Best Equestrian Camping near Tahoe National Forest

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!

15$ a night for tent camping (includes water, electric, & showers). Very close to downtown. It is an open field, some might feel a bit exposed. Very nice staff & clean facilities.

Section of the county fairgrounds is a dedicated RV park. Has full hookup sites as well as no hookup sites. Park is clean & well run but spaces are small and tight. Pretty much a gravel lot. Level. One side has mostly shade, the other full sun. Showers and bathrooms are very clean. Fires in your own enclosed metal ring/container only.

The off-hours campground host is super serious and frequently asked to see our tag/receipt. YOU JUST CHECKED AN HOUR AGO 😤 Unnecessary and demeaning signs placed throughout just left a bad taste in our mouth (see photo).

No on-site laundry but the park is centrally located so is close to everything in Bishop.

Lots to do nearby including white mountains, Sierra Nevada, Bristlecone Pine forest in the Inyo NF. Easy walk to downtown coffee shops, pubs, restaurants & shops.

Would probably not stay again what with the militant host and unnecessary reminders that no, my mother indeed does not work here.

Not sure what has changed, but no such thing as $15 camping here. Minimum charge was $20, and that was dry camping only. For electric and water sites we paid $35. That said, the showers were nice (and free), and the restrooms were clean. Lots of noise both day and night, but that's the tradeoff for stores and restaurants nearby. All in all a mediocre experience.... but convenient.

This place is perfect for camping, it has everything you need and it has three bars of Verizon if you need to be able to use the Internet, just make sure that you drive up the trail a little bit or hike up there, and you will get decent Internet. Enough for text and such

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.

Our Tacoma made it to the campsites toward the back of the grounds just fine, but there was access closer to the main road for vehicles without high clearance. Great location, close enough to town or Tioga Pass if you wish to visit Yosemite. A bit buggy so be aware. We stayed 2 nights, but at two separate campsites, each of them as good.

Easy 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.

Nice flat spots along the Scenic Bypass road (not just where the map says). More secluded spots up the hill. The dirt hill road is fairly decent, but no medium+ to large rigs.

5 minutes into Mammoth town. 30 mins to Route 120 west turn, that takes you into Yosemite (tioga pass). I enjoyed a week's stay here. Negatives? Poor and spotty cell. A lot of airborne dirt when dirtbikes, and ATV's are active on weekends.

I would return to this enjoyable spot.

Great option, plenty options a dirt road

This campground seems more fitted to those using campers more so than those tent camping.

I saw very few tent campers and the RV's and tow behind campers were the majority here.

I managed to grab a decent site, I think it was 36.  Tucked in a wooded area not far from the restrooms.  Which are flush toilets and running water.  Clean and well maintained.

Site was a bit muddy and wasn't that easy to find a level spot for a tent.  A bit of garbage was left on site and trash in the bear box.  All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and bear box.

Noise level was higher than I prefer but then again if I'm not just hearing nature, it's too loud for me.

Pretty lakes, waterfalls and a nice area to venture around.

Traffic in Mammoth can get pretty busy.

We camped here with a group that had two trailers and a large RV. 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. The year-round folks and the crowds tend to camp closer to the lake. They were strict about dogs being on their leashes. We love to fish here, both on shore and in a boat (def bring your boat if you have one). The views are insanely gorgeous!!! Bring water toys for the kiddos. The small beach is perfect for hot days. Be sure to put food and garbage away before bed- we had a bear come visit!!

If you're camping here, you're going to see beautiful lakes and a giant waterfall that's just a short walk from any campsite. However, be prepared to be right on top of each other, without a lot of space.

The bathrooms have flushing toilets and running sinks, so they don't stink and aren't terrible to camp next to if you have to. (Site 11 was the only one left the second time I stayed here, but there was no bathroom smell).

This is a great campsite for backpackers getting to Mammoth lakes and acclimating to the altitude before setting off.

This was a great campsite with lots of availability. In fact, one night we had the whole campground to ourselves. It has really nice tables and fire pits at each site and clean restrooms. Some of the sites offer nice privacy and are tucked into trees and meadows. Only downside was the mosquitos but I know they are everywhere.

Amazing views all around. Flush toilets, asphalt pads. Showers were out of service.

It’s worth it to grab a fishing license up the road at Ernie’s. It was much windier than we anticipated, so definitely stale your tent down. We woke to a neighbors tent in the trees! Showers were closed because of covid, so check the site for those details. Make sure you grab a bite at the Whoa Nellie Deli down the road!