Tahoe National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Tahoe National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Tahoe National Forest and user-submitted reviews.
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.
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.
The campground is a moderate size, with campsites scattered around a few overlapping loops. The facility provides drinking water, flush toilets and bear-proof lockers for food storage. Two marinas are close by, though not directly within the campground. Gift shopping, groceries and restaurants are within walking distance in the town of June Lake.
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 - $32 / 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.
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.
This is a fairly large and well-organized facility with both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. A few sites overlook the lake, while others are a short distance from the shore. Sites are spaced fairly close together. Flush toilets, drinking water, hot showers and a dump station are provided, as well as food storage lockers for safety from bears. Campers can purchase firewood on-site. A store, pack station, boat rentals, restaurant, showers and other amenities are just down the road at the Convict Lake Resort.
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 - $35 / night
$33 / night
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
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.
Pleasant Valley Campground provides year-round fishing in the Owens River and the Diaz Lake Campground offers an 80-acre lake for fishing and water sport recreation. Fishing license is required. Shore fishing is allowed all year round.
$14 / night
Sherwin Creek Campground is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains within 2 miles of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. Popular among anglers, hikers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts and photographers, the campground is near some of the most spectacular wilderness and outdoor recreation areas in the Sierras.
With a motocross track and trails, Sherwin Creek is a hot spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are also a draw for hikers. The Valentine Lake Trail and additional trailheads provide access to the John Muir Wilderness. The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can try for rainbow trout in the creek.
This large campground has campsites organized into three loops, all within walking distance of the creek. Several tent-only, walk-to sites make up another loop in a secluded area on either side of the creek. Sites have a native surface and plenty of shade.
The campground is situated in a shady forest of Jeffery pine, bordered by aspen-lined Sherwin Creek. The elevation is 7,600 feet. Wild roses and other flowers bring color to the landscape in spring and early summer. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.
For campers interested in local events, the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth annually in mid-July. Several other events and amenities are available in town. Many great day trips for sightseers are available in the area, such as Yosemite National Park, Mono Basin and Devils Postpile National Monument.
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 - $32 / 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.
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.
The campground is a moderate size, with campsites scattered around a few overlapping loops. The facility provides drinking water, flush toilets and bear-proof lockers for food storage. Two marinas are close by, though not directly within the campground. Gift shopping, groceries and restaurants are within walking distance in the town of June Lake.
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 - $32 / 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.
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.
This is a fairly large and well-organized facility with both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. A few sites overlook the lake, while others are a short distance from the shore. Sites are spaced fairly close together. Flush toilets, drinking water, hot showers and a dump station are provided, as well as food storage lockers for safety from bears. Campers can purchase firewood on-site. A store, pack station, boat rentals, restaurant, showers and other amenities are just down the road at the Convict Lake Resort.
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 - $35 / night
$33 / night
