RV campgrounds near Devils Postpile National Monument typically operate at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet, with temperatures that can drop below freezing even during summer months. The volcanic formation attraction sits at 7,560 feet elevation within the Inyo National Forest, requiring proper vehicle preparation when accessing nearby camping facilities. Most campgrounds in this region are seasonal operations, closing from late October through April due to heavy snowfall.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring local trails. "The location is right near town and not a far drive from most of the lakes," notes camper Annelyse, who adds that "the tent spots are pretty big and have some space between them." Hiking trails connect directly to this campground via a bike path.
Swimming in natural areas: Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes offers swimming opportunities with "beautiful river running through the campground," according to a camper identified as Name. At High Sierra RV Park, campers enjoy natural water features as one visitor explains, "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters."
Fishing nearby: Crowley Lake RV Park provides direct access to fishing opportunities at South Landing. As Isaac R. describes it as "very quiet, very dark at night. The stars were amazing." McGee Creek RV Park offers similar access with one camper noting, "There are campsites right on the creek and others that aren't. Everything is spaced out well and it is well maintained."
What campers like
Indoor amenities during weather changes: Outdoorsy Yosemite receives praise for its facilities during variable mountain weather. "Free coffee in the morning at the clubhouse was a great touch," notes Linda D., while Raymond V. appreciates "nice clean park with clean toilets and showers. Great pool as well." These facilities provide comfort during unexpected weather shifts common to the area.
Bear safety measures: While bears are active throughout Devils Postpile region, Mammoth Mountain RV Park provides appropriate safety equipment. "Make sure to use the bear box as we had a bear come into our camp the last night," warns Annelyse. Another camper, Fay M., confirms the wildlife presence: "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."
Space between campsites: McGee Creek RV Park & Campground receives praise for site spacing. According to Patti A., "We stay here every year for a week. There are campsites right on the creek and others that aren't. Everything is spaced out well and it is well maintained." Jessica L. notes about Mammoth Mountain: "Choose to camp under the shade of the pines on a dirt pad or in the clean, parking lot style section."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly depending on location. At Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, one camper reports "no cell service," while another notes "the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things that works just fine."
Winter road closures: Access roads to Devils Postpile close seasonally. Mono Vista RV Park operates "Apr 1 - Oct 31" according to their season listing, while June Lake RV Park runs "Apr 21 - Nov 1." Marcus K. advises visiting June Lake "last week of May just driving up mid week. They had several open spots though mostly filled by evening."
Site terrain varies significantly: Many campsites present leveling challenges. Patrick J. describes Mammoth Mountain RV Park: "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." At High Sierra RV Park, Bonnie C. notes "Spaces were VERY close!" while Michael G. warns about maneuverability: "To leave with a 26' travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families often appreciate wildlife sightings from safe distances. Fay M. shares her experience at Mammoth Mountain RV Park: "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."
Kids' recreation options: High Sierra RV Park offers natural water features for children. Emily L. enthuses: "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters."
Temperature preparation: Mountain elevations cause significant temperature fluctuations. At Mammoth Mountain RV Park, Fay M. warns: "It was also pretty chilly for what we thought was still the fall season, only 30 degrees when we arrived and 22 when we woke up in our tent the next morning." Pack extra layers for children, especially for nighttime conditions.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: At Mammoth Mountain, Patrick J. advises early departure to avoid dump station congestion: "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early."
Hookup placement challenges: Some RV parks have awkwardly placed utility connections. Patrick J. notes at Mammoth Mountain RV Park: "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."
Site leveling requirements: Bring appropriate leveling equipment for Devils Postpile RV campgrounds. Whiffaroni M. shares about High Sierra RV Park: "Our spot was also very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked." Uneven terrain is common throughout the region.
