Best Dispersed Camping near Mammoth Lakes, CA

Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Mammoth Lakes area, with numerous free sites on public lands managed by Inyo National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management. Popular locations include Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping (both main and Eastside areas), Crab Cooker Hotsprings, and Upper Deadman Creek. These primitive sites offer varying levels of seclusion and access to natural features. According to reviews, "Scenic Loop has multiple turn offs to camp at" with sites that are "pretty dispersed but close enough to downtown."

Most dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency as amenities are non-existent. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at these sites. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common and strictly enforced throughout the region, especially during summer and fall. Several campers noted that "some of the roads can get a bit rough, so make sure you know your vehicle's limits." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many areas, though some sites are accessible with standard passenger cars.

The Mammoth Lakes region features several natural hot springs scattered throughout the forest. These thermal features provide a unique camping experience, though they vary in accessibility and seasonal flow. As one visitor reported, "Water is only flowing in winter months" at some springs. Cell service varies widely by location and carrier. Weather conditions can change rapidly at these higher elevations, with warm days, cool nights, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. The standard stay limit for dispersed camping is 14 days. Rangers patrol popular areas to monitor usage and enforce regulations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mammoth Lakes, California (63)

    1. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5500

    "Got here on Sunday - plenty of spots to park the camper van both Sunday and Monday. Multiple turn offs on the Scenic Loop road to camp at. No bathrooms, water, electricity, or fire rings."

    "As you drive along this road, every 10 seconds you will pass a dirt road. Each dirt road has multiple campsites!"

    2. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    9 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5500

    "Our Tacoma made it to the campsites toward the back of the grounds just fine, but there was access closer to the main road for vehicles without high clearance."

    "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."

    3. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "About 8 spots at the end of the dirt road. Only one bar of service. It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft."

    4. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "We spent a total of 6 days out in the Inyo national forrest, outside of mammoth lakes. There are hot springs scattered through out the forrest. Clothing optional."

    "You can get maps for this area at some of the information boards at the beginning of the dirt roads, they also have an app that will show you all the roads in the area."

    5. Sawmill cut off

    4 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    3 miles

    "Pass the two normal campgrounds and there’s a ton of turn offs to camp at. We have a 30ft so it was pretty big and it was freeeeeeee"

    "With mountain biking trails throughout."

    6. Upper Deadman Creek

    4 Reviews
    Devils Postpile National Monument, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "Free site, can stay for up to 14 days. Some nice flat sites, lots of trees and a creek nearby."

    "Great dispersed campground for those looking for more nature and privacy. Great place to go atv or off roading. Nice little creek near by and hiking trails."

    7. Mono Lake South Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake)."

    "The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat! "

    8. BLM Road to Hot Springs

    2 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    9 miles

    "Winter doesn’t have as many open dispersed camping area near mammoth as summer so it’s good for that"

    9. Hilltop Hot Springs

    3 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    9 miles

    "There is a small parking lot & a turn around for cars, it’s not as “dispersed” as advertised."

    "We showed up around 3 am and the main loop was taken so we slept in the little parking lot for the hot springs."

    10. Owens River Road Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "All the spots closest to 395 were taken when we went in late September, but we found this spot that I've marked here that was easily accessible in our 26ft Motorhome.  "

    "Dirt roads are narrow for an 8 foot wide RV but doable. Only 2bars for Verizon. It’s slow but can still text and call."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mammoth Lakes, CA

215 Reviews of 63 Mammoth Lakes Campgrounds


  • Thomas K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    Private hotspring with mountain views

    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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Sage Hen Dispersed

    Beautiful, near Mono Lake

    The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable. This spot is at an intersection of forest service road 1S158A and Sage Hen Rd. There was still snow on the dirt road at this time of year (in mid April) so be aware,  and there are also low hanging branches that might make it tough for taller rigs. 

    This spot is a large flat area with zero amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out. 

    Good for a night or two if you want to hike or bike along the plethora of forest service roads. There were signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any.

     Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable.

  • Val C.
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Epic

    Came up here in July. It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2021

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Beautiful view of Mono Lake

    All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake). Note there are multiple pull out areas and forest service roads to stay in along Hwy 120 east just be mindful that the entire area is sand, as some vehicles may get stuck.

    The road into these spots is quite sandy and narrow in some places, but we did fine in our 26' Class C. There is a very large previously burned area with charred remains of plants and trees but it made for some interesting eerie photos. Very quiet place with amazing views and stunning night sky. There are no amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out all trash. Nearby are various hikes and other roads to the range of craters in the area and the tufas along Mono Lake.

    We stayed there on a Monday night and did not see anybody else around, other than a truck that drove past our camp spot in the night.  Very quiet night.

    Good cell reception from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

    Note that Google Maps said that Hwy 120 is closed Oct through May and would not direct us to this area via that road, but the road was open in April 2021, probably due to the mild winter.  Check Hwy 120 conditions for yourself because without it you miss out on so much beautiful area to explore.

  • Nora S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Never seen anything like this before!

    So I was hesitant to write a review because I didn’t want this place to have any more visitors than it already does..! It was an amazing experience overall and we can’t wait to come back. The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction. It’s actually off the highway before where the maps lead you and there is a sign that says Travertine Hot Springs. Having arrived at night, we were very glad to have met the locals that were helpful in showing us the way! So once you turn off the highway, you follow a dirt road that leads you straight to the springs. We ended up turning off and heading up a pretty rough road to find a spot on top of a canyon looking hill to camp. We were looking for seclusion and we definitely got it! The view was amazing from up top, and in the morning with a quick 5 minute drive we changed into our bathing suits and went for an early morning “nature hot tub swim”. The springs are hot but not boiling, and we spent an hour soaking there with absolutely no worries in the world. Definitely an amazing stay, and absolutely no hesitation to go back!

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 13, 2018

    Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Breathtaking Beauty!

    RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce at Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsites, Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Gladys Lake Backcountry Campsite, Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Backcountry camping often offers great hiking, epic scenery, serene solitude and otherwise missed sights. Depending on location, backcountry campsite locations can offer their own challenges, whether through the permitting process, preparation of gear and meals, logistics, or difficult terrain…but the trade offs can pay out big dividends.

    Leaving behind the din of packed campgrounds…getting unplugged from electronic encumbrances…relaxing beside an untouched alpine lake where the only sound you hear is the whir of dragonfly wings as they dart about.

    Only a set number of backcountry permits are issued daily, so crowds and impact remain minimal to nonexistent.

    Permits are necessary for all backcountry overnight stays in the Inyo National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits

    Whenever backcountry hiking/camping in California, do yourself a service and go online https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5139009 and take the California Campfire Permit test to acquire your certificate and possess it when in the backcountry.

    Several ways to get to Gladys Lake exist…

    1. John Muir Trail (JMT) thru-hike permits NOBO or SOBO

    2. John Muir Trail section hike permits

    3. Wilderness Permits Day hike permits

    You could enter from Reds Meadows and follow the JMT north to Gladys Lake…or better from Agnew Meadows and follow the Shadow Creek Trail (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=21272&actid=51 ) up and around Shadow Lake and then south on the JMT past Rosalie Lake to Gladys Lake. Each access trail has a daily quota…such as Shadow Creek, which has a daily quota of 30…18 secured through reservation and 12 walk-ups. So if you are choosing to walk-up, have some flexibility of starting days.

    We had a JMT SOBO permit acquired six months in advance through the NPS permit lottery. But next visit, I will likely enter through Agnew Meadows via day permit.

    Most hikers will stop and camp at Rosalie Lake, which is a wonderful option and a much larger lake. Some would suggest a more picturesque lake than Gladys Lake…but that is all in the eye of the beholder.

    August of 2018 saw little precipitation and the winter snowfall was below expectations, so lake water levels were lower and surrounding shoreline not marshy or soggy. Which made for dry and mosquito free conditions.

    The effects of local forest fires did cover surrounding mountain views during certain times of the day, and brought with it a bit of lung burning and eye stinging. Early morning and late evening hours brought clearer skies.

    Be forewarned that seemingly every backcountry campsite brings with it a steep uphill slog, but worth it. Gladys Lake is at 9600 ft elevation.

    I believe there was one other camper at Gladys Lake the night we stayed…but we neither heard nor saw them. It was a perfectly peaceful evening!

    Amenities? Well, no showers…no toilets…no water spigots…no electricity…no picnic tables…one lonely stone fire ring but open fires are not permitted. No cell service or WiFi…no general store or local grocery store. However, Gladys Lake water was refreshing both to wade and drink (filtered). You are surrounded by fragrant conifers that buffer sound. A perfectly peaceful location to relax and dream.

    PRODUCT REVIEW: Mountain House Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

    https://www.mountainhouse.com/

    As a frequent user of Mountain House freezes dried dinners, and being a creature of habit, I often settle into a couple favorite meals and don’t deviate to new offerings. Mundane and boring?…perhaps.

    But…after winning $100 worth of Mountain House meals through an early season TheDyrt.com contest… and with my daughter as my hiking buddy, I selected several different meals to avoid mutiny.

    One of these meal pouches was Mountain House’s Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.

    I admit, I was a little suspect as to how freeze-dried spaghetti with meat sauce would taste, but we were both very pleased with the sauce flavors, seasoning and the amount of meat in the sauce. The only thing I would add is a couple slices of toasted garlic bread.

    If the next rotation of Mountain House Spaghetti with Meat Sauce was easily located in our bear canisters, we would’ve likely had a second helping…but sadly, it was not.

    In pairing down weight before our backcountry hike, I removed the contents from Mountain House’s original packaging and utilized a commercial vacuum sealer to make smaller, lighter meal packs as 11 days of food needed to fit in a bear canister. It worked, but the distinct drawback was not being able to prepare the meal in the resealable pouch. A pot was necessary to allow the freeze-dried contents to soak in the boiling water. So clean up was more extensive than it would’ve been by using the Mountain House resealable pouch. It was a trade off and we made it work.

    If you are new to Mountain House freeze dried meals, directions are printed plain and simple on the pouch.

    •Measure out the prescribed amount of water

    •boil water

    •open meal pouch and remove moisture packet

    •pour boiling water in pouch and stir contents thoroughly

    •seal pouch for prescribed time

    •open pouch and stir contents

    •serve and enjoy

    It doesn’t get any easier.

  • S E.
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    I loved camping here. There’s a few spots off the road that leads into the hot springs, before you hit the sign that says no camping. Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road.

    There was no one else there when I was camped there, and as a solo female traveler I felt extremely safe. It was quiet and secluded, beautiful, yet only 10 minutes off of 395, less than a mile from the hot spring, and I had full LTE cell reception (verizon).

    There are rock fire rings that previous campers have made if you’re going to be here when camp fires are allowed. There’s no other amenities such as picnic tables or a bathroom, water, or garbage collection - this is free dispersed camping, so be prepared to be self-sufficient: pack out what you bring in and leave no trace!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    Incredible location, amazing views, hot springs!!

    Road was accessible for us in a Toyota Tacoma, but a Camry also made it up. It was a little crowded in the area we stayed (with 4 other caravans and trailers), as the other dirt road giving access to different campsites was more for high clearance vehicles (very steep and uneven). Hot springs in walking distance. Incredible views of the mountains. We would definitely stay here again. No waste services or restrooms, but a vault toilet was available at the hot springs less than a mile away. Would visit again!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    Amazing boondocking!!

    What a brilliant place! Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private. Bumpy roads around the actual camping area but manageable in a camper van. Actually saw a few big rigs here too. Only negative was the biting bugs which were everywhere & hungry but didn’t spoil the evening, just wish I’d taken bug spray or a citronella candle!


Guide to Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes dispersed camping areas sit at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The region experiences wide temperature fluctuations, with summer daytime highs reaching 80°F but dropping to near freezing at night even in July and August. Snow can block access to many mammoth designated dispersed camping areas from November through May.

What to do

Hot spring soaking: 0.2 mile hike to Hilltop Hot Springs provides thermal bathing options. According to a visitor, "There is a 0.2 mile walk out to the hot spring. Visitors to the hot spring did start showing up pretty early in the a.m." This spot offers both camping and bathing opportunities.

Mountain biking: Trail access directly from Sawmill cut off dispersed camping. As one camper noted, "Lots of camping off these road. With mountain biking trails throughout." The area provides quick entry to singletrack without needing to drive to trailheads.

Kayaking: Dawn paddling on Mono Lake when waters are calmest. A camper at Mono Lake South Dispersed shared, "I was close enough to Navy Beach to launch my kayak at sunrise, when the water is dead-calm. Ocean-type squalls can flare up with no warning." Morning paddling offers the safest conditions.

What campers like

High elevation escapes: Summer cooling when valley temperatures soar. A visitor at Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside mentioned, "We came up here to escape the heat from the valley. There was plenty of space and it was accessible with our campervan." This elevation difference can mean 20°F cooler camping than lower regions.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best opportunities. According to a camper at Mono Lake South Dispersed, "From my bed, I heard several animal visitors. They only come out at night." The area hosts deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species.

Cell service: Variable coverage allows some remote work. A reviewer at Scenic Loop shared, "If you want Internet drive farther down the loops and you will get up to three bars of Verizon." Another noted, "If you work remote keep searching and you'll find a spot where starlink isn't blocked by trees."

What you should know

Road conditions: Variable surfaces depending on recent weather and maintenance. A reviewer at Crab Cooker Hotsprings warned, "4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks." Another mentioned, "Rocking road coming in but worth it for the view."

Seasonal hot spring flow: Fluctuating water levels impact bathing options. One visitor to Crab Cooker Hotsprings found, "Water only flowing in winter months." This contrasts with other springs that maintain year-round flow.

Peak times: Weekend congestion at popular spots. A visitor to Hilltop Hot Springs observed, "Lot of people and cars in and out all afternoon until dark. About 7 camping vans and small class C's here overnight." Planning mid-week visits can provide more solitude.

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: Thermal feature precautions needed with children. At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, one visitor warned, "They repaired the pipe and cleaned up the pool, but informed me it would need at least one overnight cycle to cool off enough to be enjoyable. Sure enough, I went down and could barely leave my fingers in for much more than five seconds."

Road navigation: Plan arrival timing for best site selection. A family at Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping suggested, "I would recommend not going as far as the GPS coordinates. I came up in my truck towing my teardrop trailer, and I probably should've stopped about a mile before it. There were plenty of spaces down lower that were just as nice."

Designated sites: Less environmental impact and easier setup for families. A camper at Scenic Loop advised, "If you are just looking to spend the night close to the resort for parking you are not alone and will probably see everyone parked along the road on the side... Day light helps for finding road turnoffs!"

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Size-appropriate siting for larger vehicles. At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, one RVer cautioned, "It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft." Another noted, "This site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers."

Overnight timing: Late arrivals may still find options. An RVer at Owens River Road Dispersed shared, "Long day on the road. LA to owens river rd. Took 7 hrs so finding this spot is great for a night. Dirt roads are narrow for an 8 foot wide RV but doable." Many mammoth designated dispersed camping areas accommodate after-dark setup when necessary.

Surface conditions: Careful evaluation needed for heavier vehicles. A visitor to Crab Cooker Hotsprings warned, "Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet." Waiting 24-48 hours after rain improves conditions for large RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping around Mammoth Lakes?

The Mammoth Lakes area offers excellent dispersed camping options. Sage Hen Dispersed is accessible via a washboarded dirt road off Highway 120, though be aware of potential snow in early spring and low-hanging branches. Owens River Road Dispersed provides numerous camping spots along the road, with sites closer to Highway 395 filling up first during peak seasons. For those seeking higher elevation options, Inyo National Forest has multiple dispersed sites on forest service roads. Most dispersed sites around Mammoth Lakes require some level of clearance for vehicles, though many are accessible without 4WD. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check current fire restrictions before your trip.

Where can I find free camping in the Mammoth Lakes area?

Free camping abounds near Mammoth Lakes on public lands. Laurel Springs Campground offers free dispersed camping with a 14-day maximum stay, though access requires navigating narrow paths not suitable for large rigs. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping provides free camping with stunning 360-degree views, though accessing it requires 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles. Additional free camping can be found along forest service roads throughout Inyo National Forest. For a unique experience, areas surrounding Mammoth Lakes on Highway 395 offer numerous pullouts and forest roads for dispersed camping. Remember that free sites typically have no amenities, so come prepared with water, waste disposal plans, and awareness of current fire restrictions.

What are the BLM camping regulations near Mammoth Lakes?

BLM lands near Mammoth Lakes typically allow dispersed camping with a 14-day maximum stay within any 28-day period. Mono Lake South Dispersed camping areas on USFS and BLM land require campers to stay above the 1941 water line (marked by signs). Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site and surrounding BLM areas have seasonal fire restrictions, particularly during summer months. All BLM camping requires packing out trash and human waste management. Campsites must be at least 200 feet from water sources, and existing fire rings should be used when fires are permitted. Always check current regulations with the local BLM office or visitor center before your trip, as restrictions may change seasonally.

What is boondocking like around Mammoth Lakes?

Boondocking around Mammoth Lakes offers spectacular mountain scenery with diverse camping experiences. At Gladys Lake Backcountry, Ansel Adams Wilderness, you'll find pristine backcountry sites with epic scenery and solitude, though these require hiking in. For vehicle-accessible boondocking, sites vary widely in terms of accessibility and amenities. Many areas experience significant temperature swings—warm days and cool nights even in summer. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent at most sites (Verizon reported no service at many locations). Roads range from manageable dirt paths to rough terrain requiring high clearance. Seasonal considerations are important; many higher elevation sites are snow-covered until late spring. Come fully self-sufficient with water, waste management solutions, and be prepared for wildlife encounters.

Is there a map of dispersed camping areas in Mammoth Lakes?

While there isn't a single comprehensive map dedicated solely to dispersed camping in Mammoth Lakes, several resources can help you locate suitable areas. The Inyo National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) show roads where dispersed camping is permitted and can be downloaded from the USFS website or obtained at ranger stations. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed and similar areas appear on these maps with designated roads where camping is allowed. Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping areas are also marked on national forest maps. Apps like The Dyrt Pro feature custom map layers showing user-reported dispersed camping locations. Always verify current regulations at visitor centers or ranger stations before setting up camp.