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Camping near Inyo National Forest

1,380 Reviews

Inyo National Forest draws campers with its wide-ranging landscapes and outdoor activities. Lundy Canyon Campground sits in a beautiful area with hiking trails and fishing nearby. Convict Lake Campground, not far from Mammoth Lakes, has good sites with flush toilets and storage lockers for protection from bears. You'll need permits for some parts of the forest, particularly during busy times of year. Try to book spots at popular places like June Lake Campground ahead of time since they fill up fast in summer. Check if any fire bans are active before you go. Oh Ridge Campground and others come with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Water access isn't guaranteed at all campgrounds, so bring your own to be safe. If you want a shower, most forest campgrounds don't have them, but you can find them at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground. Spring and fall have the best weather for camping here. Winter brings snow that can block access to some areas unless you have the right gear. Summer gets quite hot, so plan accordingly. The forest allows dispersed camping in specific areas, but remember to take all your trash with you. Don't count on having cell service while camping here. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics to help keep the forest in good condition.

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Best Camping Sites Near Inyo National Forest (329)

    1. Convict Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5771

    $35 / night

    "My husband and I have been camping at Convict Lake for many years. He and his family have gone to opening day of fishing in the freezing cold for MANY years."

    "It’s just a short drive from the highway and Mammoth Airport. The campground is very popular with a mix of reserved and non reserved sites."

    2. Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground

    16 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 934-3822

    $35 - $80 / night

    "Walking distance to town. Great walking paths. Choose to camp under the shade of the pines on a dirt pad or in the clean, parking lot style section.

    This place never lets us down."

    "This was during the California wildfires. I would recommend this RV park/campground they have ample space for both. Every site has a bear box."

    3. Sherwin Creek

    12 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    3 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "Every August my family and friends meet at Sherwin Creek Campground around the time of the Perseids meteor shower."

    "This campground is just outside the main part of Mammoth Lakes, CA. You have to go on a paved then gravel road to get there."

    4. June Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "We really enjoyed June Lake Campground! Stayed there for one night on our way out of Yosemite. The drive around the lake is beautiful and there are multiple camping areas."

    "We were really tucked away from neighbors and were very close to the lake and bathrooms. We went in August and it was perfect weather, warm days and cool nights."

    5. Coldwater Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    7 miles

    $33 / night

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Coldwater Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA

    A beautiful 77 site campground nestled in at over 9,000 ft in the Inyo National Forest of the Eastern Sierras."

    "It wasn’t too close to other sites, although you could see them. We loved having the creek across the road. The campground has nice access to hiking trails, and Lake Mary."

    6. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "Views on the other are rolling fields / foothills with lots of cutie vocal Moo Moos and Alkali Lake! You can see other hot springs in the distance. No shade. Lots of flies and red ants."

    "Needless to say we had the hot springs to ourselves the majority of the trip, parking at the edge of the dirt road with only one other car in sight , which I was told was super lucky."

    7. Twin Lakes Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 934-5795

    $34 / night

    "Twin lakes is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. Upper and lower twin lakes are a fantasic place to set up base camp and explore the sierras."

    "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 (biking during the summer and snowsports in the winter)."

    8. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5500

    "GREAT SPOT. so so close to the mountain."

    "Super close to the town of Mammoth too."

    9. Inyo National Forest Oh Ridge Campground

    23 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 648-7744

    $38 / night

    "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."

    ", Easy access to purchasable firewood, Bear Boxes at every site, well kept bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks, wind guards at some sites, near a lake, amazing starry night sky, general store nearby"

    10. Browns Owens River Campground

    9 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 920-0975

    $33 / night

    "As I walked in to the head office, that situated in the entry of the camping grounds. I Lady greeted me with the biggest smile. I paid $36 for the cover. I got to choose wherever I wanted to camp."

    "If you enjoy beautiful views, a campsite near the Owens river and fishing then this will be a paradise for you."

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588 Photos of 329 Inyo National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Inyo National Forest

1380 Reviews of 329 Inyo National Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Inyo National Forest

Camping near Inyo National Forest, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the scenery, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails around the campgrounds. Many campers rave about the easy access to trailheads. One reviewer at Tuolumne Meadows Campground mentioned, "Great camp experience with trail heads outside your door."
  • Fishing: Convict Lake is a popular spot for anglers. A camper shared, "Fantastic fishing. The fall colors were outstanding," highlighting the lake's beauty and fishing opportunities.
  • Relaxing by the water: Many campgrounds are near lakes or streams. A reviewer at Silver Lake Campground at June Lake noted, "The campground was nice, the spaces were separated, we tent camped," emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere.

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers appreciate the breathtaking landscapes. One visitor at June Lake Campground said, "Spectacular views from the right spot."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and amenities. A reviewer at Coldwater Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were the best I’ve seen camping before."
  • Friendly hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground noted, "Staff was pretty accommodating."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lundy Canyon Campground, have few amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Very quiet. Very beautiful," but also noted the lack of facilities.
  • Wildlife precautions: Bears are a concern in the area. A camper at Coldwater Campground advised, "Use the bear boxes. USE. THE. BEAR BOXES."
  • Crowded during peak season: Expect busy campgrounds in summer. A reviewer at Convict Lake Campground shared, "We arrived just after 4pm so plenty of spots to choose from," indicating the importance of arriving early.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family comfort. A reviewer at Sherwin Creek mentioned, "Very nice sites with dense forest. Lots of shade and hammock trees."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground noted, "Great E Bike riding area," suggesting fun options for families.
  • Pack extra layers: Nights can get chilly. A visitor at Lundy Canyon Campground warned, "We were FREEZING!" so be prepared for temperature drops.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some RV sites can be tight. A reviewer at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground mentioned, "The sites are parking lot like. All asphalt."
  • Arrive early for best spots: Popular campgrounds fill up fast. A camper at June Lake Campground advised, "Book in advance!" to secure a good site.
  • Be ready for dust: Many RV sites are dirt. A visitor at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground noted, "Expect lots of dust. Bring all your campsite mats, you will need it."

Camping near Inyo National Forest, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Inyo National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Inyo National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 329 campgrounds and RV parks near Inyo National Forest and 60 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Inyo National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Inyo National Forest is Convict Lake Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Inyo National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 60 free dispersed camping spots near Inyo National Forest.

What parks are near Inyo National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Inyo National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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