Within the town boundaries, and in the Lakes Basin and Reds Meadow Valley, camping is permitted only in developed campgrounds, of which there are more than a dozen. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on summer weekends, and can be made via reserveamerica.com or recreation.gov. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest and BLM land to the north and east of the town boundary. A free campfire permit—available at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center—is required for the use of any open flame in a non-developed campsite. Wilderness permits are required for camping in wilderness areas and are avalable at recreation.gov or at the Welcome Center and Ranger Station.

Activity Checklist

Permits as required

Recreational vehicle

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad

Tent

Featured Camping Experiences

Campground Camping at Coldwater Campground

Set in a pine forest between two alpine creeks, Coldwater Campground is one of the largest and most popular campgrounds in the Lakes Basin, with good access to major trailheads and points of interest.

Difficulty Rating:: ▣
Duration:: Overnight

Campground Camping at Lake George Campground

Above the shores of scenic Lake George, at 9,250 feet above sea level, this 15-site, first-come first-served campground provides one of the finest campground experiences in the American West.

Difficulty Rating:: ◉
Duration:: Overnight

Campground Camping at Pine City Campground

With just ten sites above the eastern shore of Lake Mary, great views and ideal access, the Pine City campground is one of the most coveted base camps in the Mammth Lakes Basin.

Difficulty Rating:: ◉
Duration:: Overnight

All Camping Experiences

Campground Camping at Coldwater Campground

1.3 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible,
Duration: Overnight

Campground Camping at Lake George Campground

0.2 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible,
Duration: Overnight

Campground Camping at Pine City Campground

N/A

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible,
Duration: Overnight

All Camping Experiences

Experience	Rating	Length (mi)	Surface	Duration
Campground Camping at Coldwater Campground	▣	1.3	Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible	Overnight
Campground Camping at Lake George Campground	◉	0.2	Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible	Overnight
Campground Camping at Pine City Campground	◉	N/A	Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible	Overnight