Lake Mary Campground

Inyo National Forest
Near Mammoth Lakes, California

Facilities

The campground straddles the road at the northwest end of Lake Mary, and offers four loops of closely-spaced campsites. The campground is within walking distance of the lake, and some sites have a view of the water.

Natural Features

The campground lies among lodgepole pine trees at an elevation of 8,900 feet. Some campsites have views of the breathtaking scenery surrounding the campground, including Lake Mary and some of the 9,000 and 10,000' peaks in the John Muir Wilderness.

The Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are abundant with wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Recreation

Lake Mary receives the highest number of trout stocks in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and is well-known to anglers for its rainbow, brook and brown trout fishing. No swimming or wading is allowed in the lake.

Though no hiking trails begin in the campground, several interesting trails offer a variety of hikes nearby, including day hiking and backpacking trails into the rustic John Muir Wilderness.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Visitor Center
  • Fishing
  • Camping

Amenities

  • Flush Toilets
  • Fuel Available
  • Host
  • Parking Area
  • Self Pay Station
  • Trash Collection
  • Water Spigot

Nearby Attractions

Mammoth Lakes Basin contains several additional popular lakes to explore for fishing and boating.

Visitors can also access the magnificent John Muir Wilderness nearby, which stretches 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevadas, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain. Hiking and horseback riding trails are abundant.

Getting Here

Latitude
37° 36' 26.3556" N
Longitude
119° 0' 23.1192" W
Take U.S. 395 to Mammoth Junction and Highway 203. Turn west on Highway 203 and drive through the town of Mammoth Lakes to the junction of Minaret Road/Highway 203 and Lake Mary Road. Continue straight through the intersection and drive 3.6 miles to Lake Mary Loop Drive. Turn right and drive 0.5 miles to the campground entrance.

Need to Know

  • Campground usually not clear of snow until late May or early June
  • No body contact allowed with the lake, including swimming
  • This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations
  • Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals
  • Only 2 pets per site allowed.

  • Please Note: One RV with tow per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground. 

  • Reserved Sites will be held until checkout time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of the second day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Please call the office at 760-934-5795 if you need to inform the campground of an arrival time greater than 24 hours after your arrival date, or if you will not use your reservation whatsoever.

  • Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 924-5500, or the Mono Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 647-3044.

  • Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
  • Contact Information

    650 Gilman St
    Palo Alto, CA 94301

    Additional Information

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