The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Mammoth Lakes. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Mammoth Lakes campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Mammoth Lakes. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$35 - $80 / night
"Hot showers, heated pool and spa. Drinking water and clean-out/dump station for RV. Large bear boxes on site to store food in."
"Good bathroom amenities and swimming pool/spa. Playground. Walking distance to town. Great walking paths."
$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."
"We decided to camp further away from the lake (towards the back of the campground), as there were less people and it was more quiet and secluded."
"Views on the other are rolling fields / foothills with lots of cutie vocal Moo Moos and Alkali Lake! You can see other hot springs in the distance. No shade. Lots of flies and red ants."
"We set up our tents with a view of the hot springs. The hot spring was kind of broken when we were there so that was a bummer, but you could hike out to the slightly muddy creek for some hot water."
"I stayed here for 3 nights while section hiking the Pacific crest trail & everyone I came into contact that worked at reds meadoow was extremely helpful and polite. there's a restaurant (diner food"
"It’s within walking distance to Lake Sotcher as well as Reds Meadow Pack station and trailheads for Rainbow Falls and Devils Postpile."
$99 - $249 / night
"The Vault toilets and bathrooms were clean and well maintained."
"Tons of trails in the area such as Rainbow falls and the Devils postpile which is a National Monument."
$31 / night
"You are right in the middle of the woods And walking distance to June lake lake."
"Didn’t enjoy all that this place has to offer, but we walked around and will return. Staff is very friendly and accommodating since we rolled in on a Saturday in august."
$33 / night
"Tuffs is a great little campground located about 200 yards from Route 395. It's located in a small ravine so you don't hear any traffic noise."
"Lots of greens surrounding the area. Good for groups.. if you get neighboring sites. all campers around here were very respectful."
$5 / night
"Thousand Island Lake is a backcountry camping area located at 9,839 feet elevation in Ansel Adams Wilderness within the Inyo National Forest, California."
"Thousand Island Lake is a trek to get to but once you get there, well you don’t really want to leave."
$36 / night
"The site was clean, spacious enough, flat enough, and very convenient to access to everywhere in the valley."
"Sites are moderate sized with bear locker, picnic table and fire pit. Campground has flushing toilets, sinks. Campground is close to curry village where showers, pool, market and pizza are available."
$37 - $78 / night
"As far as the campground, you get a fire pit, bear bin and tent area. There are bathrooms (outhouses, essentially) very close and running water via spiket up the hill."
"But there are tons of other sites that you can just set up camp. Basically pull off any area and set up camp."
Rangeraka Curry Village
My daughters and I have now stayed in both the canvas tent/cabin and a hard-sided cabin. Both provide comfortable beds with sheets and a warm blanket on each. (If you like fluffy pillows, bring one from home.)
We stayed in the heated tent/cabin during a major snowfall and stayed toasty-warm. I’d give this place an extra star if we were able to boil water in the tents, so we could make our own warm food and coffee, but it’s not allowed. There are bear boxes to lock up any food you do bring. There are places in the valley to buy warm meals, but they really weren’t very good, especially for the price.
The showers are warm and have good water pressure. They always had clean towels available, too.
However, Curry Village is packed with wall-to-wall people. Despite quiet hours, there seems to always be That One Guy who gets drunk, loud and obnoxious. On our last trip, That One Guy decided to yell obscenities in my daughters’ faces when they asked him politely to keep the noise down. It was 15min before quiet hours and it was obvious that most of the other guests (many with small kids) had gone to bed. Other than calling the front desk, there really wasn’t another option for “crowd control.”
When I camp, I do prefer remote, quiet places away from crowds, but I did appreciate the convenience of Curry Village’s location. We really were in the heart of the valley with great access to the best hikes. All in all, we enjoyed our stays.
GuideOverall, the proximity to being in The Valley outweighed the negatives of our stay.
While pricey for what it is, it IS at the far east end of Yosemite Valley with easy access to the Mist Trail. The tent-cabins are close to each other (3-8 feet), and we were woken by our neighbors our first morning (they were checking out early, and while quiet hours were 'officially' over, it was still 0730...and since it was during the heat wave, we hadn't gotten to sleep til well after midnight).
That said...we were expecting foam rubber mattresses on wooden plywood shelves for beds, but the bed frame, mattresses, pillows and Rumpl blankets were a nice surprise (the website stated there would be wool blankets). The towels and sheets were in need of some fabric softener though.
It was HOT. Having camped in tent-cabins before (not Curry Village), we brought fans with us that helped cool things down in the evenings, but having fans [battery operated/ rechargeable (we had Ryobi rechargeable fans)] helped us out.
We couldn't figure out how to make the tent-cabin canvas window 'shades' to stay open- which was necessary because we needed the ventilation - we had brought along some binder clips that we were able to jury-rig to keep the canvas flaps over the screens open, though.
Showers and restrooms were adequately clean, and showers were hot…but nothing to write home about.
We were surprised by the trash on the grounds near the cabins (where our nearest showerhouse was)- in fact, a zip-lock baggie sat on the ground in the same spot for the three days we were there, before I picked it up on our way out. Additionally, on the grounds of the tent-cabins, we found several nails and other hardware on the ground.
We were also surprised by the size of Curry Village, which isn't really discussed on the website. We were in tent-cabin 749 on the far east end, which was great until we had to walk to Camp Curry and/or the parking lot. We brought a wagon to carry our gear from the car to the tent-cabin, but once again, we've done this before, and we felt really bad for the folks lugging all their stuff without the benefit of a cart. Next time we'd bring bikes to help with the longish walk (400 meters? Maybe longer?)
The food options were great! The pizza is fantastic, and it was nice having the ability to grab pizza/tacos/burgers as an option at the end of the day (cooking is not allowed in the camp, but we 'tailgated' with backpacking stoves and meals a couple of the days).
RangerMany options to stay! Rv, bring your own tent, yurts, safari tents,, cabins. RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.
Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean. Laundry on site. Clubhouse and small provisions.
Easy access to Bass Lake and Yosemite entrance as well as local Town food and markets.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW: Coldwater Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA
A beautiful 77 site campground nestled in at over 9,000 ft in the Inyo National Forest of the Eastern Sierras.
Amenities: large sites, modern restrooms spaced throughout the camp (two unisex doors, includes one sink with running cold water, a flush toilet, and metal mirror), water spigots near the latrines.
Each site has a large picnic table, a fire pit with sliding cook grate, a double door bear cabinet and small paved parking pad.
We chose site 66, as it sprawled to s mountain stream, nestled in shaded pines, had a couple flat tent spots and was relatively close to restrooms and water.
No electric, no showers (nearby Twin Lakes Campground Store rents shower time at $7.00…one person per shower.
Coldwater Campground is a short drive from Mammoth Lakes, which has all you should need or desire.
The trails from the back of Coldwater Campground go up, up, up…but offer spectacular mountain views, glacier lakes, picturesque alpine meadows, waterfalls and cascades. A short drive and bus ride away are trails to Iconic Rainbow Falls and Devil’s Postpile, among other ridiculously beautiful mountain trails!
Mountain bike trails are innumerable…and the paved multi-use trails are stellar and travel for miles. https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/top-5-xc-mountain-bike-trails-near-mammoth-lakes
There are rentals nearby for every sportsman. This is the active person’s Mecca! Also close-by is Mammoth Ski area that offers the downhill mountain bikers absolute Nirvana, during summer months.
https://www.mammothmountain.com/summer/bike-park-overview/mammoth-bike-park/mammoth-bike-park
At $24 a night, this seems to be the standard rate for this region…and that without showers.
Note: Even during hot summer months, it gets chilly at night. August 6, it was 50 degrees at night. A 40 degree dip from the cloudless daytime temps.
It did not take long to fall in love with the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. I would not hesitate to camp here again, and am already planning a return visit.
Legend***I start off by saying that the staff I did interact with were all very nice and it have a great mountaineering school with excellent staff and a nice camp store.
Also, this campground is definitely in a great location within the valley. However, for the cost you'd think they could do a lot more maintenance to these "tents". Similarly, not sure why they aren't all heated as they include a simple cheap heater that they could easily put in all of them.
When the campground is making about ~70K per night on the weekend you'd think they could easily afford to maintain the grounds. The tents are filthy, the bathrooms have graffiti in the stalls and there's no area for picnicking, fires, seating, etc. (things that you always get included at a standard campsite). My personal tent is way cleaner than these "tents" as it appears that they haven't cleaned out the dirt in quite some time...They simply (hopefully) just come in and change the sheets in between people and that seems to be about it.
Also, I can understand not having people cook/eat in their tents, but they should then provide a picnic area so you don't have to bus/drive to a different area of the park or eat all your meals in the restaurant (Another way they're making money) if you'd like to bring in some of your own food or sit around a fire and have a S'more. They do have a lounge with a fire place, so why can't they have an outdoor fire pit so you can actually be closer to nature?
Stayed October 11-14th 2018 like another reviewer and couldn't believe how disrespectful so many of the other "campers" were during the quiet hours. People (not just the kids) were not only running through and disrespecting people personal space/belonging but they were up and extremely loud late into the night (at least 3am). Although isn't part of the reason to come to this incredible National park to get up early and explore the park? May people seemed to treat this "campground" as a party spot. People in true campgrounds are much more respectful of the others around them.
While, I'll definitely be back to Yosemite, I won't be staying here again.
RangerThe Tuolumne Meadows Lodge isn't the kind of lodge you think of when you think of a lodge. It consists of a main building where there is a small store and an assigned-by-time food service, plus a bunch of platform tent cabins, each with its own stove for heat. (Nights get cold up here, even in the summer!)
The large parking lot is lined on one side with bear boxes where you can store food, if you prefer to bring some cereal for breakfast and sandwich fixings for lunch. (There are not many food options up this way. You have the lodge, plus a grill down the way, but that's about it.)
Free firewood is provided for guests, along with a communal campfire in the evenings. The tents have cot beds and bedding. Towels are also provided. (There are bear boxes by the showers to hold your showering stuff.)
If you can get a cell signal, you are lucky. I'm told that if you walk to the top of the nearby waterfall/river that runs by camp, there sometimes is service there. I was able to make a phone call out, but no data available.
Lots of great hiking around. This place reminded me of summer camp, but a bit more pricey!
GuideWe stayed here March 2022. We booked a heated tent cabin for 4 nights. It had 1 double bed and 2 singles, a storage tower, 1 central electric light, and 1 electrical outlet - this is not advertised, but if you tell them you have a CPAP or other medical device needing an outlet, they will let you know that there is one in the heated cabins. It was enough to power a power strip, charge our phones, and run said CPAP (LOL). The beds were comfy and the linens were great. We requested additional blankets as the comforter on the bed was nylon on both sides and kept sliding off the beds. We were given old school wool blankets and they were great! We did adjust the heat often as it would actually get too warm.
As we visited in the off season, not all of the amenities were available (pool, restaurants), but it didn't bother us at all. The guest lounge was often crowded and we only spent one evening in there. Showers and toilets were very clean. It was still fully booked when we went, but the grounds are quiet are people were very respectful of the park rules.
This was a great central location to do Yosemite. We woke up under Half Dome every morning, did the Mist Trail, Vernal Falls trail, and Lower Yosemite Falls trail. Doing it in the off season was awesome as the number of additional people not actually staying in the park was very small.
Reservations are hard to come by...we reserved in January for March of the same year and got lucky. Book through the NPS as other sites charge additional, unnecessary fees. We also recommend packing in food. There are bear lockers to store it. Dining in the park is provided by Aramark and is average at best. We took a trip outside the park to dine in a nearby city and had a wonderful dinner.
Overall, we would definitely stay here again and again! It was very peaceful and comfortable.
GuideStayed two nights here in a 2 bed tent cabin. Slept 3 of us perfectly and was somewhat heated. Meaning the heater likes to turn it self off at times cooling the tent back down before kicking back in. The bathroom and showers were great for camping showers. The is a nice lodge style place to hang out plus great pizza place on site as well. This is a perfect place for those who like to camp but not fans of tent camping in cold snowy conditions. I will definitely return!
LegendYosemite's Housekeeping Camp is exactly as described. It's in a great location right in the Valley. It's an easy walk to the main visitors center and both the Valley Village and Half Dome Village. There are A LOT of shelters in the Housekeeping Camp area and it might feel a little crowded. When you register you can preference a riverside site for no extra cost which is certainly worth it. The structures are built so there are two sites per building, you can hear your neighbors. The fences around each site are angled to maximize privacy. Each site is equipped with a table, lights and outlets, beds and a fire pit. Showers and laundry are available. It felt a lot like I was at summer camp.
I wish the river had been higher when we were there, it was a little low for swimming. It's certainly worth it to take the shuttles around the valley rather than sitting in traffic. Even in late September all of the sites were booked and the parking lots filled up.
Recommendation: take the drive up to Glacier Point, the view is incredible!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of glamping in Mammoth Lakes?
Glamping in Mammoth Lakes typically ranges from $75-$250+ per night depending on accommodation type and amenities. Canvas tent cabins at Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park represent more affordable options while still providing shelter structures in a prime location. For more upscale experiences, Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground offers premium accommodations at higher price points. Prices generally increase during peak summer and winter seasons (June-August and December-February), with shoulder seasons offering better value. Many sites require minimum stays during peak periods, and additional fees may apply for extra amenities, premium locations, or larger accommodations that sleep more people.
What types of glamping accommodations are available in Mammoth Lakes?
Mammoth Lakes offers diverse glamping options ranging from canvas tent cabins to more structured accommodations. Curry Village — Yosemite National Park provides both canvas tent cabins with comfortable beds and hard-sided cabins with proper bedding. These accommodations include sheets, warm blankets, and some heated options. For a different experience, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge — Yosemite National Park offers platform tent cabins with wood stoves for heat, perfect for the chilly mountain nights. Beyond basic tent cabins, the Mammoth Lakes area also features safari tents, cabins with electricity, and equipped shelters that provide a perfect middle ground between traditional camping and hotel accommodations.
Are yurts available for glamping in Mammoth Lakes?
Yes, yurts are available for glamping in the Mammoth Lakes area. Yosemite RV Resort specifically offers yurts among their diverse accommodation options, which also include safari tents and cabins. These circular, tent-like structures provide a unique glamping experience with sturdy walls, proper beds, and often electricity. While traditional yurts are somewhat limited in the immediate Mammoth area, Pine Cliff Resort near June Lake offers alternative glamping structures. Yurts typically need to be reserved well in advance, especially during peak summer months. Most yurts in the region come furnished with beds and basic furniture, though amenities vary by location. Prices for yurt accommodations generally range from $100-200 per night depending on size and amenities.
Where are the best glamping sites located near Mammoth Lakes?
The best glamping sites near Mammoth Lakes are strategically positioned for both comfort and natural beauty. Yosemite RV Resort offers diverse accommodations including yurts, safari tents, and cabins with amenities like a large clean pool, lounging areas, playgrounds, and freshly renovated bathrooms. For a more rustic but comfortable experience, Reds Meadow Campground provides excellent access to hiking trails with on-site amenities including a restaurant and general store. Other notable glamping locations include sites along the scenic Highway 395 corridor, near June Lake, and in the Inyo National Forest, all offering varied levels of amenities while maintaining proximity to Mammoth's attractions.
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