Reds Meadow Campground offers several tent and RV sites at 7,580 feet elevation within Devils Postpile National Monument. The camping season runs June through October due to heavy winter snowpack that typically closes access roads. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months, with July nighttime lows averaging 43°F despite daytime temperatures reaching the high 70s.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: From Twin Lakes Campground, numerous trails lead to pristine mountain lakes. "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer. Twin Lakes and all of the surrounding Mammoth area is gorgeous. You'll have plenty of hikes to choose from, go fishing, or hit the slopes," notes Jonathan G.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including black bears. At Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground, visitors regularly encounter local fauna. "We weren't here for long, only one night on our way back home to Oregon but it was long enough to see a bear cross the road. This is definitely a spot where they aren't kidding about locking up your food," reports Fay M.
Visit hot springs: Several natural hot springs dot the region near Crab Cooker Hotsprings dispersed camping area. "We set up our tents with a view of the hot springs. The hot spring was kind of broken when we were there so that was a bummer, but you could hike out to the slightly muddy creek for some hot water," shares Alyssa L.
What campers like
Access to transportation: The Devils Postpile glamping experience connects with the area's shuttle system. At Mammoth Mountain RV Park, one camper noted, "Great location, close by many amazing hikes! Easy to catch a bus into town or take a quick 5 min drive. Loved the indoor pool. Nice clean campground."
Bear-proof storage options: All designated camping areas provide secure food storage. "Sites have a picnic table, fire ring and bear box. Traffic in Mammoth can get pretty busy," explains Heather P. about Twin Lakes Campground.
Seasonal activities: The region offers varied recreation throughout the operating season. "We always sea bald eagles here! Fishing is really good!" reports Taylor about Twin Lakes Campground, while others note the opportunity to enjoy boating, hiking, and mountain biking in the warmer months.
What you should know
Bear activity: Black bears frequently visit camping areas. "Keep you food in the bear lockers, they have daily visitors late in the evening and throughout the night. Had a good view of the falls from the campsite," warns Jason F. from Twin Lakes Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging. At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, Thomas K. notes, "Rocking road coming in but worth it for the view. 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."
Weather variability: Despite summer daytime warmth, nights get cold. "Absolutely breathtaking. Can't wait to go back to spend more time," says Fay M. about Mammoth Mountain RV Park, adding it was "only 30 degrees when we arrived and 22 when we woke up in our tent the next morning."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season benefits: Consider visiting Reds Meadow Campground before peak crowds arrive. "After driving around every overcrowded campground in mammoth lakes we were lucky enough to find this campsite on Dyrt. It had many open spots even in July with beautiful views of nearby mountains," shares Natasha M.
Multiple bathing options: Families appreciate shower access. "Bathrooms and showers are very clean. We stayed in the large spaces that have electricity and water only. Very quiet and nice," says jaime R. about Mammoth Mountain RV Park.
Recreation supplies: Most families need recreation equipment. Sharon B. notes at Reds Meadow, "There's a market & cafe which are pricey but do a booming business anyway. Showers & laundry are available for pay. Flushing toilets by the store are a welcome treat."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly at Pine Cliff Resort. "The sites very in size and shape, and are tight. Oh, review campground roads are very poorly marked and confusing. The store had all the basics. Walk to beach was not bad either," advises Sam & Amy inc. L.
Generator restrictions: Different campgrounds have varying policies about generator usage. At Reds Meadow, generators are prohibited entirely, while Mammoth Mountain RV Park offers electric hookups to eliminate the need for generators.
Utility connections: Hookup locations can present challenges. Patrick J. from Mammoth Mountain RV Park explains, "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."
