Mammoth Lakes camping offers diverse options at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet, with nighttime temperatures often dropping 30-40 degrees below daytime highs even in summer. The area's volcanic origins create unique geological features surrounding the campsites, with obsidian deposits, hot springs, and ancient lava flows accessible from many campgrounds. Forest Service restrictions on campfires vary seasonally based on fire danger levels.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: From Coldwater Campground, take the trail to Duck Pass for spectacular mountain views. "Lots of trails in every direction from easy paved to more rugged terrain in the mountains. Tons of lakes to kayak," notes Patsy R. The Meadows trail offers "beautiful scenery and rivers" according to Hannah V.
Hot springs exploration: The Crab Cooker Hotsprings area provides natural thermal soaking opportunities. "The crab cooker hot spring was a little confusing to find. Once you find it... it's TINY. 3 people comfortably. And HOT HOT HOTTTT!" reports Rachel W. For alternatives, Tucker B. suggests: "I went down and could barely leave my fingers in for much more than five seconds... so I moved on over to Shepherd's Hot Spring just over the hill!"
Fishing at multiple lakes: June Lake has excellent fishing opportunities. Athena C. calls it the "Best fishing campground" with "the store and dock right in the campground." At Convict Lake, visitors report "great fishing in the creek- it is stocked" and note you can "find some quiet spots around the lake to relax, read, and soak up the sun if you aren't into fishing."
What campers like
Easy town access: Sherwin Creek offers seclusion while being minutes from amenities. Ashley C. explains, "This campground is just outside the main part of Mammoth Lakes, CA. It is secluded, and you would never know that you are 5 mins. away from a Vons or all the hubbub of the town." For dispersed camping with town access, Ciara W. notes Scenic Loop is "10 minutes from town. About 25 minutes the famous mobil gas station."
Creek-side sites: Many campers value water proximity. At Sherwin Creek, Dennis H. mentions, "There's a nice little creek that runs along the edge" while Bob M. found Coldwater Campground has "quite a few near the creeks on either side of the campground." Paige G. specifically recommends site 16 at Coldwater, which is "super close to water, restrooms, and both Mammoth Creek and Coldwater Creek."
Wildlife viewing: Oh Ridge Campground offers frequent animal sightings. "We got to see many deer up close. Came to our site to eat," shares Corey M. Near Crab Cooker Hotsprings, campers encounter "friendly cows who came to say hello and decided to hang out," while at Twin Lakes, visitors report seeing "squirrels, ducks, deer, and even bears."
What you should know
Weather variability: Mountain elevations create significant temperature swings. At June Lake Campground, MarinMaverick advises, "Like to camp here in late October early November... Be warned it is COLD at night." Jonathan G. reinforces this: "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer."
Bear presence: Active wildlife requires proper food storage. Fay M. observed at Mammoth Mountain RV Park that "it was long enough to see a bear cross the road. This is definitely a spot where they aren't kidding about locking up your food." At Twin Lakes Campground, campers warn to "Keep your food in the bear lockers, they have daily visitors late in the evening and throughout the night."
Campsite privacy variations: Site selection matters at campsites mammoth. Beverly W. notes Mammoth Mountain RV Park's upper area "is nothing more than a paved parking lot with allocated space." For more privacy, Hannah L. found at June Lake "a smaller campsite that butted right up against another campsite, but most other sites seemed more private."
Tips for camping with families
Look for adjacent recreation: Convict Lake Campground provides diverse family activities. Lorrie explains it offers "great fishing, swimming, boating paddle boards" while Vanessa H. advises "You can find some quiet spots around the lake to relax, read, and soak up the sun if you aren't into fishing."
Seek shaded sites: For comfort with children, prioritize tree cover. Christina R. from Mammoth Mountain RV Park notes "When tent camping, you're under beautiful trees which I love!" At Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping, visitors recommend sites "among trees" though Robert H. cautions about "a lot of airborne dirt when dirtbikes, and ATV's are active on weekends."
Consider campground facilities: Bathroom access matters with kids. Kathleen C. found Coldwater Campground "sites had plenty of room. Site 24 was near the stream with lots of flat areas to pitch tents, bear locker, fire pit and picnic table." For developed camping, Kevin notes Oh Ridge has "territorial views and allowed for some privacy" while being "surrounded by wonderful mountains and there is a lake down below."
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: At Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground, Patrick J. advises: "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." Jessica L. adds: "Choose to camp under the shade of the pines on a dirt pad or in the clean, parking lot style section."
Hookup limitations: Many Mammoth Lakes campsites have basic or no hookups. Jaime R. recommends the "large spaces that have electricity and water only" at Mammoth Mountain RV Park, noting they're "very quiet and nice." At most Forest Service campgrounds, no hookups are available, though many accommodate RVs up to certain lengths.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. Patrick J. warns: "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early." Several campgrounds including Twin Lakes and June Lake offer dump stations, though some require fees for use.
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