The best waterside campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes, California

In the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Mammoth Lakes is a popular resort town known for outdoor recreation. It’s home to Mammoth Mountain, with more than 3,500 acres, a long ski season, and summertime lift-assisted mountain biking. The surrounding region is full of scenic Alpine lakes and streams, as well as a wide network of hiking trails ideal for biking and horseback riding. Campers have choices, from RV parks with full hookups and hot showers to Inyo National Forest campgrounds perfect for tent camping and more primitive RV camping.

96% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes

In the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Mammoth Lakes is a popular resort town known for outdoor recreation. It’s home to Mammoth Mountain, with more than 3,500 acres, a long ski season, and summertime lift-assisted mountain biking. The surrounding region is full of scenic Alpine lakes and streams, as well as a wide network of hiking trails ideal for biking and horseback riding. Campers have choices, from RV parks with full hookups and hot showers to Inyo National Forest campgrounds perfect for tent camping and more primitive RV camping.

96% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes

1. Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

90%

(1209)

48mi from Mammoth Lakes · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.

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. Inyo National Forest

96%

(453)

2001 sites · Lone Pine, California

Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Sierra National Forest

92%

(176)

1360 sites · Big Creek, California

“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes

89%

(9)

Coldwater Campground

1.6mi from Mammoth Lakes · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

Pine City Campground

1.6mi from Mammoth Lakes · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

100%

(14)

Lake Mary Campground

2mi from Mammoth Lakes · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

98%

(21)

Twin Lakes Campground

2mi from Mammoth Lakes · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

Tons to do around here!! Campsite was perfect:)

94%

(14)

Lake George Campground

2.1mi from Mammoth Lakes · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

100%

(6)

Sherwin Creek Campground

2.5mi from Mammoth Lakes · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

100%

(3)

Old Shady Rest Campground

2.9mi from Mammoth Lakes · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

100%

(5)

New Shady Rest Campground

2.9mi from Mammoth Lakes · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

100%

(1)

Pine Glen Campground

2.9mi from Mammoth Lakes · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

100%

(13)

Reds Meadow Campground

5.7mi from Mammoth Lakes · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

Pumice Flat Campground

6.2mi from Mammoth Lakes · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

Minaret Falls Campground

6.5mi from Mammoth Lakes · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Ricky

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

When my group went, it was empty so it was pretty quiet. I think it’s a good area to camp and fish. Everything was clean and the view was beautiful. Slight hiccups with checking in but other than that it was a great first time camping spot for me. The hot springs was a nice touch only being 6 mins away. I’d go again when I learn to fish for trout.

D

Dillon

November 2025

6 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Fantastic camp site! The host was super friendly and helpful, recommended beautiful places to visit. The site is super clean!

C

Christopher

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Loved my solo camp experience here. Amazing views. I definitely would recommend this campground.

Ricardo

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Clean ammenities, great location, nice hosts! Would stay again!

S

Shannon

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Site 16 had a great view of the reservoir. It was clean, well maintained & spacious. Bathrooms were close to campsites. The bathrooms were clean & well maintained. The checked in prior to our travel day & at our request left the firewood we ordered at the site. We plan to go back during warmer months. Thank you Chase & team.

K

Kyle

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

This campsite is absolutely beautiful ! The lake and mountains are insanely breathtaking and the individual sites are well appointed with little walkways down to the pebble beach. We saw little bunnies, mice, and ducks. The bathrooms closest to us were out of order but the other one wasnt too far of a walk. The campground was a little busy so if you are looking for more privacy it might not be the best choice but it wasnt too crowded either.

D

Danielle

October 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Host was friendly and helpful. Bathroom was clean and warm. Would recommend!

S

Simone

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

This was a great place to sleep for the night. Beautiful sunset and sunrise, clean property, and I felt safe. A really nice touch was the heater in the bathroom :)

C

Catherine

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

It right by the water and there are public restrooms on site. It was really nice.

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

The tent camping was great. The sites and amenities were all clean and well kept. The staff was very nice, and recommended some activities in the area. We went to the nearby hot springs, which was only a few minutes away and were incredible. The reservoir is stocked with 3-5lb rainbow trout that they purchase from Oregon. We stumbled upon the place by accident, but we will definitely be coming back for a longer stay.

R

Radwa

September 2025

2 nights at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

The campground is beautiful, tent was warm when I needed it to be. All accommodations are great. Everything is kept clean, bathrooms are routinely checked and cleaned. I had an amazing time! I was solo and chatted with some of my tent and RV neighbors. I would definitely recommend. I might just go back!

K

Kelsey

September 2025

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Beautiful grounds, very kind people running it! Everything was super clean. There were extra blankets, a heater, and towels for us, along with a grill! Very cute set up and look forward to staying again.

K

Kurt

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

My wife and I really enjoyed our time there. The hosts were incredibly nice and accommodating. The place was organized and clean (including the bathrooms). We would go back.

R

Rebecca

September 2025

15 ft campervan

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

We loved it there! The site we were in backed up to the reservoir; beautiful animal sounds and stunning sunset. The bathrooms were clean; the site was clean and better than most with a canopy over the table. Chase was great! BEST OF ALL was the night sky. It was incredible to just stand or sit and view the thousands of stars. We could see the Milky Way easily! 10/10; would stay again 100%!

B

Brad

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

This waterfront campsite was an absolute paradise — quiet, serene, and perfectly peaceful from dusk till dawn. The gentle lapping of the water and the unobstructed views made every moment feel like a private retreat. I'd recommend to anyone who is interested.

J

Julie

September 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Very nice location! Staff was helpful and friendly (especially the shop cat), bathrooms were small but clean, and the available showers were great to have. Would definitely stay here again!

T

The

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Great Camp site. Beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. The light pollution is practically non existent and the stars at night as amazing as long as the moon isn't too bright. Would definitely camp there again.

X

Xiao Hong

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Beautiful and clean place to stay for the night. Strongly recommend

D

Dan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

This is a nice RV and tent campground. The tent sites are flat, a bit grassy, and have a good view of the lake. When we visited it was quiet, though if the campground was full the tent sites could feel close together. Facilities include a couple of flushing toilets in a trailer and sinks with potable water outside. The camp store is well stocked and prices are very reasonable for a campground store.

J

Jennifer

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

Great views. Simple site very close to others, but everyone very respectful of others. Nice picnic table and shade.

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Mammoth Lakes

96%

(453)

Inyo National Forest

Lone Pine, California

92%

(176)

Sierra National Forest

Big Creek, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Mammoth Lakes guide

Where to go

Mammoth Lakes Area

To stay within walking distance of town and the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, head to Inyo’s Old Shady Rest Campground or New Shady Rest Campground. West of Mammoth Mountain, the Reds Meadow Valley offers easy access to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls and six campgrounds, including Inyo’s Pumice Flat, Minaret Falls, Agnew Meadows, and Reds Meadow campgrounds. South of town is Lake Mary, the largest in the area, with boat rentals, Lake Mary Campground, and nearby Coldwater Campground. Anglers flock to Twin Lakes Campground.

Northern Eastern Sierras

North of Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop circles four scenic lakes with six campgrounds. Further north, the small town of Lee Vining acts as the gateway to Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. Choose from four campgrounds near Lee Vining Creek or several higher-elevation campgrounds around Alpine lakes. In Yosemite, five other campgrounds can be found along Tioga Road, including the popular Tuolumne Meadows Campground.

Southern Eastern Sierras

South of Mammoth Lakes is Convict Lake, one of the prettiest lakes in the region. Inyo’s Convict Lake Campground offers cabins, campsites, and picnic tables for an easy camping trip. Further east, Crowley Lake and Rock Creek offer trout fishing, with Forest Service and BLM campgrounds to choose from. Further south, the town of Bishop draws climbers for the great bouldering nearby.

When to go

Winter and summer are the most popular times at Mammoth Mountain, though the area sees visitors year-round. From June to September, only campers may access Reds Meadow Valley and Devils Postpile National Monument with their own vehicle. Everyone else must use the shuttle. Spring and fall are the best times for trout fishing, while fall colors in the area are worth checking out. Winter weather can create road access issues.

Know before you go

In summer, public transportation connects Lee Vining with Yosemite Valley. You need a car to explore the area otherwise.
Some campgrounds in the area do not take reservations. Plan on an early arrival.
Wilderness permits are required to backpack in certain areas, including the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas.
Be bear aware. Store food and scented items outside your tent in a bear-proof container.
Anglers 16 and over must have a fishing license.