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Dispersed Camping

Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping, near Mammoth Lakes, California, is a fantastic location for those seeking a true escape into nature. This area offers a range of camping spots, allowing you to find your own little slice of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle.

Visitors rave about the abundance of sites available, with many noting that you can easily find a spot that suits your needs. The area is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just keep in mind that there are no amenities like water or restrooms, so come prepared for a more rustic experience. As one camper put it, “Great free camping!”

If you're into stargazing, you’re in for a treat. The clear skies here provide a stunning view of the stars, making it a perfect backdrop for a night under the cosmos. Plus, you're just a short drive from town, so you can grab supplies or enjoy a meal out when you need a break from cooking over the campfire.

For those who enjoy a bit of exploration, the surrounding area is filled with dirt roads leading to various campsites, perfect for off-road adventures. Just remember to keep an eye out for other campers and dirt bikes while you’re enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you're looking to unwind or embark on a little adventure, Scenic Loop has got you covered.

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Location

Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.65704669 N
118.99421818 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Pine Glen

Pine Glen

9 min away

Devils Postpile

Devils Postpile

11 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

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Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2024

Plenty of spots (few for starlink)

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

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Ciara W., August 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Ciara W., August 6, 2024
  • Playing fetch on the road in front of our spot. Keep an eye out for dirt bikes
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Reviewed Aug. 1, 2024

too hot in summer, beware large trailers

this site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers. Road is doable with a car but the grade sucks. Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 29, 2024

So close to resort and beautiful and popular

GREAT 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 !

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2022

Great free camping!

Got 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!

Sitescenic loop dispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Megan S., July 28, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2022

Plenty of obvious spots and some not so obvious

Overall this was a pretty good place to camp for one night. There are lots of obvious spots to camp both to the east and west sides of the scenic Loop. I’ve ventured in a little further and found a decent spot to camp with my teardrop trailer. Decent Verizon signal off of the Inyo Crater road.

SiteInyo Crater Area
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Jeffrey F., July 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Jeffrey F., July 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Jeffrey F., July 2, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2022

DRIVE UP THE ROAD

Some people did not find the campground, and I couldn’t either… Until I realized that this campgrounded actually is a part of another one, up the road, you cannot drive directly into this one, but if you got the road there are plenty of places and you will see many different people camping, if you want Internet drive farther down the loops and you will get up to three bars of Verizon

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Owen T., June 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Owen T., June 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Owen T., June 22, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2021

Great area!

We camped here in July of this year and it was perfect! Close enough to town but out of the way enough to be quiet. Plenty of spots too. The ones closest to the main road are taken over quick but if you have 4wd you can get back pretty far and away. One of the best nights sleep we had for our trip.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2021

Awesome spot

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.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Dana W., October 26, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Plent of Space and Shade

Right off of the Mammoth to June fire road. There were other campers, but mostly at the base of the hill.

Sitedispersed / free
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Val C., July 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping by Val C., July 26, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2020

My favorite road!!!

This rod is hands down a campers fairy tail. There are over 100 campsites along this road all first come first serve. The PCT comes through this section of mammoth so there are, and I’m not kidding, hundreds upon hundreds of campsites. As you drive along this road, every 10 seconds you will pass a dirt road. Each dirt road has multiple campsites! Don’t get discouraged if one person is at the beginning of the road, that’s often the only people out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed camping on Mammoth Scenic Loop?

Mammoth Scenic Loop offers true primitive dispersed camping with no developed amenities. There are no bathrooms, water sources, electricity, or established fire rings at the sites. For water, some campers visit the Mobil gas station about 25 minutes away, which has water spigots available. Verizon cell service is accessible in certain areas, particularly off the Inyo Crater road. Some locations also have adequate Starlink connectivity depending on tree coverage, which is helpful for remote workers.

Where is dispersed camping allowed along the Mammoth Scenic Loop?

Dispersed camping is available extensively along the Mammoth Scenic Loop with over 100 first-come, first-served sites. Camping spots can be found on both the east and west sides of the Scenic Loop road. There are numerous turnoffs where camping is permitted, and many campers venture off the main road to find more secluded spots. If you have 4WD, you can access areas further back from the main road. Additional camping opportunities exist along the Mammoth to June fire road and near Inyo Crater road, offering plenty of options for boondocking.

When is the best time of year for dispersed camping at Mammoth Scenic Loop?

Summer is ideal for camping at Mammoth Scenic Loop, with July providing perfect conditions. The area is also accessible into fall, with campers reporting good experiences through October. Road conditions can be challenging in wet weather as some surfaces change to sand about half a mile from certain areas, creating potential issues for heavier vehicles. Winter camping is limited due to snow and access issues. Spring availability depends on snowmelt and road conditions.

What rules and regulations apply to dispersed camping near Mammoth Lakes?

Dispersed camping at Mammoth Scenic Loop follows standard Forest Service regulations. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or fees. Vehicle size restrictions apply - motorhomes over 24 feet and larger trailers may have difficulty navigating the roads and finding suitable turnaround spots. The steep grade on some sections can be challenging for larger vehicles. Campfires may be restricted during dry seasons, so portable stoves are recommended. Standard dispersed camping guidelines apply: pack out all trash, maintain distance from water sources, and practice Leave No Trace principles.