Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Swall Meadows? We've got you covered. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your California camping adventure.
Located near Mammoth Lakes, Crab Cooker Hot Springs is one of several hot water springs in the area that are suitable for soaking in. The pool consists of a manmade cement tub with water piped in from a mineral spring about 30 feet away. Though the water at the source is too hot to bathe in, or even to touch, the tub has been outfitted with a valve that allows for the control of hot water.
Crab cooker is located on land that is owned by the LA Department of Water and Power, which forbids camping. However, camping is permitted on nearby public land.
Regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.
You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.
Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.
Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).
Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:
Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.
Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services, such as trash removal, tables, or toilets. There are extra responsibilites and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Most of the land in Inyo and Mono counties is publicly owned. Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is allowed throughout much of the area. If you plan to backpack into a wilderness area to camp, you will need a wilderness permit, issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers. If you wish to camp outside of developed campgrounds/sites, there are a few things you need to know:
Land Ownership: The three major land-owning agencies in the Eastern Sierra are the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Los Angeles. Dispersed camping is allowed on most Forest Service and BLM land. However, camping is prohibited on land owned by the City of Los Angeles.
Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a copy of the Inyo National Forest map, which depicts land ownership as well as roads, streams, trails and other features. The map also shows “restricted use areas” where dispersed camping is not allowed.
Restricted Use Areas: Certain high-use recreation zones, including those along paved roads leading into the mountains, are not open to dispersed camping (see Inyo National Forest map). Dispersed camping is not allowed in the following areas: Horseshoe Meadow, Onion Valley, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, McGee Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Reds Meadow Valley, June Lakes Loop, Lee Vining Canyon, Lundy Canyon, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and any research area.
Owens River: All land along the Owens River is owned by the City of Los Angeles, and is closed to camping.
Length of Stay: On Inyo National Forest land, you may camp up to 28 days per six months on any one ranger district (there are 4 ranger districts on the Inyo –Mt. Whitney, White Mountain, Mammoth, and Mono Lake). Always check with your local ranger station.
Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface. These sites might have a primitive fire ring. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Try to select a campsite at least 100 feet from lakes and streams.
Campfires and Fire Permits: If you plan to build a campfire or use a barbeque or camp stove, you must obtain a campfire permit from a Forest Service, BLM, or CalFire office. You must have a shovel and a container of water (for drowning the fire). Clear an area least 5 feet wide all the way around your fire ring down to mineral soil. During times of high fire danger, camp fires are prohibited; always check with the local fire office or ranger station for fire restrictions.
Mammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. While known for winter sports, it is also a mecca for mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts when the snow melts. Hiking and equestrian trails go into wilderness areas of Sierra Nevada.
Legend
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.
Scout
We boondocked in Inyo National Forest just last weekend, September 27-29, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The location was incredible, there were fellow boondockers around, but not too close, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. 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. We enjoyed Jeeping on the trails in Inyo National Forest, and we enjoyed the peace and quiet. We will be back.
Legend
This BLM land is managed by the Bishop Field Office.
There are many clearings where you can find a spot to camp. Even though most spots were taken the weekend we stayed there, everyone is so spread out that you still have silence and privacy. The spots do have stone fire pits.
The road in, Casa Diablo, is gravel and heavily washboarded.
Sad Boulders is a rock climber's playground. There are petroglyphs to be found on some of the boulders in the area, as well as rattle snakes, only saw one baby though. Areas are being restored so tread lightly and "Don't Crush the Brush".
There are no amenities here so pack in and pack out and bring water. It was nice to see that there wasn't too much trash laying around so let's help keep it that way.
We did see a Ranger drive by twice during the 4 nights we stayed there, so that was nice.
There is ok Verizon service, better ATT service, and T-Mobile alternated between roaming and no service.
Legend
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.
LegendWithout a doubt one of the best boondocks of the trip. The exact coordinates are: 37.924790, -119.033893. There is a large pullout (soft gravel) that loops around. Excellent view of mono lake and the east entry into Yosemite. There are no fire rings at this spot and the conditions are dry, dry, dry so caution is in order. We lit no fires, only the stove in the rig. Wild life abounds and the evenings are super quiet. We boondocked several sites and found this one to be the one to pass on info about as it is just too cool. Happy dispersed site hunting!
Traveler
Winter doesn’t have as many open dispersed camping area near mammoth as summer so it’s good for that
TravelerWhat a view! Very close to the Tufas (a must see). Dispersed camping on gravel/sand so we stayed near the road, in the middle of ponderosa trees. Sunset was gorgeous, peaceful place my kind of camping! Camping in nature!!
Scout
The scenic loop dispersed camping was great a couple of weeks ago. Quite a few spots even though Mammoth was open for snow. However, my partner and I drove around the whole loop looking for internet and couldn't get anything better than a couple Mbps with both T- Mobile and Verizon, even with our MiFi.
TravelerI dispersed camped on both both owens river rd and bald mountain. Both sites were beautiful but the one on bald mountain rd seemed to have more bugs. Both roads were decent to drive on and are spaced well from other sites. Didn't see another person from either site. Alot of nice dirt roads to take walks on too.
Guide
This is definitely a boondocker's paradise. Huge selection of spots and all sorts of roads to explore. Super close to the town of Mammoth too.
Guide
Camped in August. Busy little spot for dispersed camping. Tents and vans were there. Views on one side are mountains. 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. Found this spot just driving side roads off of Benton Crossing Rd which is off the 395. Amazing sunsets and sunrises. 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!
Ranger
This was a second stop along a 50 mile backpacking trip with my son when he was 11.
This is a broad area along the Pacific Crest Trail at the Deer Creek crossing. Fresh water to filter (always filter stream water), so you can resupply.
Even in August there are occasional thunderstorms and sudden downpours in the Sierras, regardless of the weather forecast. Be prepared just in case.
Dispersed camping, spread out to minimize your impact on the area.
Beautiful and serene, this is the beginning of the deeper backcountry of the Sierras, so press on!
TravelerGREAT SPOT. so so close to the mountain. If you want to real dispersed camping you kind of just have to drive off the road there are some obvious adjacent roads to sites and also some not so obvious clearing that people just literally drive off the road into. If you are just looking to spend the night close the resort for parking you are not alone and will probably see everyone parked along the road on the side. Everyone gets up at 5:30 and drives to mountain and goes back to sleep. Great spot so beautiful. Drive the west half of the scenic loop road and keep an eye out. Day light helps for finding road turnoffs !
LegendWe 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. If your clever and or smart enough to find them your in for a real treat. The driving can get rough on some of the roads but for the most part our mini van handled it well. We met all kinds of people in different springs while camping. It was great fun.
The dispersed camping is all over the place. No amenities. Well a hot spring is the ultimate amenity if you ask me. Carry in carry out. Use only existing fire pits. Good luck on the hot spring hunt.
Cheers!
Guide
Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater. You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area.
The road gets a little rough and soft after the 4th site.
Good Verizon service (4G/LTS, 4 bars).
This is a primitive campground near a unique geological and biological site. The area is relatively pristine and we hope that it will stay this way when you visit. Please take all trash out including TP. Campfires are not allowed here; there are no pre-existing sites and fire rings. The ash/sand might be a little soft for securing tents. When there is wind, it really blows.
RangerThere is lots of area to disperse camp. I personally 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. There weren’t as many higher up. once I found my spot it was really quiet. I found some nice trees to be in. Wasn’t very busy even though it was the Fourth of July. two bars with Verizon Wireless.
Legend
We are full-timers and have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We stayed for two nights here in mid May to enjoy the spring. This is a nice comfortably hot spring with no odor and two stage lake with Coots and lots of little fish. They are in the process of putting up barriers to prevent people from camping right next to the Hot Well, but there is plenty of dispersed camping around it. Also, unfortunately, there is a new sign(the old one was shot up) that reads“This facility will be closed and filled in if the vandalism and killing of wildlife continues”. Some people are just bent on ruining things for everyone else. There were only a couple other people here during our stay. There is absolutely no light pollution here, so the skies when clear are awesome, as was the view of the snow capped White Mountains to the West.
We had zero AT&T service. Starlink had speeds up to 8 MB/s and we had DISH coverage on all of the western satellites. We didn’t try any OTA channels with our fixed omni antenna.
GuideWe were near where the coordinates take you and 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. Expected to see more obvious pull in spots for camping but we did not, so you might have to go a ways in. All the obvious camping spots close to the highway were taken when we got here on Friday afternoon. Some soft gravel, soft sand and rough roads but we managed in our truck + trailer. Weather was beautiful with afternoon storms which we loved. Would absolutely come back!
GuideWe followed the coordinates and it didnt take us to any camp spots, however there were a lot of open areas that looked like you could camp there but we didn't see any fire pits or any signs.
We kept driving father down multiple dirt roads and eventually found a big open area where we set up camp. This spot was very sandy and we would've been stuck without 4wd. Overall a very nice, quiet, and secluded spot only 15 minutes away from the east entrance of Yosemite.
Here are the coordinates for the exact spot we were at (37.786569, -118.990848)
Guide4x4 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.
GuideStop here after coming over the mountain through Yosemite needed a place to camp on the east side before we headed home. Very different place the ground is very soft with pea gravel like granite pine trees and pine cones had to use four low with the Jeep to pull our teardrop back in to camp spot. The camp spot that's marked on the app was taken so we turned right and left the hill and found one back further in the trees
Legend
There are several ways to enter onto the John Muir Trail and one of the most scenic ways is via Duck Pass Trail our of Mammoth Lakes. It's about 6 miles up and over the pass to the JMT and a great way to work on acclimation. Since we were doing just that we did the short mileage and though we were travelling SOBO the closest camp spots were about 100 yards northbound. The signage when we entered onto the JMT was almost non existent. We actually started heading SOBO until we realized were had entered onto the trail and turned around for a quick switchback decent to the camp spots. They were not easily found as well so when you're heading down you'll see a meadow coming up on your right and Duck Creek in front of you and then heading to your left. The camp spots with fire ring are on the left up a small incline. Your view is of the meadow and though you can't really see the creek it's about 25 yards in front of you. The site is lacking in flat surface so it fits one person perfectly and then after that you start to spread out. We ended up with two by the fire ring and then three others went up a short trail to another semi sloped but clear surface (as seen in the pics). The site overall wasn't ideal but it had water and a bit of a view so it worked. If you didn't care to go quite as far I'd suggest stopping about a mile prior on the Duck Pass Trail and staying at the end of Duck Lake where there were abundant views and crystal clear lake to enjoy.
Ranger
One of the great rewards of backpacking longer distances is the fact that the further you get away from the trailhead, the less people you encounter, and the more unspoied your surroundings.
Such it is when you reach Lake Virginia. A fairly flat area, the lake sprawls out in an uneven pattern amidst rocks that protrude from the ground in clumps. The trail itself jumps across these if the water is high, it is a picturesque lake, very lush in it's surroundings.
This was stop three on a 50 mile backpacking trip, where we were able to refuel our water and renew our spirits in one of the greatest lakes in the area. We also renewed our energy for the rest of the hike.
V-mart location is an area for a dispersed campsite, but the whole idea of dispersed campsites is to let areas that are overused regrow. So if it looks overused spread out into other areas and allow re-growth. Keeping in mind to try to camp on durable surfaces, rather than on top of growing plants.
Guide
We were originally supposed to be at the East Fork Campground but a wildfire shut it down the day we arrived. So we drove to Deadman and nothing. And frankly the campsites were to close together and the toilet was gross. So we went maybe a half mile farther up the road and camped on a dispersed spot, by ourselves on the edge of lovely little deadman creek.
GuideFeels secluded but isn't. Great spot. Pack in/out.
ScoutGot 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. Pretty dispersed but close enough to downtown. Would go back!
TravelerEasy access to all vehicles except some areas that may need a little higher clearance. Nicely secluded but not many great open views in the area since it is in the Forrest among the trees.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Swall Meadows, California, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers several unique spots for camping, each with its own charm and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Swall Meadows, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Swall Meadows, CA is Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Swall Meadows, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 dispersed camping locations near Swall Meadows, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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