Tahoe National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Tahoe National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Tahoe National Forest, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Grandview Campground is nestled in low hills covered with Pinyon and Juniper. A large open area in the middle of the campground gives a truly grand view of the night sky. The combination of 8,600 foot elevation and no intrusive city lights make this a popular site for star gazers and astronomy groups. Campers are asked to minimize their use of generators and lights so everyone in camp can enjoy a peaceful night of stargazing. Grandview is also the nearest campground to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, just 5 miles to Schulman Grove. The campground has 23 sites spaced on two loop roads. Most sites are flat and sandy with ample shade. Each site has a table, fire ring, and parking for one or two vehicles. Firewood sources are limited. Do not collect wood from live or standing trees.
Convict Lake Campground is situated near Convict Lake amidst the beautiful scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake and surrounding national forest provide many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation. The campground and nearby resort offer many amenities for a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. The facility is located between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California, near Mammoth Airport.
The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can cast a line for rainbow and brown trout in the creek or lake. Power boats are limited to electric motors on the lake (six horsepower or less). The area's majestic scenery and variety of trails draw in hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. The 3.5-mile Lake Trail can be accessed from the campground, and many other trails are in nearby John Muir Wilderness.
The campground sits at an elevation of 7,500 ft. and provides gorgeous views of the lake and the dramatic mountain scenery. Convict Creek runs through the campground, and the 167-acre Convict Lake is about 100 yards away. Shrubs and low vegetation fill in the landscape, though tall aspen and cottonwood trees grow along the creek. The area is abundant with wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.
Visitors can explore the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches for 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain, and offers extensive hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.
$30 - $33 / night
Easy access to fishing, a marina and boat rentals make June Lake Campground a favorite spot for both families and anglers. The facility sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in close proximity to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. The town of June Lake offers the convenience of shopping and dining, while the surrounding land and lakes provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities.
Campers have no problem staying busy and enjoying the outdoors. Fishing for rainbow and Alpers trout, canoeing, boating and walking are just some of the activities available around the lake. Numerous trails lie minutes away, an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The Fern Lake Trail, a short drive away, leads into the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness. Skiing is a major winter pastime in the area. A drive along the June Lake Loop results in expansive views of rugged mountain peaks and several lakes.
Campsites are located in a mixed aspen and pine forest above the eastern shoreline of beautiful, 257-acre June Lake. Many points in the campground have views of the surrounding 11,000 and 12,000' peaks. The campground's elevation is 7,600 feet. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.
Mono Lake and its many activities are minutes away. Hikers can access the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness via nearby trails, and Yosemite National Park is a great day trip. Ansel Adams Wilderness Yosemite National Park
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$30 / night
$33 / night
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.
Mammoth Mountain RV Park offers full and partial hook-up sites, tent camping and cabins in the beautiful alpine town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. Mammoth Mountain offers an impressive 175 different campsites to choose from, including 49 full hook-up sites, 105 partial hook-up sites, 17 tent sites, 2 group tent sites, and 2 cabins. The park is ideally located near sightseeing, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, shopping and much more!
$35 - $80 / night
This beautiful marsh also promises excellent birding and wildlife spotting opportunities. Despite its name, actual Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs fishing is fairly restrictive, due to being a sensitive region and prime habitat for the critically endangered Fish Lake Valley tui chub. Keep your eyes peeled for large schools of goldfish found within the warm ponds year-round. Because this natural oasis is found in the middle of high-desert landscape without other water sources for miles, an abundance of wildlife is drawn to the spring as a watering hole.
The Fish Lake Hot Springs are a free public resource. Before you hit the road, brush up on Hot Springs Etiquette and be sure to avoid camping within 100 feet of the hot spring. Be respectful of the local wildlife residents, too, and leave them plenty of space.
East Fork Canyon is in a beautiful wooded section of Rock Creek Canyon, near Lower Rock Creek. Anglers, hikers and photographers enjoy this scenic location in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The facility is large and accommodating, with several loops of campsites.Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather.
Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the creek may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers in the backcountry are treated to populations of golden trout. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers. There are several trails in and around Rock Creek Canyon, some of which meander around high-elevation alpine lakes.
This beautifully wooded area is dense with pine and fir trees, with aspens that turn golden and shimmer in the fall. Sitting at an elevation of 8,900 ft., East Fork offers views of the taller mountain peaks that surround it. The campground is adjacent to the clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek, which originates in the John Muir Wilderness and runs for 22 miles through the bottom of Rock Creek Canyon. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.
For facility specific information, please call (760) 935-4012.
For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in nearby Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July.
$30 - $33 / night
Grandview Campground is nestled in low hills covered with Pinyon and Juniper. A large open area in the middle of the campground gives a truly grand view of the night sky. The combination of 8,600 foot elevation and no intrusive city lights make this a popular site for star gazers and astronomy groups. Campers are asked to minimize their use of generators and lights so everyone in camp can enjoy a peaceful night of stargazing. Grandview is also the nearest campground to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, just 5 miles to Schulman Grove. The campground has 23 sites spaced on two loop roads. Most sites are flat and sandy with ample shade. Each site has a table, fire ring, and parking for one or two vehicles. Firewood sources are limited. Do not collect wood from live or standing trees.
Convict Lake Campground is situated near Convict Lake amidst the beautiful scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake and surrounding national forest provide many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation. The campground and nearby resort offer many amenities for a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. The facility is located between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California, near Mammoth Airport.
The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can cast a line for rainbow and brown trout in the creek or lake. Power boats are limited to electric motors on the lake (six horsepower or less). The area's majestic scenery and variety of trails draw in hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. The 3.5-mile Lake Trail can be accessed from the campground, and many other trails are in nearby John Muir Wilderness.
The campground sits at an elevation of 7,500 ft. and provides gorgeous views of the lake and the dramatic mountain scenery. Convict Creek runs through the campground, and the 167-acre Convict Lake is about 100 yards away. Shrubs and low vegetation fill in the landscape, though tall aspen and cottonwood trees grow along the creek. The area is abundant with wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.
Visitors can explore the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches for 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain, and offers extensive hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.
$30 - $33 / night
Easy access to fishing, a marina and boat rentals make June Lake Campground a favorite spot for both families and anglers. The facility sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in close proximity to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. The town of June Lake offers the convenience of shopping and dining, while the surrounding land and lakes provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities.
Campers have no problem staying busy and enjoying the outdoors. Fishing for rainbow and Alpers trout, canoeing, boating and walking are just some of the activities available around the lake. Numerous trails lie minutes away, an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The Fern Lake Trail, a short drive away, leads into the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness. Skiing is a major winter pastime in the area. A drive along the June Lake Loop results in expansive views of rugged mountain peaks and several lakes.
Campsites are located in a mixed aspen and pine forest above the eastern shoreline of beautiful, 257-acre June Lake. Many points in the campground have views of the surrounding 11,000 and 12,000' peaks. The campground's elevation is 7,600 feet. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.
Mono Lake and its many activities are minutes away. Hikers can access the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness via nearby trails, and Yosemite National Park is a great day trip. Ansel Adams Wilderness Yosemite National Park
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$30 / night
$33 / night
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.
Guide
Lovely campground. Nice creek sounds and beautiful large trees. Couldn't get a hold of host and sites aren't very private. Otherwise really solid choice for location, amenities (bear lockers were great) and maintenance.
Guide
We found a great campsite at the Aspen Grove Campground off of Hwy 120 close to the east entrance of Yosemite. Our campsite had a running waterfall with pine and aspen trees. Each campsite includes a table, fire pit, and bear box. There is no potable water and it only has porta potties. Cell service is poor but we used out Starlink with no issues, which also will not work if your campsite is in the pine trees. We would stay here again.
Scout
Pull into a spot and relax while you listen to the creek, close to the road easy access
Traveler
We stayed in site #17, it was pretty private as we didn't really have anyone around us. The bathroom was clean and the site itself was well maintained. Firewood was for sale at the camp store or through the hosts. Gets super cold at night! Showers were available at the camp store as well as laundry.
Traveler
We arrived late in the night, there is a sign with available places on the office entrance. Good restrooms. Dump Station and Hot water shower is free if you pay for Camping. Laundry is available as well. Paid for 1 night with electric and water hookup 52 $. Only Cash.
Traveler
We spent 1 night and was hoping to spend another except for an unexpected rainstorm that brought of course rain and high winds. It is a windy area as it is in a canyon, but it had settled after the sun went down, and we were able to build a beautiful campfire. Our site was very large and it might have been a group site but there was only 1 post on the site. The vault toilet was just across from the campsite. The site was quite private and had a small walkway down to the stream where you could fit maybe 4 or 5 chairs and just enjoy the endless stream. I have T-Mobile and I had absolutely NO service.
TravelerAs night approached, we had to find a campground. We were also looking for something maintained but scenic which this campground was. There are no actual views of the lake from the camp ground that we saw, but some of the sites have a stream flowing through. Even though it was late in the day (5-6pm) and the campground was basically all reserved, we did find a few open spots that you could pay for at the pay station. Each spot has a nice parking spot big enough for a small trailer. Not all spots were leveled, but we did find one that was leveled enough that we didn't need to make any additional adjustments. They all had fire pits, table, and bear lockers. All in all, it's a great campground. I want to mention there is a restaurant close by, but expect to pay upwards of $100 for a meal. It might be best to bring in your own meals. I have T-Mobile, and I was able to get a text or two, but I had absolutely no service until we got back to the 395.
Traveler
No camping happened. Campground closed when we checked on October 16th, 2034. Maybe next time.
Scout
Pulled in here since the sun was setting and we wouldn’t make it to lone pine. Nice off road trail with some scattered sites.
ScoutWe were exploring Yosemite high country and wanted a place to park and sleep. 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.
Scout
Parked overnight in the RV on the same road as the hotspring on a Wednesday night had no problems. 2 other vans were next to us
Scout
Easy access. Quiet and close to the Owens River. We slept well and didn’t hear another person all night. Beautiful night sky.
Traveler
This was an amazing find, there’s only maybe 1 spot that wouldn’t require AWD it gets to be somewhat deep sandy/gravely roads after that. But otherwise, close to the lake, beautiful, and peaceful.
I have ATT and had plenty of service here.
GuideStayed one night on the way to Yosemite. Nasty snow rainy day. Restrooms and showers clean. Laundry good. Park needs some TLC. Unlevel sites. Cable had terrible connection. Wifi very weak.
Legend
This is our 3rd time staying here and we love it every time. There were only a few other campers here when we stayed the week before Christmas and there were plenty of spots open. Even when it’s busy, it seems like you can always find something. We love it here. So peaceful and absolutely quiet. Lots of rock climbers come in for the day and leave in the afternoon.
Something we hadn’t noticed before were all the goatheads, everywhere. Watch your dog’s paws.
Decent cell reception for ATT and Verizon, not great, but usable. Easy drive to Bishop for supplies, and the free dump & water fill at the Speedway at the other end of town is really nice.
The road in is fairly washboarded, but manageable. The road along the back side of the stone “wall” has gotten worse since we were here last. Parts of it are really rutted and washed out. Hopefully they are fixed at some point, not sure I’d feel comfortable driving our class c on it as it is now. Luckily there are plenty of spots out off the main road so we didn’t need to drive down that road this time.
Saw the rangers go by a couple of times during our 2 night stay here. One stopped and took notes and took a picture of our rig- glad to see that they’re tracking people and enforcing the 14 day limit!
Guide
Worked for our trip. Perfect spot for a overnight stay between Pahrump and Truckee. Full hook upd. Nice and clean.
Ranger
We were looking forward to our first stay near June Lake. Oh Ridge was ok. We were in the Rabbit loop, site 57 with a partial mountain view. The sites are very close together with little privacy. Flush toilets in the loop were clean. From the nearby squirrel loop one can walk to June lake. No hiking near the campground. However we drove off in the morning and hiked the Parker Lake trail. If you only want to fish or do lake activities this campground may be ok for you. It was not our thing.
Traveler
Beautiful waterfront spots adjacent to Bishop creek, toilets, showers, fish cleaning station and these days most importantly WIFi especially if going with teenagers. Everything you need to have an enjoyable experience, even with teenagers.
Traveler
Great spot. There were quite a few people out but it was also labor day weekend, I still had no issue finding a spot and there were more sites available. Amazing stars and great hot spring.
Traveler
The campground was big yet still quite. We came up on a Thursday and got a first come spot. There are plenty of restrooms and water faucets throughout the campground to fill up.
Most of the camp sites seemed pretty uneven so come prepared.
No wildlife sitings during our stay
RangerI had always wanted to camp in the Inyo national forest. Oh ridge was on my list and I was able to finally make the trip. It was a hefty drive from the Central Valley but the views were stunning. The mountainous route was sketchy but arriving to June lake was amazing! Our campsite was awesome, site 6 in bear loop. You can see the lake perfectly from our site. There’s bathrooms and an easy short drive to the town. From our site we drove down to June lake which was short and easy. You could technically walk but I don’t recommend it if you don’t like walking uphill. The lake is cold but beautiful!
GuideMost sites here looked to be closed off from eachother, and fairly private but was unpleasantly surprised to find that I had reserved one of the least private sites available (48)
The campground was quiet and reached below freezing temperatures each evening but hit 80-85 by peak sun.
The bathrooms were well stocked and clean, and campers were responsible with bear safety.
Every night around 6-7 pm a UPS truck would come tearing through the campground Atleast double the limit and sometimes driving against traffic on a one way road.
TravelerSuper easy to get to, to get into and get out of. There was a Safeway within walking distance as well as a pub and a casino. Only thing strange was they asked our dogs not to pee on the grass.
GuideWe were driving from Las Vegas to Yosemite > It’s a nice spot to spend the night, it’s almost halfway.
The access to the spot was 30min of dusty road but flat enough to drive at 35mph in a campervan.
The parking area is quite big Now one when we arrived near 8.30PM 2 cars when we woke up
It’s nice to be in the middle of nowhere, without any service. A lot of animals near the water (frogs, ducks, birds, cows, fishes)
There is toilets
Legend
Still 4 stars, more accurately 3.5 stars. 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. Bring all your campsite mats, you will need it. We backed in pretty deep to the site as not to run into our neighbor, My long shore cord had to be stretched to get to the power box. The water and sewer fine. Why these boxes are so far back almost into the next site is puzzling. Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early. Not really sure if there will be a third visit.
Guide
Plenty of spots either in this area or the one down the road. If you work remote keep searching and you’ll find a spot where starlink isn’t blocked by trees.
10 minutes from town. About 25 minutes the famous mobil gas station. They sure did treat us good. Expensive gas but 2 water spigots, easy to access bathrooms and delicious meatloaf
Guide
Sagehen gives you beautiful roads throughout, no 4-wheeler required. Pines tree forest, big lots and 1bar phone reception just up the hill. I take my chair and take care of business.
Camping near Tahoe National Forest, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up the scenery, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Tahoe National Forest, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful scenery, plenty of activities, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a perfect getaway for families, anglers, and RVers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tahoe National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tahoe National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 159 campgrounds and RV parks near Tahoe National Forest and 43 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tahoe National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tahoe National Forest is Grandview Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tahoe National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 43 free dispersed camping spots near Tahoe National Forest.
What parks are near Tahoe National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Tahoe National Forest that allow camping, notably Inyo National Forest and Devils Postpile National Monument.
