The best camping in Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, CA
Discover the ancient Mono Lake and its otherworldly tufa towers.
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve adventure.
Top-rated campsites near Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Willow Springs Resort
1. Willow Springs Resort
97%
(117)
16mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve · 25 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Willow Springs Resort
Please come stay with us when you are visiting the beautiful Eastern Sierras.
Willow Springs Resort is located five miles south of Bridgeport, California, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra premiere outdoor recreational region. Although you’re sure to unplug with all there is to do around here, our guests have access to some of the best Wi-Fi in the area.
The facility is a small 50’s era motel and RV park with all the amenities one normally expects. We are a pet-friendly facility. We love pets and welcome them in our RV park but not in our motel rooms (with the exception of service animals).
Willow Springs Resort was built 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the same family. That family prides itself on operating a peaceful, beautiful, and clean vacation destination.
The fish at the left was caught in Virginia Creek, which is just across the highway from Willow Springs! There are a host of activities to enjoy in the "big backyard" of this Sierra Nevada paradise.
Whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, swimming, or 4-wheeling, or want to take a photo class or tour of Bodie Ghost Town, the area offers it all.
If you prefer to read a book or catch a falling star, meet new people, and share stories at the campfire, Willow Springs Resort is here to welcome you!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Bridgeport Reservoir Campground
2. Bridgeport Reservoir Campground
90%
(1214)
22mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve · 32 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Paradise Shores Camp
3. Paradise Shores Camp
98%
(940)
22mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve · 32 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home.
We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses.
It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead.
At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't.
We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent.
We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh-water resources.
We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping!
We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place.
We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings.
Pet Policy
All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We can also accommodate up to two four-legged campers in our pet-friendly Baja or Tatra trailers for a small fee, we ask that they stay off the furniture (beds, sofas etc.) and are not left in the rental unattended. We love dogs, but sadly won’t be able to accommodate heavily shedding pets that aren’t house trained. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Sheppard.
Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Whiskey Flats RV Park
4. Whiskey Flats RV Park
100%
(10)
42mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Whether you're traveling to a far-off destination or coming here where all the excitement is, we are your all-inclusive one-stop stay at Whiskey Flats RV Park! Come enjoy the quiet desert scenery unparalleled in the West with our majestic Mount Grant looming above or the wonderful Walker Lake shores just miles from our property. We also have side by side rentals so you can view the area. There is offroad racing, exploring and ancient mysteries everywhere in Mineral County. A short drive over the Wassuk Mountains leads to great fishing at the newest Nevada State Park of Walker River, full of fishing and hiking locations spread along countless miles of changing desert and high mountain terrain A new and extensive county airport is right across the street. Petroglyphs, ghost towns like Rawhide, Bodie, Aurora are a short drive away. WIld animals, hunting, rock collecting, sightseeing and photography is unparalleled and if you crave stars- you will see them all here at night. Our neighbors is Dotty's Casino and Bourbon Street adult sports and southern themed bar and games with food or we have Pepper's Place 50's drive-up burgers and other conveniences right along the block from us.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
High Desert Solitude
5. High Desert Solitude
40mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve · 1 site · Tent, RV
Experience the raw beauty of the Hammil Valley on this expansive 25.1-acre parcel. Perfectly situated between the towering Eastern Sierras and the ancient White Mountains, this site offers stunning 360-degree views and an unmatched sense of high-desert scale, making this is your ultimate outdoor
This is a completely undeveloped, "leave-no-trace" experience.
The Terrain & Access
The lot features classic high-desert sandy soil with depths reaching up to 12 inches in certain areas.
⚠️ 4x4 is Required: Standard 2WD vehicles and low-clearance sedans will get stuck. High-clearance 4x4 necessary to safely navigate the terrain.
Host Tip: Maintain your momentum when driving through the softer, deeper sandy spots to ensure a smooth arrival.
We highly value the peace and privacy of our neighbors and ask that you do the same. Please remain strictly within the 25-acre parcel boundaries at all times.
Adjacent Lots: There are private, unfenced lots immediately to our North and South.
Property Markers: The corners of the lot are marked with stakes. Please use these as your visual limits when exploring or setting up camp.
Navigation: A digital boundary map is provided in the listing photos. Please review it prior to arrival so you can confidently navigate the property lines.
Amenities & Camp Rules
🔥 Gas Fires Only: To protect this beautiful landscape, NO wood-burning campfires are allowed. You are strictly limited to propane or butane fire rings and camp stoves.
🐾 Pet Friendly: Dogs are welcome to explore the 25 acres! However, they must be supervised around local wildlife and kept strictly within the property boundaries.
📱 Cell Service: Connectivity can be spotty depending on your provider. We recommend downloading offline maps before heading out.
Basecamped just north of Bishop, CA, you are perfectly positioned for premium Eastern Eastern Sierra adventures:
🧗 Climbing: Quick access to the world-class Happy and Sad Boulders.
♨️ Hot Springs: A short, scenic drive to the historic Benton Hot Springs.
🗺️ Exploration: Easy launching ground for Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Death Valley, and the local Paiute-Shoshone petroglyphs.
🥾 Trailheads: An ideal staging point for the White Mountains or high Sierra backcountry
Pets
Lundy Lake Resort
6. Lundy Lake Resort
6.7mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Discover the charm of Lundy, a unique off-grid mountain retreat that offers an unparalleled escape into nature. Nestled in a serene environment, this rustic resort is renowned for its stunning landscapes, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lundy is a haven for fishing aficionados, with pristine lakes and beaver ponds teeming with life. The area is also a hiker's paradise, featuring trails that wind through breathtaking scenery, especially during the vibrant fall season when the foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors.
In addition to its natural beauty, Lundy provides ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore nearby swimming holes, indulge in local dining options, and discover charming shops that showcase the region's unique offerings. With its emphasis on privacy and tranquility, Lundy stands out as a treasured getaway for those seeking to reconnect with nature.
Pine Cliff Resort at OH Ridge
7. Pine Cliff Resort at OH Ridge
15mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Discover the unique charm of our campground, perfectly situated along the stunning shores of June Lake in the Eastern Sierras. Surrounded by majestic pine trees, this serene setting is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure.
At our campground, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—whether you prefer the classic experience of pitching a tent or the convenience of parking your RV in a cozy spot. Pine Cliff Campground is a full-service facility designed to enhance your stay. We offer a variety of amenities, including a general store for your essentials, a fish cleaning station for your catches, on-site propane for your cooking needs, and a laundry room and showers for your convenience.
In addition to our excellent facilities, the campground is ideally located near a range of outdoor activities. Explore nearby hiking trails, take a refreshing dip in local swimming holes, or indulge in the area's dining and shopping options. Experience the beauty of nature while enjoying the comforts of home at our unique campground.
Golden Pine RV Park
8. Golden Pine RV Park
16mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Discover the unique charm of Golden Pine RV Park, where a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities creates an unforgettable experience for RV enthusiasts. Recently acquired by new ownership, the park continues to offer the familiar comforts you love while introducing exciting enhancements that will elevate your stay. With 25 spacious sites equipped with water, power, and sewer hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire pits, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Our facilities include restrooms, showers, laundry services, and fish cleaning stations, ensuring your comfort throughout your visit.
In addition to the amenities you already appreciate, we are committed to providing numerous upgrades that will enhance your vacation in this stunning mountain environment. Our dedicated Camp Hosts are here to assist you with local insights and help curate a variety of outdoor adventures, including water sports, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. We also offer guided tours to the nearby National Park and host community events at the resort, fostering connections among our guests. With an onsite Concierge available to help you plan your daily activities and evening relaxation, Golden Pine RV Park is truly a special place to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature's splendor. Enjoy easy access to Gull Lake, June Lake, and the charming Village of June Lake, making your stay even more memorable.
Brown's Owens River Campground
9. Brown's Owens River Campground
26mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Discover a truly unique camping experience at this idyllic campground, where the beauty of nature meets exceptional fishing opportunities. Nestled along the upper Owens River, this site offers both RV and tent camping options in a picturesque meadow, providing easy access to some of the best fly, lure, and bait fishing just steps from your campsite.
For nature enthusiasts, the campground boasts stunning panoramic views that showcase the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. Each evening, guests are treated to breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues, creating a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection.
In addition to fishing, the area is rich with outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming in nearby holes, and exploring the diverse wildlife. After a day of adventure, you can unwind at local restaurants and shops that offer a taste of the region's charm. This campground is not just a place to stay; it's a gateway to unforgettable experiences in the heart of nature.
Old House at Benton Hot Springs
10. Old House at Benton Hot Springs
30mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Discover a truly unique experience at our family owned and operated ranch, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the serenity of the dark skies. Spanning 1,255 acres and boasting over 95 years of history, our campground offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Our hot springs at Benton are renowned for their purity, with natural mineral water rising to the surface at a soothing 140º. Here, you can unwind in our rejuvenating waters while enjoying the stunning night sky, listening to the sounds of nature, and exploring the historic mining town nearby.
We offer a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, including seven rooms at the Inn, a charming historic miners cabin, four houses with private hot tubs, and 12 exclusive tub sites for overnight use. Please note that the policies for tub sites #14 and #15 differ from those of tub sites #1-13, so be sure to review them before your visit.
For your convenience, our cancellation policies are as follows:
house reservations require a strict seven days cancellation notice at 3 pm, cancellations made within this timeframe will incur the full reservation charge. For our tub sites and Inn rooms, a 72 hours cancellation notice is required.
Crowley Lake RV Park
11. Crowley Lake RV Park
34mi from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Crowley Lake RV Park stands out as a premier destination for RV enthusiasts, offering spacious campsites that cater to big rigs up to 40 feet in length. Nestled near the stunning Crowley Lake in California, this park provides a welcoming atmosphere for both families and pets, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience.
Our full 30 amp hookup campsites come equipped with essential amenities, including complimentary WiFi and 24-channel cable TV. Guests can enjoy a variety of onsite features such as the Crowley Lake General Store, picnic tables, fire circles, and grills, making it easy to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. Basic facilities like restrooms with coin-operated hot showers and laundry services are also available for your convenience.
During your stay, immerse yourself in a range of outdoor activities, including biking, waterskiing, boating, and fishing. The campground is ideally situated near popular attractions such as the breathtaking Eastern Sierras, the renowned Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, and the picturesque Pleasant Valley Reservoir. With so much to explore and enjoy, Crowley Lake RV Park is the perfect base for your next outdoor getaway!
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Judie
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great spot for a quick stop through on the way to Oregon! The check in process was easy and it was very quiet for being close to the highway.
Thanks for the peaceful night!
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A
Anthony
2 weeks ago
Tent
An honest review of a satisfied camper! ⛺️
-Our stay: 5/2026 (campsite T4)
Communication- Prior to our stay, Peter, our main source of contact answered any questions we had! I like to be prepared.
-Views: Amazing! Best view out of all the tent sites. T1 - T3 (camp sites) still nice and right next to the lake.
Bathrooms: Clean and hot showers! And only a 1 minute walk from the site.
Some honesty: If you get overwhelmed with flying critters, no shade and bits of wind, this might not be the site for you.
T4 has no shade, and being right next to the water, you’re sharing living space with mayflies, a lot of them (do your research, might not be year-round)
My girlfriend and I like to do dispersed/ off grid camping, so that didn’t bother us. Luckily mayflies don’t bite, but can be overwhelming for some and making sure they don’t get in your tent.
-Community: only 5 min away from the beautiful small town for Bridgeport. We met some of the local shop owners, some of the nicest people we have met! They also gave us some local must see spots!
Final verdict: 10/10 We’ll be back!
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L
Laurie
May 2026
27 ft Class A
Very nice little park fairly close to Yosemite. It was pretty empty when we were there a couple of weeks ago (early May), and very quiet and peaceful. Spots are pretty close together but nicely landscaped. We did have to use our leveling blocks but it wasn't bad. People were very friendly. There are a couple of short trails around the propertythat we enjoyed. Would definitely stay again!
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D
Dale
May 2026
13 ft travel trailer
The location was great. Near many places to visit and hike. They even had their own hiking path.
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A
Abi Reece
April 2026
Tent
Stunning views, bathrooms were super clean, nice campsites.
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L
Lupe
April 2026
Tent
The environment is friendly. The view is gorgeous.
This is our go to spot every year. I highly recommend it.
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Jim
April 2026
23 ft campervan
With pets
This is a typical RV park. Was fine and as expected for a one night stay.
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C
Connie
April 2026
42 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful setting and friendly folks. Facilities were very clean and well taken care of.
See moreR
Ricky
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
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.
See moreD
Dillon
November 2025
6 ft pop-up camper
Fantastic camp site! The host was super friendly and helpful, recommended beautiful places to visit. The site is super clean!
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C
Christopher
November 2025
16 ft car
Loved my solo camp experience here. Amazing views. I definitely would recommend this campground.
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Ricardo
November 2025
16 ft car
Clean ammenities, great location, nice hosts! Would stay again!
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Jeff
November 2025
S
Shannon
November 2025
Tent
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.
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K
Kyle
November 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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D
Danielle
October 2025
19 ft campervan
Host was friendly and helpful. Bathroom was clean and warm. Would recommend!
See moreS
Simone
October 2025
Tent
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 :)
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C
Cindy
October 2025
16 ft car
My sister and I had a wonderful time at Bridgeport Reservoir! It was our first camping experience, and everything exceeded our expectations. The view was absolutely beautiful, and the location was very convenient. Chase and the staff were so welcoming and helpful, which made our stay even better. We’ll definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place to others. Thank you for the amazing experience!
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Garrett
October 2025
18 ft pop-up camper
Great location! Close to hot springs, Bodie, and lots of outdoor activities. It was very windy but we made the best of it! Nice clean campgrounds and showers and laundry was a plus!
See moreC
Catherine
October 2025
Tent
It right by the water and there are public restrooms on site. It was really nice.
See moreMono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve camping guide
Overview
About
Embark on an adventure at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, where the high salinity and alkalinity of the water create a buoyant swimming experience unlike any other. Venture along the self-guided nature trail at South Tufa, or explore the Mono Basin with its rich birdlife and stunning photography opportunities. While there are no campgrounds within the reserve, the surrounding national forest offers ample camping options.
When to go
Visit Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve in the winter for a serene and sparkling landscape, or enjoy the warmer months for ideal hiking and birdwatching conditions. The changing seasons offer varied experiences, from summer's vibrant wildlife to winter's peaceful snow-covered tufa towers.
Know before you go
- Check weather conditions before your visit, as the climate can be unpredictable; layered clothing is recommended.
- Be aware that drones are not permitted without a special use permit.
- Accessibility is a priority; look out for ADA-compliant trails and facilities.
- Remember that swimming in Mono Lake is safe, but avoid getting the water in your eyes or cuts.
- For boating, adhere to seasonal restrictions to protect nesting birds and be cautious of sudden high winds.
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