Looking for a place to go glamping near Tahoe National Forest? Glamping is not only a fun alternative to traditional tent camping, but also allows you to pack more or less gear as you see fit. You're sure to find glamping for your California camping excursion.
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
Tuff Campground is situated along Rock Creek in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is convenient to Tom's Place and U.S. Highway 395. At an elevation of 7,000 ft., it is lower than many of the region's campgrounds and thus frequently one of the first campgrounds to open in the spring. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and viewing the area's volcanic rock formations. Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather. The campground usually opens the last weekend in April to coincide with the first day of fishing in the Sierras.
Rock Creek and nearby Rock Creek Lake and Crawley Lake are hot spots for trout fishing. A catch from the creek may including brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers.
This campground is named for the Tuff rock formations that lie in and around it. Most campsites are situated in an open sagebrush landscape, with aspens, cottonwood and Jeffrey pine trees surrounding the area. The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek runs alongside the campsites, offering a relaxing sound for campers. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.
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.
$33 / night
Twin Lakes Campground is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. It offers lakeside camping with breathtaking scenery and many outdoor activities. The lake is a great base for fishing, boating, viewing waterfalls and hiking, and offers close proximity to the town's amenities.
The eastern Sierras are known for great trout fishing, and the 108-acre lakes are a prime location for it. Anglers can cast for rainbow, brook and brown trout while watching a waterfall tumble into the lake. The calm waters are also inviting for canoes and kayaks. Power boats must have electric motors. Several trails offer a variety of hikes nearby, including a 4-mile trail on Mammoth Mountain and two shorter nature trails along the lakes. Families enjoy attending educational programs scheduled throughout the summer.
The campground is forested with lodgepole pine, providing partial shade and a private setting. It sits at an elevation of 8,600 feet at the base of snow-capped, 11,059' Mammoth Mountain, a popular skiing destination. A cascading waterfall flows into one of the lakes. The mountains are abundant with wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.
Mammoth Lakes Basin contains several additional popular lakes to explore for fishing and boating, and Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort offers year-round recreation. Visitors can also access the magnificent John Muir Wilderness nearby, which stretches 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevadas, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain. Abundant hiking and horseback riding trails are available.
$34 / night
At an elevation of 7660 ft., this seasonal campground is set among beautiful Aspen Groves lining the banks of Mill Creek. An on-site campground host provides fee collection services for the 36 first-come, first-served camping spaces that include restrooms, non-potable water spigots, picnic benches, fire-rings, and bear boxes.
$16 / night
$27 - $32 / night
$30 - $40 / night
$31 / night
Campground is situated at 7,300 feet. 51 campsites are available. No drinking water. Portable toilets. 14 day stay limit. Each campsite is equipted with a bear locker for food storage.
$14 / night
Narrow, single lane road. Only accessible in summer. Accessible by private vehicle only if camping.
Traveler
The staff/owners were awesome even in a semi-crisis. This was during the California wildfires. I would recommend this RV park/campground they have ample space for both. Every site has a bear box. The one night I stayed there were at least 2-3 bear incursions into the grounds.
Guide
We stayed here for four nights. Originally only booked two, but because of the recent fires in the Sierra Mountains, many people had cancelled and the park wasn't very full. So we added two more nights. Very cute little town of Lee Vining along Highway 395 in California. Our views of the mountains and Mono Lake were a bit obscured by the wildfire smoke drifting through the area as it was in much of the west at this time. But we could tell that without the smoke, the views would be awesome. The spaces are bit close together, but nice lawns and facilities. Walk to grocery store, Mono Cone burger joint, sporting goods/hardware store, etc.
Legend
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. This Review is specific to the lower loop which is on the east side of the lake just past the tamarack lodge and store. The store (open 7-7) offered a variety of amenities from clothes to souvenirs. Also available at the store were showers ($6 per person and from 7am to 6pm) and boat rentals($20 per hour) . The restrooms had sinks and flushing toilets that were immaculate!We had an awful bear Problem during our visit with other campers not securing their food in the provided bear boxes but other than that we had a truly enjoyable time! The Campsites are very spacious and shaded. The amount of shade in the campground did keep things on the cooler side all day. There is Plenty to do in the area from a lengthy bike path that covers the entire lake basin to the numerous hiking trails that cover the mountain sides. You’ll want to make sure you check out the visitor center as you come into town for a fascinating history lesson and tips to make the most of your trip! Mammoth mountain itself offers a variety of entertainment during the summer from concert series in the village to zip lining across the mountain. You’ll want to head to Main Lodge for any ticket purchases for mammoth mountain activities. In my pictures you’ll find the transit schedule for the free trolly that runs up around the lake basin and throughout the town of Mammoth along with a map of the campground!
Legend
actually just got back from this campsite, which is pretty well maintained. Has a good nature feel to it. Lots of greens surrounding the area. Good for groups.. if you get neighboring sites. all campers around here were very respectful. Although the camp host lady seemed to be having a bad day and was yellong at quite a bit of people including myself. So apparently the speedlimit is 10mph and is well posted infront of the camp entrance. There is also a little bright yellow stick figure of a kid with a cap holding a flag to the left the drive entering the campgrounds. As i entered the campsite in my car at 10mph, the camp host in her campsite, yelled at me to slow down, and hand aignaled me to slow down. Sure i did.. and moved along to my campsite. Apparently she felt i did not get the message. Down the drive way from her camp, we noticed her speeding down the roads through camp to our camp to talk to us about the speed. Long story short it ended friendly.. and she got back in her golf cart and sped away at a good 20mph, while yelling at a couple of 10 year olds to stop fishing in the creek next to campgrounds in the dark. And the camp hosts says she has a really really good eye for judging speed of vehicles coming through the campsites. Also, your not suppose to fish in the dark. We also learned that the smell of our vanilla scented candles that was left in the vault toilet restroom makes her puke. So she removed the candles from the vaulted toilets next to our site. The campgrounds itself was nice. Campgrounds 14, 15, 16. Just past the drive is a nicely flowing riverish creek. It was about thigh deep and comfortably chilly. Greatfor fishing. We caught a total of about 6 trouts in one day. The near by lake crowely has some amazing formations. The lake was about 20 minutes away from camp via 4x4. Excellent campgrounds, the camp host, I'm pretty sure is a nice person.
TravelerVery serene bare bones campground. Good location right off the highway, great for a stopover. Has a creek that runs along the campground. Great cell service and toilets available. No hookups
ScoutRight by the creek with nice trails along it and if you’re brave a little rock scrambling you can go upward. David the ground manager is the best and so helpful.
ScoutThis is one of those campsites I keep on the downlow because so many do not know about it. It has saved our butts during last minute trips. Came this memorial and everywhere was full on a Tuesday, but not here.
Right between bishop and mammoth, perfect little base camp. In a little gorge type area so it blocks some of the wind and right next to a creek which sometimes has small trout and hiking trails. Host is very friendly, if it is the older gentlemen, he’s been around the forest for a while so if you’re new to stuff feel free to ask him and I’m sure he would love to help you. He is very nice and friendly.
GuideReally enjoyed this campsite, it’s near rock creek lake, Crowley lake and mammoth. I stayed in site # 27 which was in the back corner. There’s a creek ( lower rock creek) that runs through the campground. Some people were fishing and we took a small hike on the rock formals east of the creek. It was quiet however it’s near the highway so you do hear the occasional traffic that runs up the 395. The camp host seemed nice but I didn’t really talk to him much. They do have pit toilets but we’re really clean.
LegendTuffs 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. There are a variety of spot that include non-shade and shaded. The best feature of the park is the little stream that runs thru it. I saw a few people fishing but don't know if there's any fish in it. Tuffs makes a great stop over on your way to Lake Tahoe or Mammoth. Lake Crowley is also a few miles up the road.
Water is available along with pit toilets. There are no showers. Firewood is available for $7.
Cell: Good AT&T
Sprint: Roaming
Guide
I camped here in October and there was only a small handful of people here. Nice open area with views of the mountains. Watch out if it's windy because there isn't much covering.
TravelerWas able to easily find this spot using directions from this app. We came on Labor Day weekend, Sunday and easily found a spot. It was right off the main road so not the best spot but it was perfect for the night. The hot spring was awesome and so many stars at night!
TravelerWe didn’t want to take our camper and trailer combo down the side road to the hot springs but it was only a short bike ride. We camped in a wide spot on the road, but only 2 cars went by. It was late March and we woke up to snow. There are many nooks to camp in, but some of the side roads are narrow and rutted.
GuideCamped 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!
TravelerDecided to camp out for a couple days after work, didn’t get there til 3am and apparently missed a huge rainstorm by a couple hours. Needless to say we had the hot springs to ourselves the majority of the trip, parking at the edge of the dirt road with only one other car in sight , which I was told was super lucky. Woke up to the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life. The moon was bright but still being able to sit back and watch the stars in a hot spring in the middle of the night was unreal. Not to mention the friendly cows who came to say hello and decided to hang out.
TravelerThe sunrise was absolutely stunning!
GuideSuper cool spot. 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. Beautiful area, and hopefully the other guys staying there fixed the hot spring by now, they were working on it:)
GuideRocking road coming in but worth it for the view. 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.
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.
LegendGot here early in the afternoon to find a group of friendly folks repairing the pipe that fills the man-made tub.
Apparently it had recently broken and caused the pool to cool down so much that it was growing all sort of funky stuff.
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.
So, I gave it a quick stir (see video) and moved on over to Shepherd's Hot Spring just over the hill!
GuideI went here solo camping with my dog in may 2021. Great little spot. Pretty busy on the weekends though. It was also crazy windy which I think cooled off the hot spring a bit.
Traveler
Place was very quiet, very dark at night. The stars were amazing. Campsites were a lil small but very clean and maintained.
Guide
I stayed 2 nights here Sept 29 & 30, 2020 and I’m glad I did. First off, the price was great which was $28/night throw in a 7 minute hot shower for $2 more(you buy the tokens at the onsite general store) but the cold showers are free. Number 2, Bishop is a nice little town with AMAZING food spots, so you will want a little time to check those out. The staff is friendly all around from check in to grabbing a hot dog and a beer to the hardworking grounds crew. Every tent site has a fire pit, picnic table, and good grass as the grounds crew are watering the sites when not in use. The bathrooms are clean, kept up, and not cramped. The showers are nice and clean too with each shower having it’s own door with lock unlike the showers at the local gym. Right by a golf course and directly off 395 which wasn’t loud during the evening. There are hiking trails about a 30 minute drive away on Pine Creek Rd. They weren’t open when I was there due to the wildfires on the other side of the ridge. Great campground to stay for a couple days to see what Bishop has to offer.
TravelerGreat place to stay. Close To town(Bishop). Close to lots of lakes and tons to do and see. Very clean,
GuideClean easy to get in sites. Water and electric sites with a dump station for when you leave. Bathrooms were very clean. Only complaint is that as a paying guest we still had to pay to dump ($5) and showers are $2/7mins. Great place for kids with playground, western town and store with ice cream and beers.
TravelerThe campground and bathrooms were clean and well taken care of. It’s like a parking lot with big trees. But a very nice parking lot with trees. The pull thoughts were very welcome since it was dark when we got there. Would we stay again? Probably if we were passing g through like this trip.
ScoutJust pulled in late for one night. Nice large spaces, pretty open with several large trees for shade. $35 for water and power hook ups; $30 for no hook ups/tent; $2 showers; $5 guest dump; $15 non guest (dump hours 8-4:30).
Nice little general store.
GuideWe stayed here on our trip from San Diego to Washington. We drove in without reservations mid week, and they had a spot for us. Super clean bathrooms and coin op showers, a small laundry room and high country museum, and a well stocked store. Very friendly. We parked on grass, and over the fence was a very nice public country club golf course. Many of the campers were staying there to golf, go fishing and to ride atvs. Only a mile into town for a large supermarket, Starbucks, and two incredible bakeries. The view was beautiful. The grounds right along Hwy 395, so you did hear trucks at night, but we camped further off the road, so it was totally doable. Would stay here again as a “passing through” not for deep woods experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Tahoe National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Tahoe National Forest is Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Tahoe National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 glamping camping locations near Tahoe National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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