The best cave campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes, California

Looking to pitch your tent near Mammoth Lakes, California and explore caves? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 178 camping options specifically tailored to your preferences. With options as low as $25 per night and an average price of $40 per night, you'll find the perfect accommodation for your budget. Check out top campsites like Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (388 reviews), River Ridge Ranch - 722 acres (348 reviews), and Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers (199 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities such as campfires, showers, and pet-friendly spaces, and take part in activities like horseback riding, biking, and off-roading (OHV). Happy camping!

98% (285)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes

Looking to pitch your tent near Mammoth Lakes, California and explore caves? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 178 camping options specifically tailored to your preferences. With options as low as $25 per night and an average price of $40 per night, you'll find the perfect accommodation for your budget. Check out top campsites like Sierra Circles Sculpture Garden (388 reviews), River Ridge Ranch - 722 acres (348 reviews), and Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers (199 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities such as campfires, showers, and pet-friendly spaces, and take part in activities like horseback riding, biking, and off-roading (OHV). Happy camping!

98% (285)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes

1. Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

98%

(366)

41mi from Mammoth Lakes · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Musick Creek Falls — Waterfalls, Stargazing & Off-Grid Luxury Near Shaver Lake Just minutes from Shaver Lake, your wilderness adventure awaits. Welcome to Musick Creek Falls—40 acres of sunsets, serenity, and the occasional Sasquatch. Each of our four private campsites has a gazebo, fresh spring water, and its own waterfall view. Nestled at the edge of the Sierra National Forest, this hidden retreat blends adventure, comfort, and sustainability. Swim in natural pools, stargaze through our telescope, or nap in a hammock under towering cedars. Bring your pup—our off-leash policy and open terrain make tails wag. Explore private hiking trails, try gold panning, climb granite boulders, or borrow a free kayak for nearby Shaver Lake. As the region’s first carbon-negative campground, we honor the land’s rich history—from the Native Nuumm (Mono) people who gathered here for its medicine to the Musick family’s 1848 gold strike. Today, every stay supports forest restoration and replanting projects that keep this place wild. Rugged but accessible (4×4 helpful in winter), Musick Creek Falls offers creekside camping, mountain views, and crystal-clear skies for the best stargazing in the Sierras. Four secluded sites ensure privacy and a light footprint—complete with composting toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reconnect with nature, your partner, and your inner explorer. 🌲 Book your stay today and discover why even Sasquatch never left. Learn more at MusickCreekFalls.com Activities: 🌌 Stargazing with telescope 🥾 Private hiking trails 🐾 Off-leash dog adventures 💧 Waterfall swimming holes 🧗 Granite rock climbing 🪶 Wildlife & bird watching ⛏️ Gold panning 🚴 Mountain biking 🛶 Free kayaks for Shaver Lake Terrain: Cascading waterfalls weave through cedar and manzanita groves. Rugged granite outcrops, mossy creek beds, and forest clearings create endless photo ops. Expect elevation around 4,500 ft, crisp air, and incredible night skies. Essentials: Four secluded sites with gazebos, composting toilet, and spring water. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. No hookups—off-grid experience. Cell service limited. 4×4 helpful but not required except after snowstorms. Shaver Lake 6 min away for supplies.

2. Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

98%

(604)

100mi from Mammoth Lakes · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. We occasionally host small, thoughtful, low impact weddings. Please inquire. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

3. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%

(69)

868 sites · Mono City, California

Explore the largest national forest in the lower 48 with trails, fishing spots and hot springs.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes

Trumbull Lake Campground

35mi from Mammoth Lakes · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(2)

Green Creek Group Campground

38mi from Mammoth Lakes · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(2)

Green Creek Campground

38mi from Mammoth Lakes · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Site number 26 at Crags. Stayed two nights. Short walk to creek. Showers are a 3 min drive out of campground, at RV park across main road. Very nice.

100%

(1)

Crags Campground

44mi from Mammoth Lakes · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Both Lower and upper Twin Lakes offer nice views and reflections on a calm day.

100%

(3)

Lower Twin Lakes at Bridgeport Campground

44mi from Mammoth Lakes · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(5)

Robinson Creek North Campground

44mi from Mammoth Lakes · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Paha Campground

44mi from Mammoth Lakes · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(4)

Honeymoon Flat Campground

45mi from Mammoth Lakes · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

100%

(7)

Buckeye Campground

48mi from Mammoth Lakes · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Justin

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

This was an exceptional experience. This location stands out as the most picturesque I have encountered for camping. The hosts are remarkably supportive and dedicated to ensuring a comfortable stay for our family. I anticipate returning for another adventure.

A

Alex

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Great host, even with poor weather it was beautiful and enjoyable

J

Jay

November 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Amazing campsites all along a fantastic creek and falls !!

H

Hamid

November 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Pretty epic spot and peaceful. Randy is supper helpful!

Jasmine

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

This land is so very well loved by Shandie. It really is a hidden world from everything else. Not only was Shandie a wonderful host but her land is truly a gift to the heart. The road to the property is mostly paved and ends with gravel with some larger humps and bumps. But was plenty doable with my boat of a sedan with its questionable clearance. Just take it slow for the more nervous of drivers. Musick Cove is smack dab right next to the falls, and even in the late fall, is roaring with life. It's perfectly intimate for two. It's tucked away with plenty of trees and brush for privacy. If you do wander a bit you can see the other sites, one above the falls and Midway Lookout but like I said the brush and trees provide plenty of privacy. It had a charcoal grill and a fire pit for use. I can see maybe two tents fitting in the area but I would say it comfortably fits one much better. Outhouse is not too far from the site and is clean and cared after frequently. Go explore the land! Of course safely and respectfully but so many things to discover just by walking around. So happy to see the lands returning after the Creek Fire. Could not recommend this enough. Will be returning when the snow melts and brings more life to the already beautiful world Shandie and her crew take so much care for.

Max

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Shandie was a great host and the site was beautiful and romantic, hoping to return again!

A

Anthony

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

An amazing view and sleeping there is a dream with the waterfall running all night. Shandie was such an amazing host, my dog ended up getting lost and she did what she could to help me find him even extending my stay another night free of charge. We will 100% be returning.

Asha

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

I did camping on Sunday night at Music Creek Falls, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences ever! The place was beautifully maintained — surrounded by nature, peaceful, and had the perfect waterfall right next to my tent spot, which felt so private and special. Even though it was quite cold, my dog and I couldn’t resist playing in the crystal-clear water. The night sky was breathtaking for stargazing — something I’ll never forget. But what truly made this trip special was Shandie, the host. Since we were two females camping, she went above and beyond to make sure we were safe and comfortable. She personally carried firewood for us, provided hot chocolate, offered sleeping bags, and made sure we had everything we needed for a cozy night. I’ve done many camping trips before, but I’ve never felt this safe and cared for. Shandie’s kindness and attention made this camping experience unforgettable.

P

Pam

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

3 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

I loved the campsite! 🏕️ the waterfalls were amazing…also allowing the dogs to be off leash was great.

J

Jessie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Such a beautiful, secluded, slice of magic. Shandie was an amazing host. Our dog loved it just as much as we did. We will be back!

K

Katy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

It is definitely a magical place. It was quite a drive from San Jose for one night. But it worth it! Immersed in nature in a spot you can’t stop admiring. The hosts were amazing and made sure I find the spot. We connected immediately and I got help parking. I would come again any time. Thank you for providing these camping spots for us.its really incredible. The sierra is a totally different world and this is a little piece on heaven you found there are care for.

A

Amanda

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Absolutely amazing! The pictures are exactly what it looks like if not better. Myself my husband and our two boys came to spend one night and by the first night by the fire knew we needed another one. Shandie and everyone is super chill and kind. Nothing negative I have to say! We would love to go back🥰

R

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

We had a nice time camping at the upper falls. Our kids loves exploring the pools in the streams, climbing on the rocks, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

N

Natalie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

The hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming. They also were very communicative! The actual land was so beautiful and fun to explore - there are so many hidden nooks and crannies. Couldn’t recommend enough.

T

Tanya

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Beautiful spot with everything you might need easily accessible. The owners were thorough with their directions and in constant communication. It was beautiful!

J

Jennifer

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

This place was gorgeous and we had the most relaxing weekend here. There's a lot to do in the area as well. We hiked, went kayaking on the lake (thank you to our hosts for letting us borrow their kayaks!) and explored the beautiful waterfalls. We had everything we needed at this site, thanks to the amazing hosts. I will definitely be coming back :)

Kaitlin

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

This is one of the most beautiful campsites I’ve visited. Shandie and Jessie are amazing hosts, and they are so knowledgeable about the land. It is clear that they put a lot of love and care into their surroundings. The campground (if you can call it that, it’s more of a preserve) is extremely well taken care of, and there is so much to explore and enjoy. Highly recommend!!

S

Steven

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

We had an exceptional time staying here! It started off a little rocky when our generator wouldn’t start, we would’ve literally been sleeping on the cold ground if not for our hosts coming to the rescue letting us use their generator and fix ours. The rest of the trip was a breeze. We had so much fun cooling off in the water by the waterfall. And making a trip to the nearby lake!! Falling asleep, listening to the water was a wonderful experience! We Will definitely be back for another visit! This truly is a special hidden gem of a site!!

E

Eric

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Great location and our host was super helpful! Amazing stay with waterfalls all over our camp site. The gazebo was really nice where we dined and played board games. Would highly recommend !

j

jon

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Amazing host and private campsites. We had a private little rapids of out own. Everything from the set up tent shades to the wood delivery was top notch! Can't wait to come back! Thanks for everything guys!