Looking for tent camping near Inyo National Forest? Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Inyo National Forest campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.
You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.
Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.
Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).
Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:
Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.
Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150
Camp 4 has returned to reservations for the 2024 season. Camp 4 is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known.__
Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.
Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.
Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and white-leaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.
The Camp 4 lottery has ended for the 2022 season. Sites at Camp 4 will be available for per-person reservation beginning Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific time.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of arrival date will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival date will also lose the first night's camping fee. Change Policy: Only two changes may be made to each reservation.__ No Show Policy: Reservation holders have until 8:30 a.m. the day following their arrival date to check-in or their camping reservation will become void. Campers should call (209) 372-8502 if they know they will be late. The maximum fee for no shows is $20 and loss of the first night___s camping fee.__
$10 - $50 / night
$5 / night
A small, quiet campground just below Rock Creek Lake. 11 campsites.
Dispersed camping is allowed on public land in the Mono Basin—the Jeffrey pine forest off of Highway 120 east is a recommended dispersed camping area. If you plan on having a campfire, propane stove, lantern, or any open flame, you must obtain a permit. Camping is allowed on the exposed lakebed surrounding Mono Lake by permit only. Camping on the islands in Mono Lake is allowed by permit only, except during April through August when the islands are closed to all boaters. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed recreation areas such as South Tufa, Navy Beach, Old Marina, and County Park. Permits are available free-of-charge at the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center
Amazing weather and amazing views. Short walk to the lake from our campsite (#129)
We were looking forward to our first stay near June Lake. Oh Ridge was ok. We were in the Rabbit loop, site 57 with a partial mountain view. The sites are very close together with little privacy. Flush toilets in the loop were clean. From the nearby squirrel loop one can walk to June lake. No hiking near the campground. However we drove off in the morning and hiked the Parker Lake trail. If you only want to fish or do lake activities this campground may be ok for you. It was not our thing.
Beautiful waterfront spots adjacent to Bishop creek, toilets, showers, fish cleaning station and these days most importantly WIFi especially if going with teenagers. Everything you need to have an enjoyable experience, even with teenagers.
The campground was big yet still quite. We came up on a Thursday and got a first come spot. There are plenty of restrooms and water faucets throughout the campground to fill up.
Most of the camp sites seemed pretty uneven so come prepared.
No wildlife sitings during our stay
Incredible views of the mountains and alpine lakes from the highest campground in California (10k). Primitive camping with vault toilets, incredible campground host, potable water, firewood for sale. Accessible via a gravel access road, might be challenging to traverse for anything bigger than small trailers/RVs. Best campground I’ve ever been to!
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. The mountainous route was sketchy but arriving to June lake was amazing! Our campsite was awesome, site 6 in bear loop. You can see the lake perfectly from our site. There’s bathrooms and an easy short drive to the town. From our site we drove down to June lake which was short and easy. You could technically walk but I don’t recommend it if you don’t like walking uphill. The lake is cold but beautiful!
Most sites here looked to be closed off from eachother, and fairly private but was unpleasantly surprised to find that I had reserved one of the least private sites available (48)
The campground was quiet and reached below freezing temperatures each evening but hit 80-85 by peak sun.
The bathrooms were well stocked and clean, and campers were responsible with bear safety.
Every night around 6-7 pm a UPS truck would come tearing through the campground Atleast double the limit and sometimes driving against traffic on a one way road.
We had never been camping as a family and I hadn’t been camping since I was a teenager. The entire camp site is huge, well maintained and just wonderful. The staff are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are clean and well up kept. All of the campsites are spacious and free of clutter. There is easy access to the lake and marina. Overall a great visit and experience.
This is my second time staying at Trumbull Lake Campground to access the hiking into the Hoover Wilderness. Both times have been fantastic. Trumbull Lake is at just under 10,000 feet elevation, making it a great place to escape the summer heat. The surroundings are beautiful. The campground is very simple, just how I like it. Near the campground are Trumbull Lake, Little and Big Virginia Lake, and Red Lake. Along the trail once you enter the Hoover Wilderness is a string of lakes starting with Blue Lake, then Cooney Lake, the three Frog Lakes, and Dry Pond. The trail continues over a pass at 11,100 feet elevation where you get a spectacular view on the other side looking towards Yosemite. Just on the other side was an unnamed lake and Summit Lake about another 3 miles in the distance. Highly recommended for the night before and after a day of exploring the wilderness.
Still 4 stars, more accurately 3.5 stars. We were under the trees this time instead of on the asphalt parking lot slab. 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. 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. Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early. Not really sure if there will be a third visit.
Plenty of spots either in this area or the one down the road. If you work remote keep searching and you’ll find a spot where starlink isn’t blocked by trees.
10 minutes from town. About 25 minutes the famous mobil gas station. They sure did treat us good. Expensive gas but 2 water spigots, easy to access bathrooms and delicious meatloaf
Sagehen gives you beautiful roads throughout, no 4-wheeler required. Pines tree forest, big lots and 1bar phone reception just up the hill. I take my chair and take care of business.
this site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers. Road is doable with a car but the grade sucks. Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet
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.
A few rock fire rings, but cannot be used when we were there.
Good AT&T and T-Mobile coverage
Great option, plenty options a dirt road
would be a nice spot but drove all the way here to see “no camping”
We got to Big Springs Campground in the night on July 3rd we found site #14 available. This campground has only 25 sites some good shade, poor shade or no shade at all. Site 14 was near the restrooms (vault restrooms). Camp host available. Cell phone service poor. We liked the campground and the we loved the creek!
The unprofessionalism and unnecessary arrogance disrespect from the camp rangers was rather shocking. That’s not it it’s like camping a hill side it’s almost impossible to get a trailer bout camping to the stops it’s so steep, the fees for the vehicles not water at the like it said it would have the advertising is NOT REALISTIC. Be prepared to sleep at a slant . Please be careful going to places do your research before you go anywhere. I do not recommend this place if for some reason you go the camp maintenance Man was harassing my a group !!(RAY)!! He said was his name an older man . Be careful
Came to Bass Lake to visit family from out of state I am from Phoenix. Did not expect the campground provider to be so unprofessional and rude before even finding our campsite we were harassed. I would never recommend this place. They charge for everything. if you want to drive your boat here be prepared to pay for an extra $53 fee for a sticker that you might only use one time be prepared to pay fees on everything else as well if you stay as a camper and get prepared to be harassed.
We stayed 2 nights, went fishing and had a blast. No electricity or water. Showers are old-you have to buy shower coins for 6 min of hot water. But the river, fishing and view is gorgeous. Most campers have a generator for power but it has to be turned off at 10pm.
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Kellie’s, Brown's Owen River Campground, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a beautifully maintained campsite. The facilities were spotless, and the scenic views were breathtaking.
Kellie has created a perfect blend of comfort and nature, with plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the river, there's something for everyone. The attention to detail and the friendly atmosphere made our stay truly memorable.
I highly recommend Brown’s Owen River Campground to anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable getaway. We can't wait to return! Five stars all the way!
We’ve camped in Oh Ridge twice already and we have loved it! Both times we stayed in I believe Bear 17 site. Oh Ridge has flush toilets no showers but coin showers next door, next to the market. You can literally walk to June Lake.
Memorial Day Weekend 2024 Our first time camping in this free campground (donations to the campground are welcome). We stayed in a double site (for 12 people). The camp host was very welcoming. The creek and vault restrooms weren’t far from our site. We’ll definitely keep this campground in mind!
Cool water, a nice breeze in the evening, water sounds day and night. Quiet.
plus's
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We got there at 5pm on a Sunday. Went all the way to the back and In my opinion got the best spot. We had plenty of trees around us for privacy and shade. Highly recommend if you’re trying to camp close to Yosemite without a reservation. Only downside were the mosquitoes were on another level. They turned off once it got dark though.
Nice flat spots along the Scenic Bypass road (not just where the map says). More secluded spots up the hill. The dirt hill road is fairly decent, but no medium+ to large rigs.
5 minutes into Mammoth town. 30 mins to Route 120 west turn, that takes you into Yosemite (tioga pass). I enjoyed a week's stay here. Negatives? Poor and spotty cell. A lot of airborne dirt when dirtbikes, and ATV's are active on weekends.
I would return to this enjoyable spot.
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.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Inyo National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Inyo National Forest is Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Inyo National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 65 tent camping locations near Inyo National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
