping.
Stargazing: The dark skies and high elevation provide exceptional night viewing. "Weather is beautiful, nights are dark. Great starscapes," reports a camper at Mono Lake South Dispersed.
Mountain access: Proximity to alpine trails without campground costs. "Great option, plenty options a dirt road," notes a camper at Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer chances to see local fauna in natural settings. "We met all kinds of people in different springs while camping. It was great fun," explains a visitor to Inyo National Forest.
Seclusion with conveniences: Many sites balance wilderness feel with proximity to services. "Awesome views. Quiet with only occasional road noise. Conveniences (gas, groceries, dump station, restaurant, etc.) within 10 miles," shares a visitor to Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site.
Ground conditions: Be prepared for varied surfaces at free camping areas. "All the obvious camping spots close to the main road are taken over quick but if you have 4wd you can get back pretty far and away," explains a camper at Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans are common and strictly enforced. "It was charred from a recent burn, making for excellent campfires! The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat," notes a camper at Mono Lake South Dispersed.
Cell service varies: Some locations offer reasonable connectivity while others are completely disconnected. "If you need Internet drive farther down the loops and you will get up to three bars of Verizon," advises a camper at Scenic Loop.
Weather changes: Alpine areas experience rapid temperature shifts. "We camped here in July and it was perfect! Close enough to town but out of the way enough to be quiet," relates a visitor to Scenic Loop.
Bring extra water: No potable water exists at dispersed sites. "I brought two additional tanks of water, allowing for refreshing showers in this arid desert environment," shares a camper at Mono Lake South Dispersed.
Pack for temperature swings: Prepare for cold nights even in summer. "It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. Lots of bugs. Bring bug spray," advises a visitor to Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site.
Scout easier access spots: Some areas accommodate families without high-clearance vehicles. "We camped here in October and there was only a small handful of people here. Nice open area with views of the mountains," reports a visitor to Crab Cooker Hotsprings.
Size limitations: Many free sites have clearance restrictions. "Too hot in summer, beware large trailers. This site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers," warns a visitor to Scenic Loop.
Road conditions: Surface quality determines accessibility. "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," notes a visitor to Obsidian Dome.
Consider positioning: Placing rigs strategically helps with comfort. "My canopy @rear (facing west) was very welcome, as the dead scrub offers absolutely NO shade," shares a camper at Mono Lake South Dispersed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Devils Postpile National Monument?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Devils Postpile National Monument is Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Devils Postpile National Monument?
TheDyrt.com has all 72 dispersed camping locations near Devils Postpile National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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