The best beach camping in Mono Lake

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Camping on the Mono Lake shoreline puts you right in the middle of California’s wild, otherworldly beach terrain. Over 2,000 beach campsites line the area, with the average night costing $35 and budget options dipping to $27. Mono Lake isn’t your typical beach—it’s stark, salt-crusted, and ringed by those famous tufa towers, with the Sierra Nevada always looming in the distance. If you want a base with proven comfort, Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (545 reviews) draws regulars for its lakeside pitches and easy access to fishing, swimming, and hiking. Expect basic toilets, campfire rings, and a pet-friendly vibe. Bring plenty of water, layers for unpredictable weather, and get ready for wild sunsets over the water—Mono Lake’s beaches always deliver something different.

89% (593)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mono Lake

1. Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

90%
(1209)
36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · CA
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$25
 / night

Camping on the Mono Lake shoreline puts you right in the middle of California’s wild, otherworldly beach terrain. Over 2,000 beach campsites line the area, with the average night costing $35 and budget options dipping to $27. Mono Lake isn’t your typical beach—it’s stark, salt-crusted, and ringed by those famous tufa towers, with the Sierra Nevada always looming in the distance. If you want a base with proven comfort, Bridgeport Reservoir Campground (545 reviews) draws regulars for its lakeside pitches and easy access to fishing, swimming, and hiking. Expect basic toilets, campfire rings, and a pet-friendly vibe. Bring plenty of water, layers for unpredictable weather, and get ready for wild sunsets over the water—Mono Lake’s beaches always deliver something different.

89% (593)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mono Lake

1. Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

90%
(1209)
36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · CA
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$25
 / night

Public campgrounds in and near Mono Lake

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field