Camping near Inyo National Forest

The camping areas throughout Inyo National Forest range from established campgrounds to open spaces for dispersed camping. Lundy Canyon Campground works well for campers who want basic facilities in a managed setting. For those who prefer more privacy, the forest permits dispersed camping away from developed areas. Hiking trails crisscross the forest, giving campers plenty of chances to walk through the mountains and valleys. Many people come to fish at places like Convict Lake Campground, which has good access to the water. The best camping weather happens during spring and fall when temperatures stay comfortable and the trees change colors. Summer can get quite hot, so bring extra water and sun protection. Winter camping exists for the hardy, though snow blocks many forest roads. You should make reservations for the busier campgrounds, particularly from late spring through early fall. Book at least a few months ahead for summer weekends to get a spot. The forest often limits campfires depending on conditions, so check current rules before arriving. Mammoth Lakes sits close by with grocery stores, restaurants, and gear shops. Most campers find that Inyo National Forest gives them the outdoor experience they want, whether that's active or laid-back. Always pack out what you pack in to keep the forest clean. The combination of mountains, lakes, and forests makes Inyo worth the trip for most campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Inyo National Forest (333)

    1. Convict Lake Campground

    18 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

    19 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. Twin Lakes Campground

    13 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)."

    7. 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."

    8. Inyo National Forest Oh Ridge Campground

    24 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"

    9. 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."

    10. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves."

    "Great access to mount Whitney trails and close to lone pine in case you gotta restock."

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Recent Reviews near Inyo National Forest

1446 Reviews of 333 Inyo National Forest Campgrounds


  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Buckeye Campground

    Great spot!

    You can get there on 2WD, it’s a bit bumpy though. Don’t go all the way up, there’s fees at the reserved spots. There’s dispersed camping shortly after you pass the hot springs, there’s a small field where people park and if you go to the road on the side of the lot it’ll take you to more spots to camp in the trees.

    The smoke was so bad I had to leave early. Be sure to check for fires nearby.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Awesome site

    Hung iut here for a few weeks. Awesome views. Quiet with only occasional road noise. Conveniences (gas, groceries, dump station, restaurant, etc.) within 10 miles. Excellent Verizon signal (for data).

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Magical place!

    Easy to drive in but don’t pass that sign that says “4 wheeled only” with an RV. We have a 24ft and had a perfectly leveled spot underneath a large tree. You can see the lake from there. We took a bicycle ride in to the “south Tufa” which is only 2 miles away. Watched the sunset there, magical!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking

    So beautiful

    It was just so nice, I don’t know if it was dispersed camping cause the location takes you to Virginia creek and there is a long road with lots of space like it’s a legit campground but no one there to check and no signs that you had to pay. I went there on Labor Day weekend so it was busy everywhere, this place had a ton of spots open though. No one bothered us. Each spot had a bear food containers and access to a little creek. So you heard water running while you go to sleep. Loved it so much so peaceful.

  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake George Campground

    Love Lake George!

    Lake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.

  • S
    Sep. 1, 2025

    High Sierra RV Park

    Very nice host. Informative, caring

    Nice shot in the middle of town. Easy walk to all u need. Great cell service. Beautiful views of river. Clean

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Remote, dispersed campsite offers solitude, lake views, and wildlife.

    I spent a week here, making it worthwhile to unload the electric pop-up camper (w/ electric jacks) from my truck.  My canopy @rear (facing west) was very welcome, as the dead scrub offers absolutely NO shade.  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!  I brought two additional tanks of water, allowing for refreshing showers in this arid desert environment.  

    From Navy Beach Rd, I drove 3/4 miles east on FS-1N54, until I crossed into Inyo NF territory, @ a juncture.  After another 1/2 mile on E Shore Rd, I found a clearing suitable for my camper, @1/2 mile from the shore.  In another 3 miles, there is a very nice cul-de-sac turn-around, which, @50' x 100', looks large enough to accommodate a half-dozen vehicles.  In another 5 miles, you cross from USFS into a local tract of land.  While BLM territory surrounds the entire lake, it is more than 1 mile away from shore.  Beware of very soft sand I encountered beyond my campsite.  Some sections were like 'quicksand', forcing me to air-down to 15 PSI.  It challenged my 'Limited Slip' Tundra, so an AWD car could get in serious trouble.  The only people I saw were in two jeeps that passed-by my camp, backtracking out 1/2 hour later.  From my bed, I heard (but did not see - new moon) several animal visitors.  They only come out at night...  

    In spite of the seclusion, my camp was actually quite close to main roads, so I spent a lot of time out sight-seeing.  I was also close enough to Navy Beach to launch my kayak @sunrise, when the water is dead-calm.  Ocean-type squalls can flare up with no warning, because of the wide-open desert terrain.  I got a permit to camp on Phoe Island from a Ranger @Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center.  However, after he showed me photos of squalls & told of numerous drowned kayakers, I thought better of it...

  • J
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Rock Tub Hot Springs

    Cattle

    Cattle have been in the springs, fresh cow pies all over. They have trampled the pipe that fills the rock tub. Don’t camp here expecting a hot springs.


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

Where can I find camping in Inyo National Forest?

Inyo National Forest offers diverse camping options across its vast terrain. For dispersed camping, Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping provides secluded sites where you can truly connect with nature without facilities but with plenty of space between campers. Near the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Grandview Campground offers a high-elevation experience with spectacular night skies. Around Mammoth Lakes, Coldwater Campground sits at over 9,000 feet with 77 sites nestled in the Eastern Sierras. For lake access, Tioga Lake Campground features 9-11 sites at 9,800 feet elevation just outside Yosemite's eastern entrance. Additional options include Sherwin Creek, June Lake Campground, and Twin Lakes Campground, all offering their own unique Inyo National Forest experience.

What are the best campgrounds in Inyo National Forest?

Inyo National Forest offers exceptional camping experiences for all preferences. Oh Ridge Campground stands out with stunning views of June Lake and mountainous surroundings. The sites are spacious with incredible alpine scenery. For backcountry enthusiasts, Thousand Island Lake Backcountry provides 360-degree mountain vistas at nearly 10,000 feet elevation with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and star-gazing. Other top options include Convict Lake Campground near Bishop with easy access to Mammoth, and Junction Campground which offers a quieter experience with well-maintained sites featuring tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers. Each campground showcases the forest's diverse landscapes from alpine lakes to mountain views.

What amenities are available at Inyo National Forest campgrounds?

Amenities vary across Inyo National Forest campgrounds, from basic to more developed facilities. Coldwater Campground features large sites, modern restrooms with cold running water sinks, and bear-resistant food storage lockers. Junction Campground provides tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers at each site with vault toilets, but campers need to bring their own water. Most developed campgrounds offer pit toilets or vault toilets, while some have potable water available seasonally. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established sites. Bear-resistant food storage is commonly provided due to wildlife in the area. Dispersed camping areas have no amenities, so campers must pack in all necessities including water and pack out all waste. Cell service is limited throughout the forest, especially in remote areas.

When is the best season for camping in Inyo National Forest?

Summer to early fall (June through September) is the prime camping season for Inyo National Forest, when high-elevation areas become accessible after winter snow melts. Tioga Lake Campground and other high-elevation sites (9,800+ feet) are typically open from late June through September, depending on snowpack. Convict Lake Campground offers a longer season, with fishing enthusiasts arriving for opening day in late April, though it can be freezing cold. Late September brings spectacular fall colors and fewer crowds to the forest. Most campgrounds close by mid-October as temperatures drop significantly. Lower elevation sites may be accessible earlier in spring and later in fall. Winter camping is possible in limited areas for experienced campers with proper cold-weather gear, but most facilities close and roads become impassable.