Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside, near Mammoth Lakes, California, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a little solitude in nature. This area offers a mix of flat camping spots along a dirt road, making it accessible for various vehicles, though some areas may require a bit more clearance.

Visitors have highlighted the seclusion and natural beauty of the site, with plenty of trees providing shade and a peaceful atmosphere. One camper noted, “Great option, plenty options a dirt road,” which sums up the flexibility of the location. While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to camp with your pets and the absence of permits make it a hassle-free experience.

If you're looking to explore, you're just a short drive from Mammoth town and about 30 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite via Route 120. The area is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with dirt roads inviting you to hike or bike through the stunning scenery. Just be prepared for some dust if you're visiting on a busy weekend when dirt bikes and ATVs are active.

While some campers mentioned spotty cell service, others found that a little hike up the trail could yield decent reception. This spot is ideal for those wanting to disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors without the usual campground frills. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Scenic Loop offers a unique camping experience that keeps you close to nature.

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.

Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Mammoth Lakes. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Mammoth Lakes campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Mammoth Lakes. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Mammoth Lakes

The Best Camping Near Mammoth Lakes, California

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. 

Great for quiet camping

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 

Perfect for campers 

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. 

Easy access

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.


Amazing! 

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 Access to Sierra Nevadas. 

Great option, plenty options a dirt road 

Among trees

We can up here to escape to heat from the valley. There was plenty of space and it was accessible with our campervan. Spend a nice and quiet night here! 

Easy Access and plenty of space  

Get there early enough to find a spot. Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles. 

All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick. 

Mammoth Village was a short drive away. 

Great location near Mammoth Village

Weather is beautiful, nights are dark.  Great starscapes.

Great stay

As a 15 minute drive out of town this site is a gem. I can imagine the weekends and peak seasons are extremely busy but for a weekday in October we had the place to ourselves. The view one you got toward the back was stunning. The forest is extremely well maintained &amp; fire rings are set up at many sites. 

Photos of Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

Real photos from real campers