Inyo National Forest's Scenic Loop dispersed area puts free camping within a short drive of downtown Mammoth Lakes, spread across a forested corridor where dirt roads branch off at regular intervals. Sites sit on both the east and west sides of the Scenic Loop road, with some tucked further back along secondary tracks. No bathrooms, water, or fire rings are provided here. Campers bring everything they need.
Road conditions are worth knowing before arrival. One reviewer notes that the surface changes to sand roughly half a mile from the springs, which can become risky for heavy vehicles in wet conditions, and that limited turnarounds make the route challenging for motor homes over 24 feet. Lighter rigs and camper vans have navigated the loop without issue. Cell coverage is inconsistent but Verizon users have picked up a few bars along Inyo Crater Road, and those relying on Starlink may need to test a few spots to clear the tree canopy.
Crowd patterns follow a predictable rhythm, especially during ski season, when campers use the area as a staging point and head to the mountain at first light. Spots closest to the main road fill first. Megan S. found the area "close enough to downtown" while still feeling removed from it. Nearby, Mammoth CA Dispersed and Inyo NF Dispersed near Mammoth Lakes provide additional options for those who find the Scenic Loop full. Campers looking to explore the broader region can browse places to camp around Inyo National Forest for a wider view of what's available.
Description
Regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.
You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.
Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.
Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).
Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:
Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.
Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsScenic Loop is located in California near Mammoth Lakes
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
37.65704669 N
118.99421818 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/8/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 9/8/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/8/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/8/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 9/8/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/8/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 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.
Drive Time
- 5 hrs 17 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 25 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 26 min from Merced, CA
- 5 hrs 47 min from Fresno, CA
