Several dispersed camping areas surround Mono City in the Eastern Sierra region, offering free boondocking opportunities with views of Mono Lake and mountain landscapes. Mill Creek National Forest sites provide creek-side camping with water sounds day and night, accessible via dirt roads off Highway 395 near Lundy Lake Road. Virginia Lake Road boondocking offers secluded campsites with bear lockers, though the road often closes seasonally from fall through late spring.
Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Sites feature 4-5 pullouts along a Forest Service road with panoramic views of Mono Lake and adjacent crater formations. A visitor noted, "Overlooking mono lake on one side and a mountain range on the other, definitely recommend." Most sites in the region have strict fire restrictions, with no pre-existing fire rings allowed. The sandy soil at some locations may be challenging for securing tents, particularly during windy conditions. Cell service varies by location, with Verizon reception reported at some sites. The standard 14-day camping limit applies throughout these public lands.
"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! "
"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."
"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."
"And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help."
"Several spots available along the forest service road, even arriving after 7pm. Some spots are spacious, others only fit something small like a camper van (what we got)."
"Beautiful location and well secluded. Passed/saw only about 3 others during our one day stay here. Setup camp near the end of the road. A bit windy at night."
"It was just so nice, I don’t know if it was dispersed camping cause the location takes you to Virginia creek and there is a long road with lots of space like it’s a legit campground but no one there to"
"This is a very cool spot the entrance is just south of Lundy Lake rd. on the 395, there's also a back way in on Lundy Lake rd. just past the first building."
"nice shaded with creek sounds no restroom"
"Ends at Green Lake with some phenomenal spots. Keep in mind, the lake is from snowmelt, so not particularly warm.
Would get 5 stars if the bugs weren’t so bad."
"I mean... all these little mammoth lakes are hidden gems but I loved my time hiking into green lake around thanksgiving time. A little more difficult to get to but worth it."
"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."
"We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves."
"A small gravel lot good for car camping. Little to no privacy as it’s more or less just a big circle. Beautiful view back down the canyon."
"We stopped here because several other locations (that we found on this app) nearby were full or closed. It was nice and we had it to ourselves until about midnight when one other car showed up."
"I passed the place I found on here and before I could turn around, I saw this big area. It is sandy, so be cautious of that when you park. I have a Subaru so it’s not an issue."
GuideThere is so many spots back here! We stayed a bit closer to 395 and it was easy to navigate with a 26’ RV. We had initially looked for a spot on the Mammoth side of the highway but found this dirt roads more level and open for the RV. Lovely minus some sort of small critter kept waking me up in the night.
TravelerThe 0.5 mile gravel road has washboards and potholes but it’s short and offers at least a handful of pullouts for flat parking/camping. There’s nothing around except high desert views of the mountains and nearby hot springs. The signs indicate a 14-day camping limit.
ScoutFirst spot with a 22 feet TT. No problem, amazing view
GuideLoads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
GuideThis is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
GuideWe came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
GuideI've camped here several times in the last few months and it got real busy over holiday periods. Now, the first week of October, it is wonderful. I have a beautiful camping spot and it's really quiet, hardly anyone coming by in the day. In summer months it can get tedious with off road vehicles creating dust and noise. But there are so many places to camp here - depending on the size of your set-up and how far you're willing to leave the main road. There's no facilities here, pack it in and pack it out. Let's keep this place beautiful!
TravelerA small gravel lot good for car camping. Little to no privacy as it’s more or less just a big circle. Beautiful view back down the canyon.
GuideCrab Cooker seems to be empty or cold about as often as it’s functioning. While I was camping nearby, I often went on to Shepard due to Crab Cooker conditions.
The parking lot is City of LA, no overnight parking. But just before you pass the property of LA sign there’s a stellar camping loop to the right.
Primitive camping near Mono City, California offers diverse options within Inyo National Forest and surrounding public lands. Situated at approximately 6,400 feet elevation, the area experiences dramatic seasonal changes with summer temperatures reaching the high 80s and winter dropping well below freezing. Sandy terrain characterizes many sites, creating challenges for tent campers during the Eastern Sierra's frequent wind events.
Hot springs soaking: 10 miles from Mono City, Travertine Hot Springs provides natural thermal pools with mountain views. "Stargazing from the hot springs was awesome!" reports Nick O. The springs require a short walk from designated camping areas, as "There are No Camping signs posted at the road and farther up toward the hot springs," notes Connie H.
Crater exploration: 4 miles south of town, several pullouts along Forest Service Road provide access to unique geological formations. According to Gustav H., visitors can "walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area" from Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site. The volcanic landscape creates dramatic contrasts with the lake views.
Backpacking: 12 miles northwest, access backcountry routes leading to alpine lakes and peaks. "2.5-3.0 mile hike in (depending where you park), gaining about 1000' of elevation. Ends at Green Lake with some phenomenal spots," writes Ron G. about the Green Lake area. This serves as an excellent first-time backpacking destination.
Creek-side relaxation: Campers appreciate sites along flowing water. At Mill Creek National Forest, visitors enjoy "Cool water, a nice breeze in the evening, water sounds day and night," according to DJ M. Another camper notes it's "nice shaded with creek sounds" though there's "no restroom" (Kristin C.).
Mountain views: The panoramic landscapes rank highly among camper preferences. "Overlooking mono lake on one side and a mountain range on the other," Jaden J. describes the vistas from Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site. The elevated position provides excellent perspectives of both water and mountain features.
Solitude: The remote nature of dispersed sites creates peaceful camping experiences. At Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping, Kylee M. reports, "We didn't see another person the entire time we were here! We saw a few fellow campers on our way in but felt really secluded when we found our spot." The extensive forest provides ample space between campsites.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads close during winter months. "The road was still closed on June 5th," notes Sarah J. about Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking. Snow can persist at higher elevations well into spring.
Fire restrictions: Most dispersed areas prohibit open fires. "The area is dry, dry, dry so caution is in order. We lit no fires, only the stove in the rig," reports Deacon J. about camping near Mono Lake. Fire restrictions change seasonally based on conditions.
Limited facilities: Primitive camping means no developed amenities. At Highway 120 Roadside Dispersed Campsite, "It is sandy, so be cautious of that when you park," advises Annette E. Pack in all necessary supplies including water.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity exists throughout the region. Virginia Lake Rd. camping offers "great campsites with bear lockers," according to Jordan B., who notes it's a "fantastic location for dogs" with "lots of space to walk."
Choose accessible sites: Families benefit from campsites with minimal hiking requirements. "We were able to camp with our 19 foot trailer but I don't think I would recommend anything larger," advises Samantha T. about Travertine Hot Springs area.
Pack for variable weather: Temperature fluctuations require preparation. Val C. reports from Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site: "It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night."
Plan for bugs: Insect activity can affect family comfort. Ron G. notes that Green Lake "would get 5 stars if the bugs weren't so bad," recommending "bug spray/Thermacell and/or head nets will make your experience a lot more enjoyable."
Consider ground conditions: Bodie Roadside Camp provides emergency options when other sites are full, but Emma M. explains they "tried camping in our tent but it was too windy in the valley so we ended up moving into our car." The sandy soil may not hold tent stakes effectively during wind.
Assess road suitability: Many forest roads have limitations for larger vehicles. "Some of the roads can get a bit rough, so make sure you know your vehicles limits," advises Alex P. about Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping. Look for roads coded for appropriate vehicle access.
Cell service considerations: Communication availability varies by location and carrier. Mouni reports from Mono Lake South Dispersed: "I have ATT and had plenty of service here," while Gustav H. notes "Good Verizon service (4G/LTS, 4 bars)" at Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site.
Prepare for self-containment: No hookups or dump facilities exist at dispersed sites. "We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves," shares Thad & Savannah R., adding "There is no water on site that we found, but we knew that going in. Our rig was 58' long and we had no issues getting in or out."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Mono Lake?
Numerous dispersed camping opportunities exist around Mono Lake. Mono Lake South Dispersed offers multiple pull-out areas along Highway 120 east, with camping permitted above the marked 1941 water line. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site provides good summer options with refreshing breezes, though bug spray is recommended. Other nearby options include Highway 120 roadside dispersed sites and Sage Hen Dispersed off Highway 120 (though be aware of seasonal snow and washboarded dirt roads). Most sites require some clearance but are accessible with standard vehicles, and many offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
What amenities are available at Mono City dispersed camping areas?
Dispersed camping around Mono City is primitive with virtually no amenities. Laurel Springs Campground and similar dispersed sites offer no facilities - expect no toilets, water sources, garbage service, or picnic tables. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent in most areas. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping exemplifies this primitive experience with stunning 360-degree views compensating for the lack of amenities. All dispersed sites require pack-in, pack-out practices for trash and waste. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water, food, toilet paper, and waste disposal bags.
Are there any regulations for dispersed camping in Inyo National Forest near Mono Lake?
Dispersed camping in Inyo National Forest near Mono Lake follows specific regulations. Most areas have a 14-day maximum stay limit. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping requires camping only in established sites and staying above the 1941 water line around Mono Lake (marked with signs). Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed and similar sites have designated no-camping zones that must be observed. Summer fire restrictions are common, requiring approved containers for any fires. All dispersed campers must pack out all trash and waste. Vehicles must remain on established roads and within designated parking areas to prevent environmental damage.
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