The June Lake area sits at elevations between 7,600 and 8,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-80°F while nighttime temperatures drop to 40-50°F even in July and August. Alpine lake waters remain cold year-round, with swimming comfortable only during peak summer months.
What to do
Fishing excursions: Catch wild brown trout in Mill Creek at Lundy Canyon Campground, where the creek provides excellent fly fishing opportunities. "Was right on the Mill creek which made for some super fun fly fishing for wild brown trout," notes a camper who enjoyed the access to this less-crowded fishing spot.
Alpine hiking: Take day hikes starting from Reds Meadow Campground to Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. A visitor explains, "It's within walking distance to Lake Sotcher as well as Reds Meadow Pack station and trailheads for Rainbow Falls and Devils Postpile."
Birdwatching: Wake early to observe wildlife at Twin Lakes where bald eagles are frequently spotted. "We always sea bald eagles here! Fishing is really good!" reports one regular visitor to the area's secluded waterways.
What campers like
Bear-safe camping protocols: Campsites throughout the region provide bear boxes for food storage. At Big Bend Campground, visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities. "There's a fire ring, table, and bear locker. Bears are active there and one camp through the campground late on one of the nights we were there," reports a recent visitor.
High elevation climate: The mountain setting creates comfortable summer camping temperatures. A visitor to Lower Lee Vining Campground notes, "Don't know if it's normal but it was 30° when we woke up in the middle of June. Only took us 15 minutes to get to the National Park."
Fall foliage viewing: Aspen groves create spectacular autumn scenery. A camper at Lundy Canyon Campground describes it as "absolutely gorgeous! Quite, little creek running through, aspens all around, high desert across the street amazing hikes lakes and beaver dams!"
What you should know
Seasonal water systems: Most campgrounds in the area turn off water systems by mid-October. One visitor to Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground notes, "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."
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. At Lower Lee Vining Campground, a visitor warns, "There are two bears that roam this property they come and check the property at night and in the morning and they will investigate every single site so do not leave anything out."
Campground layouts: Site sizes and layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. One visitor to Lundy Canyon Campground observed, "Almost all of the sites on this campground are secluded from one another due to the density of the trees. There are bear boxes, a picnic, and a fire pit for each camp site."
Tips for camping with families
Tent-friendly options: For family tent camping, look for campgrounds with natural buffers between sites. A visitor to Mammoth Mountain RV Park notes, "I really enjoyed tent camping here... When tent camping, you're under beautiful trees which I love!"
Off-season camping challenges: Prepare for cold nights even in summer months. One camper at Big Bend advises, "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer. Twin Lakes and all of the surrounding Mammoth area is gorgeous."
Cell service limitations: Limited connectivity exists throughout the region. A visitor to Twin Lakes notes, "Cell service for ATT wasn't very strong so take some time away from the rest of the world. You can run into town for reception and wifi if needed."
Tips from RVers
RV site selection strategies: Look for campgrounds with dedicated RV sections rather than universal sites. At Mono Vista RV Park, a visitor observed, "They have tent sites as well as full and partial hookup sites for RVs. Showers, restrooms and laundry were Immaculate."
Dump station timing: Schedule your departure to avoid dump station congestion. One RVer at Mammoth Mountain RV Park cautions, "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early."
Power management considerations: Many sites offer electric hookups with limitations. A visitor to Mono Vista RV Park shares, "They only offer 30 amp and don't want you to use A/C and at $45, that seems odd. They do not offer much beyond what the USFS campgrounds all around this place offer at $15 cheaper."
