The June Lake area in California's Eastern Sierra region provides a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within Inyo National Forest. Campgrounds like Oh Ridge, Silver Lake, and June Lake Campground offer developed sites with varying amenities, while dispersed camping areas such as Mono Lake South and Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping provide more primitive experiences. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites situated directly on lakeshores. The area's camping options range from free dispersed sites to fee-based campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
Camping seasons typically run from late April through October or early November, with most facilities closing during winter months due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The region's elevation (approximately 7,600 feet) means cool nights even during summer months, with daytime temperatures generally pleasant. Several campgrounds provide drinking water and vault toilets, though amenities vary significantly between established and dispersed sites. A visitor noted, "The sites were a bit close to each other and camp host was friendly. Being so close to the lake, I did get bit up by bugs."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with lakeside sites at June Lake and Gull Lake being particularly sought after. Several campgrounds offer walking access to June Lake, Gull Lake, or Silver Lake, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. The proximity to the small town of June Lake means campers can easily access restaurants, a brewery, and basic supplies. Campers appreciate the mountain views and alpine setting. According to one review, "We really enjoyed June Lake Campground! The campsite was nice, large and level and tucked into the trees, so felt private and secluded. Some spots were right adjacent to the water as well." The area serves as a good base for exploring nearby attractions including Mono Lake, Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance, and numerous hiking trails.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$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."
"June Lake was beautiful! The campground was great. We were in the Oh Ridge Bear loop. Our site was well placed, with enough privacy and distance from our neighbors."
$38 / night
"I loved the location in proximity to June Lake, it's easily walkable to the lake, has great views and nice open sites."
"Best view of June lake. We loved the beach (a walk away from our site)"
$32 - $64 / night
"This was a good staging site to go up and down the June Lake Loop for the colors. I am a tent camper and at this time of the year it is COLD. Most of the folks were in RVs. "
"The nearby lake was beautiful, especially in early morning, and it provided an entry and exit point to the quieter side of the CA wilderness, such as Ansel Adams Wilderness (for when you don't want to"
"Great access to mount Whitney trails and close to lone pine in case you gotta restock."
"We kept driving father down multiple dirt roads and eventually found a big open area where we set up camp. This spot was very sandy and we would've been stuck without 4wd."
$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."
$36 - $75 / night
"This campground is located outside of Yosemite Valley, so it has less of the “Disneyland of the Sierra” feel—more serene and fewer people and buses."
"From the East entrance of the park your still about 1.5 hours away from the campsite."
"But close to Mammoth and June Lake Loop. Had a bear visitor. Better for RV camping."
"Great Campground and location between Mammoth and June Lake. Once you drive in Glass Creek Rd, the campground splits in two sections."
"Nice view of Mono Lake and Mountains, lots of shady spots under pines, main entry road hard pack gravel, soft sand gravel mix off road. Mostly sloped some level spots."
"We stayed here for a single night while on a road trip, the drive in along CA-120 was beautiful."
"Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles. All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick."
"Easy access to all vehicles except some areas that may need a little higher clearance. Nicely secluded but not many great open views in the area since it is in the Forrest among the trees."
$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)."
ScoutIm 54 now and I remember camping there with my parents and grandparents when I was 10 to 16 years old. We would fish the streams, find the small water falls and go on adventure. Just googled it and it says it it is permanently closed. Is that true?
ScoutThis is a nice forest service campground that's extremely well maintained. The vault toilet is kept spotless and I didn't see any litter anywhere.
There are a few more private spots right on the river.
ScoutStayed one night, paved pull through site #8. Bearbox, table and fire pit. Only 11 or so sites, creek runs thru, warned about angry old bear on arrival. Hosts were nice. 15 bucks with America the beautiful pass.
GuideStayed in this Campground for 2 days. They don't have a dog park and there's really nowhere for dogs to go the bathroom. Every time I went to go to the office there was a sign they'd be back in 15 minutes... The dump site I believe was an old camping spot with hose access. It's about 30 minutes from town if you need groceries and 30 minutes from the park depending on traffic. I personally would not stay in this park again.
TravelerEasy access parking site, great family lodge to spend cold days playing or watching videos. Great hiking trails to explore the area.
GuideWe were just driving through Bishop on opening weekend of fishing season (who knew?) and looking for a spot for weekend so we could get laundry done and get showers. Pulled into Highlands and they offered us a spot and put us 3rd row back off 395, so it was quiet and we didn’t hear much traffic, especially at night. Very clean restrooms and showers. Laundry was reasonable, too! Highly recommend if you want hookups!
GuideWater and power only. Campsites near office and fairgrounds have dump stations if there is an open site. Currently the gas station in town that normally has a station is closed
TravelerThe Road (CA 120) from Oakdale to the campground is steep, narrow and has a lot of close quarter turns for a 40 foot motorhome pulling a 20 foot dual axle open car trailer with a Jeep on board. Occasionally the wheels of the trailer would cross into the center line on tight turns. Really didn't have any problems pulling the uphill grade with 400 hp. After you get to the top I do wish that they would mark the down hill grades when you come to them as there are a lot of ups and downs with curves once you are up on top. Definitely plan on using your engine brake. The weather was not hot when we made the trip but there are signs at the bottom of the mountain advising to turn off the air conditioning of your vehicle before making the ascent. Once there the RV park map that they gave us at check in showed us our site location but they did ot escort us. Some others did get an escort. The sewer pipe connection was recessed too far down in the concrete protective block/pad that I was not able screw my angled adapter into the provided threads. Ended up utilizing a large rock to retain the angled adapter into the poop chute. As others have said. Absolutely no cell signal from any carrier is available. Our neighboring camper advised that they were trying to use the park wi-fi but weren't getting very good reception. I let them use our starlink wi-fi as a common courtesy. Site 164 was level and a mix of sparse short grass and dirt. So guessing that when it rains, if it does we won't have to worry about the RV sinking into the grass as it is somewhat firm.
ScoutGPS will take you straight to Goat meadow snow play area (look for signs too). Once you reach the area hang right to the dirt road and pick a spot! Plenty of space between camps and endless firewood options. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Before we parked we filled up with potable water at Wawona Campground.
June Lake camping areas sit at elevations between 7,600 to 8,000 feet in California's Eastern Sierra region, creating distinct weather patterns compared to lower elevations. Summer nights typically drop into the 40s, even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s. Access to most camping spots closes from November through April due to snow accumulation, with primary roads reopening once conditions allow.
Fishing opportunities abound: Silver Lake Campground at June Lake offers excellent fishing experiences right from shore. "The fishing at silver lake was awesome," notes Andy M., while other campers recommend getting a fishing license at nearby Ernie's. Brandon L. adds, "It's worth it to grab a fishing license up the road at Ernie's."
Waterfall hikes nearby: At Twin Lakes Campground, you can access waterfall views without extensive hiking. "You can see the lake perfectly from our site. From our site we drove down to June lake which was short and easy," shares Azizah T. Mary C. confirms, "There are lots of trails to hike, many leading to waterfalls or creeks."
Hot springs exploration: For the adventurous, Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping provides access to natural hot springs. "We spent a total of 6 days out in the Inyo national forest, outside of mammoth lakes. There are hot springs scattered through out the forest. Clothing optional," shares Daniel S. These natural pools provide a unique wilderness experience after hiking or fishing.
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently report wildlife sightings, especially at Oh Ridge Campground. According to Corey M., "We got to see many deer up close. Came to our site to eat." Hannah L. adds, "Saw a doe and two babies run through the site every morning," making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.
Night sky viewing: The clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. "Amazing star gazing! Hiked up a rock face and laid out for hours watching the stars," reports Savannah L. from Silver Lake Campground. Similarly, many dispersed camping areas offer unobstructed night sky views.
Local brewery access: The June Lake brewing scene gets high marks from campers. "Definitely stop by Ohana's & june lake brewing," recommends Keef W. The brewery provides a welcome break from campfire cooking and brings campers together for social experiences.
Bear activity is common: Bear encounters are reported at multiple campgrounds in the area. "Keep your food in the bear lockers, they have daily visitors late in the evening and throughout the night," advises Jason F. from Twin Lakes Campground. Use provided bear boxes even for scented items like toiletries.
High elevation affects conditions: Mono Lake South Dispersed campers note specific challenges related to elevation. "The road into these spots is quite sandy and narrow in some places, but we did fine in our 26' Class C," explains Laura M., while others mention unpredictable weather patterns. "Ocean-type squalls can flare up with no warning, because of the wide-open desert terrain," warns Randel M.
Limited services at dispersed sites: While free camping is available, understand service limitations. "No amenities. Well a hot spring is the ultimate amenity if you ask me. Carry in carry out," explains Daniel S. Plan to bring adequate water, as most dispersed sites have none.
Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: June Lake Campground receives high marks from family campers. "Awesome spots, great shade, the store and dock is right in the campground, its perfect!" says Athena C. Families appreciate the combination of accessibility and activities.
Consider weather variability: Even in summer, nights can be extremely cold. "I expect that is different at other times. Be warned it is COLD at night," MarinMaverick says about June Lake camping. Pack extra layers, especially for children who may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
Look for wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting local wildlife. Thomas K. notes, "We always see bald eagles here! Fishing is really good!" at Twin Lakes Campground, making wildlife viewing an educational activity that requires no special equipment.
Road access considerations: RVers should check road conditions carefully. "Some of the roads can get a bit rough, so make sure you know your vehicles limits," advises Alex P. about Inyo National Forest dispersed camping. Not all forest roads accommodate larger rigs.
Generator restrictions vary: Different campgrounds have different policies on generators. "We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves," notes Thad & Savannah R., adding, "Our rig was 58' long and we had no issues getting in or out."
Dump stations limited: Plan your water usage around available facilities. "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early," advises Patrick J. about Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground, which is among the few in the region with full hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cabin or glamping options available at June Lake?
Pine Cliff Resort offers cabins within walking distance of June Lake, providing a comfortable lodging option surrounded by forest. For those seeking RV accommodations with amenities, June Lake RV Park provides well-maintained facilities in a spectacular alpine setting. The park is conveniently located near hiking trails, and you can easily walk to June Lake Brewery. Their proximity to the marina also allows for kayak, paddleboard, and pontoon boat rentals.
Where are the best campgrounds at June Lake, California?
Inyo National Forest Oh Ridge Campground offers stunning views of June Lake and easy lake access. The sites are spacious with mountain vistas, though they can be close together. Many campers appreciate the walkable distance to June Lake's beach. For a more intimate experience, Gull Lake Campground provides lakeside sites that are highly coveted. While smaller, the waterfront spots offer an exceptional experience, though sites across the road experience more traffic noise.
What are the different camping areas along the June Lake Loop?
The June Lake Loop offers several distinct camping areas. June Lake Campground provides beautiful sites with access to fall foliage viewing and is easily accessible without reservations during shoulder seasons. Reversed Creek Campground is conveniently located within walking distance of Gull Lake and close to downtown June Lake, featuring flush toilets and sinks. Other options include Silver Lake Campground and the previously mentioned Oh Ridge and Gull Lake campgrounds, each offering unique settings and amenities along the scenic loop.
Are there private campgrounds with pools at June Lake?
There are no private campgrounds with pools directly at June Lake based on available information. The private accommodation options like June Lake RV Park and Lodge focus on natural amenities such as lake access, boat rentals, and proximity to outdoor activities rather than swimming pools. For pool access, Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground is the closest option, located about 20 minutes from June Lake in nearby Mammoth Lakes, which does offer swimming facilities alongside other amenities.
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