Looking for tent camping near June Lake? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near June Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other 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
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
The Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite sits on the floor of the Yosemite Valley. Located on Southside Drive, this campground offers tent sites and glamping tents. Picnic tables, fire pits, and an extensive camp store.
$5 / night
Located deep in the rugged Yosemite National Park backcountry, Vogelsang is one of the park’s acclaimed High Sierra Camps (HSC). One of five high country camp areas, Vogelsang is the highest, situated at an elevation of 10,130 feet, near the head of Rafferty Creek, and at the base of 11,410-foot Fletcher Peak. The only way to get there is by hiking a fairly rugged 7.5-mile trail from Tioga Road (Hwy 120), in the Tuolumne Meadows area, up and over 9,992-foot Tuolumne Pass. The trail begins with a comfortable stroll along the picturesque Lyell Fork Tuolumne River, before climbing steadily south into lodgepole pine forest alongside tumbling Rafferty Creek, and finally emerging into sprawling alpine meadows surrounded by skyscraping granite spires.
The HSC at Vogelsang consists of 12 tent cabins that can accommodate a maximum of 42 guests. Cabins are equipped with bunks, but campers must provide their own linens or sleeping bags. Camp guests are also treated to family-style breakfast and dinner by the camp host and chef. A vault toilet is available near the camp area. Getting to stay in one of Vogelsang’s coveted cabins requires entering the annual HSC lottery, which typically takes place the winter before the summer hiking season. Due to high demand, the limited number of spaces, and the short accessibility season (often only 2–3 months), camps sell out quickly. If you don’t get a cabin space, you can choose to tent camp nearby (backcountry permit required). This is primitive wilderness camping, so you should follow Leave No Trace guidelines. You can still opt to purchase just a meal at the camp so you don’t have to cook. HSC cabin rates are $152–$159/person/night; meals only are $80/person/night; kids rates are available.
The Vogelsang HSC is the perfect basecamp for exploring one of the most spectacular regions of the Yosemite high country. Right near the camp, you can visit nearby Boothe Lake, take a chilly dip in Fletcher Lake, or make a short hike to Vogelsang Lake, which rests in a rocky basin between Fletcher Peak and 11,493-foot Vogelsang Peak. Wander a little farther through Vogelsang Pass for stunning views over Lewis Creek Canyon and 12,561-foot Mount Florence. For an extended trip, you can continue another 8 miles southwest to Merced Lake HSC, one of the larger, and more remote camps on the High Sierra Loop. For a stunning change of scenery on your hike out from Vogelsang, hike east through the Evelyn Lake meadows—with an optional 3-mile round trip to Ireland Lake—then drop down into the wide Lyell Canyon and finish with a leisurely, view-packed stroll north alongside the river.
Guide
We stayed here one night and even though the campground was mostly full they were so kind to help us find an open tent site! I loved the location in proximity to June Lake, it's easily walkable to the lake, has great views and nice open sites. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because there is little coverage in most sites, so in the summer you're really exposed to lots of sun and wind, but it's nice that the sites are spread out and close to bathrooms. Honestly, we drove around the June Lake, Gull Lake and Reversed Peak campgrounds and while the first two were right on water, the sites were not very nice and were right on top of each other. I liked that Oh Ridge was a lot more spacious, was still walkable to the lake and was central to the June Lake village. Make sure you rent a boat or kayak from June Lake Marina, they are so friendly and it's a great way to chill on the lake. Super clean and good cell phone service on AT&T and around the lake.
Guide
We were tent camping and were nervous about not having a reservation around Yosemite so we reserved a site here for a tent site by the river. The price was high but were willing to pay for a confirmed place to stay during June 2021. When we got there they were under major construction and told us the area by the river was closed. They put us in the area on the hill. The sites were small and full of dirt. We got more dirty there than several of the more remote places we stayed before and after our stay there. The campground was decent though, and everyone we spoke with was nice. Three stars was value for the price. We found several first-come first served campgrounds around there for much less (of course they only had vault toilets).
Ranger
It's free but donations are welcome. It's more for boondocking your trailer or RV. Spots are huge. Great for motorcycle/snowmobile. I was the only person in a tent. Not great if you're looking for tent camping atmosphere. But close to Mammoth and June Lake Loop. Had a bear visitor. Better for RV camping.
Traveler
Downsides: There are pit toilets, and they smell pretty bad, and the sites are really close together. There is no trash, no water & no reservations. The good: Plenty of beautiful trees and shade. The creek is lovely, and a wonderful place for the kids to play. There are some fish, but hard to catch. The best thing is that it is free to camp here, and it's only 20 minutes from June Lake, and 20 minutes to Mammoth if you need supplies.
ScoutWe tent camped on the river here and really enjoyed our stay. We floated on the river in tubes, visited Nearby Rainbow Pools, went into Yosemite Valley a couple of days, the park is about 5-10 mins from the entrance to Yosemite but we didn’t mind we enjoyed the drive into the valley and used it as an opportunity to spot wildlife. We had two young kids (6 &8) and the campground restrooms and showers were perfect after a long day hiking, they were well maintained, good water pressure. These restrooms were located at the ponderosa tent sites, we had some family also camping in RVS along the river and I can’t speak for those restrooms. No cell service & WiFi is unlikely to work so prepare to be unplugged..they do give you printed directions to the closest area to get a signal depending on your carrier. The staff was very friendly and helpful! We will definitely be back one day. Side note: we came during COVID so reservations to Yosemite National park were required, therefore the park and surrounding campgrounds were not as packed as they normally would be. (This was heavenly).
ScoutThis was our first camping trip and it was successful. Plenty of space in a grassy lot plus fire pit and water hose bib if needed. Quick drive to Owen river for fishing and other activities. About an hour from June lake. Golf course looked nice but not enticing as it was 98° during the day (4th of July weekend). The town of bishop is less than a mile with a bunch of shops and restaurants to check out along with a bunch of stores, so if you forget something don’t sweat it. In all it was fairly priced and seem very appropriate for a quiet family summer trip!
Guide
This campground is clean and quiet. There are spaces for travel trailers and motor homes with or without electricity and water and there are spaces for tent camping as well. The restrooms are clean and have showers,a small stream runs through the campground and fires are allowed. The campground is near a county park with a small lake . This is a great home base to explore the area, Toms place,Rock creek,Convict Lake, Mammoth and the June Lake loop are within 45 min. Definitely worth checking out we stay two times a year and we love it.
Guide
Great location right in the valley. Amenities were nice (showers, laundry, food). The three-sided cinder block enclosure was a bit rustic and dirty. Would have felt cleaner actually camping in a tent where you can control what comes in and out of your personal space. Hiked several days in the park and took in sunset from Glacier Point (while doing the 4 mile hike earlier in the day from the valley floor up to the point). Beautiful!
Legend
I am a tent camper and I was there in Oct/Nov when I came through to look at the fall colors. 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. I was right across from the lake and this is a pretty site.
Good place to fish and kayak and there is a rental of all things water down the road.
You need to pick your site here as a tent camper. Many of the sites are really for RVs but there are good sheltered tent sites as well. The southern lopop has the best tent ites. A majority of the sites are in the open meant for RVs. Sites have your table and fire ring and restrooms are close by.
Access to a boart launch as well.
Guide
I really enjoyed tent camping here. I’m not a fan of the trailer camping because it’s all cement and everyone is close together, but it’s doable if need be. When tent camping, you’re under beautiful trees which I love!
Guide
We had a nice open camping spot. It was at the edge of Yosemite Valley. The only downside to the spot was everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don’t know why they need to run them. Next time we will camp in a tent only area. This area had no showers.
Traveler
The place is in great location. The bathrooms are clean which is a great plus. There is a nice river (Fresno River). One thing I have to add is that many of the campsites along the water trailer and especially tent sites are very bunched up. There is not any room between campsites. The tent sites have are honestly 20x20 I would say. Therefore, there is no privacy. I understand from a business perspective the concept but to make it more appealing campsite I would suggest changing the layout and cutting the tent sites into half so that each campsite has more room.
Guide
This is our go to place for our yearly camp out . It has a spot for everyone from tent camping to cabins.
Ranger
Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.
Ranger
The tent camping sites were pretty small. Beautiful, but our site was pretty far away from the bathroom, water, and creek.
Traveler
There is no space between tent sites and no dividing trees or bushes. Bathroom and showers are clean.
GuideBeautiful tent camping above the Yosemite valley. Close enough to drive into the valley but far enough to not be surrounded by people at all times. Make sure to bring hammocks! Great trees to lounge in!
Guide
4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon.
Scout
It's a nice campsite. A bit of trash scattered around the tent spots. Excellente toilets and showers, but not so great out of hours check-in. Also 70+USD for a tent site with no hookup in November is a rip-off.
Scout
Tent camping and some RV sites available. Went at the very end of the season so cold at night but beautiful during the day! Various homes nearby. Lake was beautiful and the leaves were changing in time for winter. Very clean. Flushable toilets and running water. Walking distance from town.
ScoutBeen camping here for years, very nice and really clean. Nice family owned rv park and tent camping. Make sure if you come since it’s right next to the mountains be prepared for wind and rain, but usually passes pretty quick. About a two hour drive into Yosemite valley and only like 20 mins from Yosemite east entrance.
Scout
Stayed three nights here tent camping , facilities were very clean and the foreman was very friendly guy. the area is great fishing and hiking though small game hunting in the Owens Valley was unproductive . Overall a great place to stay and country store has everything you need for your stay I will come back
GuideCampground is setup in a loop. Pay at the post upon entry - fill out the reservation envelope and put your nightly fee into the envelope.
There are spots for tent camping and even or truck spots with a larger parking space.
This is a seasonal campground and will be closed during the winter months.
Traveler
Very close to park entrance. Tent sites are small and gravel. However the hosts are friendly, there are showers, clean bathrooms, good wifi, and you can use the resort pool. Great place to relax after a long day of hiking in Yosemite.
GuideVisited in Fall, beautiful time, All the trees were changing, it was beautiful. The campground was nice, the spaces were separated, we tent camped. Store a few minute walk down the road, along with place to rent boats for the lake. Very calm and peaceful area. Because of the beauty and seclusion, wonderful time. one of the best campgrounds/locations I've ever been to.
Scout
Absolutely loved it here! No cellphone service, no showers, and one nature toilet. A true tent camping experience. Fell asleep to the raging river nearby. Recreation.gov states that bear proof lockers are provided but that is not true. This is a remote campsite, you are living in bear country; be prepared and secure you food/garbage. We had no problems with any wildlife and found it peaceful.
GuideGreat Campground and location between Mammoth and June Lake. Once you drive in Glass Creek Rd, the campground splits in two sections. On the right you will have half the campground spots (25+), both shaded and sunny, near the creek and also out in the open. Cross a small bridge over the creek and you're in the other half of the campground on your left. Same situation, lots of campsites with plenty in sun and the outer ones with more shade. Plenty of RV spots and plenty that work for car-camping or tent camping. We have a 38' RV and there were plenty of options. No water in the campground but you can get as much as you need a mile or two down the road at the rest area along with dumpsters. For RVs: plenty of dump stations around. We used the Mammoth Community Water District dump station ($10 Donation Requested) and it worked great. Plenty of firewood to pick up around most of the sites. Had decent AT&T reception all around the campground. Had a bear visit our site a few times but we scared it away pretty easily. The camp hosts seem on top of the bear activity and are quick to respond to help scare it away. Had regular sheriff patrol the campground as well. No fees just a $10 donation requested that is optional. Lots of ATV and dirt bike activity but we weren't staying around camp during the day (hiking/climbing/swimming) so it didn't bother us. When it's quiet you'll hear traffic from 395 but we weren't bother by it much. Check out Hartley Cg just north of here if you need to get off the beaten path a bit more. Regulars say to come Monday or Tuesday if you want to have a good pick of sites around. We'll be back for sure!
Tent camping near June Lake, California, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning mountain views and serene lakes. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, campers can find the perfect place to set up their tents and unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near June Lake, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near June Lake, CA is Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near June Lake, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near June Lake, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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