Off-road vehicle enthusiasts and campers seeking forest access will find multiple dispersed sites along the Scenic Loop road system. This free camping area sits within Inyo National Forest, about 15 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, with spots scattered both along the main bypass road and up hillside spurs requiring higher clearance.
The forested setting provides established fire rings at many locations, though campers should expect dust when ATVs and dirt bikes are active on weekends. Sites closer to the main road accommodate most vehicles, while more secluded spots up the hill require trucks or high-clearance vehicles. Several reviewers note the area fills quickly with camper vans arriving after dark, particularly during peak seasons.
Cell coverage varies significantly by location and carrier, with some campers reporting three bars of Verizon service when positioning higher up the trail, while others find only spotty coverage throughout the loop. Robert H. notes the area offers "more secluded spots up the hill" for those willing to navigate the dirt roads.
The location provides convenient access to both Mammoth Lakes for supplies and Route 120 west toward Yosemite's Tioga Pass. This dispersed camping works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with variable road conditions and weekend OHV activity.
Description
Mammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. While known for winter sports, it is also a mecca for mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts when the snow melts. Hiking and equestrian trails go into wilderness areas of Sierra Nevada.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsScenic Loop Dispersed Camping is located in California near Mammoth Lakes
Coordinates
37.67445472 N
118.98944528 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 6/8/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 38 usersLast on 6/8/26- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 6/8/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 6/8/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 38 usersLast on 6/8/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 6/8/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- 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 - Eastside needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 5 hrs 20 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 25 min from Merced, CA
- 5 hrs 28 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 50 min from Fresno, CA
