Tag: Eastern Sierra

Coldwater Campground

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Coldwater Campground is a campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake Mary is the largest and the most developed of the eleven lakes in the Mammoth Area. The campground is located along Coldwater Creek, which feeds water into the scenic Lake Mary.

Lake Mary near Coldwater Campground, Mammoth Lakes, California - Photo by Paul Wight
Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes, California – Photo by Paul Wight

The campground is quite popular due to its location on the mountain and proximity to Lake Mark. The lake offers tremendous fishing and opportunities for hiking and enjoying the picturesque scenery. The fishing at Lake Mary features Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout and on more than one trip, my evenings were spent watching sunsets while fly fishing. The peak season is from late May to early September each year.

The campground offers access to many nearby activities including Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow,, Rainbow falls and Hot Creek. Two boat ramps and marinas allow for boating however the 10 mph limit on the lake keeps the lake angler friendly. Campsites typically share parking and the sites are reasonably flat. Tall pine trees offer shade from the high altitude sun.

This campground is in bear country and typically bears activity is fairly high. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.

Coldwater Campground Map

Campground Summary

NameColdwater Campground
LocationMammoth Lakes, Inyo County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.5980514,-118.9974829
Elevation9,000 feet
Number of Sites74
AmenitiesCampsites are organized into two loops, with sites fairly close together and near either creek. Pressurized water spigots and flush toilets are provided throughout the facility, and there are picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers at each campsite.

References

Convict Lake Campground

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Convict Lake Campground is a wonderful location to camp in the amazing High Sierra Mountain near Convict Lake in Mono County, California. The campground is located about 100 yards from Convict Lake and some of the sites will have views of the lake. Those sites which do not have a view of the lake must simply take in the wonderful rugged High Sierra Mountains as their back drop.

A deer walking the road into Convict Lake Campground
A deer walking the road into Convict Lake Campground

The campground is situated so that Convict Creek runs down its length on one side. The small creek offers a wonderful sound track to some of the campsites. It’s easy access allows you to walk from the campsite to the creek in about 10 seconds. This is a nice place to fish, or just take a nap in the afternoon. I can speak from first hand experience that bear will also use paths near to creek to enter and egress the campground.

I can speak from first hand experience that bear will also use paths near Convict Creek to enter and egress the campground.

J. Rathbun
Convict Creek offers fishing and a few spots to take a nap.
Convict Creek offers fishing and a few spots to take a nap.

Overall, I have enjoyed every stay at this campsite, and each visit is memorable. The campground offers great access to all of the activities at Convist Lake and a good place to jump off when exploring the Eastern Sierra.

Depending upon the time of year, you may need to make reservations. My past few trips were hunting for Fall Colors and in October the camp ground typically has some good first come first serve camp sites. The campground is typically serene, quiet and a wonderful place to be.

Campground Summary

NameConvict Lake Campground
LocationConvict Lake, Mono County, California
Sites85
Elevation7600 feet
AmenitiesTables, Fire rings, Flush toilets, drinking water, hot showers and a dump station. Food storage lockers for safety from bears.
SpecialActive Black Bear Population

Convict Lake Campground Trail Map

References

Oh! Ridge Campground

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Oh! Ridge Campground

Oh! Ridge Campground is the first campground in the June Lake Loop located in the Eastern High Sierra in Mono County, California.

The campgrounds is at an elevtion of 7,600 feet. Campsites are a ridge in an open area above the shoreline of scenic June Lake. There is a day use area which has a a swimming beach located adjacent to the campground.

The outstanding lake and mountain views at this campground are a favorite spot for both families and anglers. Every campsite has a bear locker for food storage. Active bear area, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48″x 30″x 36″).

June Lake serves as a wonderful place to camp and can be a great jumping off point to explore many of the Central Sierra’s attractions including Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park , Mono Lake, Lee Vining, Bodie State Historic Park, Bridgeport, Green Lakes, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake and the Long Valley Caldera, Lundy Canyon, Virginia Lakes, Big Springs and the Upper Owens River, the Mono Craters, the Inyo Craters, and the Benton Hot Springs

Campground Summary

NameOh! Ridge Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude
Elevation7,600 feet
Number of Sites143
AmenitiesBear Locker, Water, Flush Toilets

Campground Map

References

June Lake Campground

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June Lake Campground

June Lake Campground is nestled next to June Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and the scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The Campground is located in the Eastern Sierra, near the town of June Lake, at an elevation of 7,600 feet.

This campground has 28 campsites which are situated in an aspen grove and pine forest and the lake is easily accessible for each campsites. The high mountains which form the valley walls in which the lake is situated offers some majestic views and the long light of the late afternoon.

June Lake fishing has world class fishing, a marina, and boat rentals make this a favorite spot for both families and anglers.

This is a wonderful location to camp and can be a great jumping off point to explore many of the Central Sierra’s attractions including: Mono Lake, Lee Vining, Bodie State Historic Park, Bridgeport, Green Lakes, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake, Lundy Canyon, Big Springs and the Upper Owens River, the Mono Craters, the Inyo Craters, and the Benton Hot Springs

Bear activity is very high in the area. A bear-proof locker is located at each site at campsites. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.

Campground Summary

NameJune Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.7819488,-119.0761371
Elevation7,600
Number of Sites29
AmenitiesBear Boxes, Table, fire rings

Campground Map

References

Gull Lake Campground

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Gull Lake Campground

Gull Lake Campground is a small, shaded and private campground in the June Lake Loop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gull lake is just over 60 acres in area the the smallest of the four roadside lakes on the June Lake Loop.  Despite its diminutive size the lake is popular for anglers and those who enjoy the majestic views of the towering mountains which make up the valley.

The campsites are well shaded, set beautifully amongst willow tress which also offer a large amount of privacy. The campground is situated near the lake and some of the campsites have lake front access.

Gull Lake offers some amazing fishing and its population of Rainbow trout, Brown trout, cutthroat and brook trout offer a nice diversity for such a small lake. There is a nice little marina for boat access and rental. A popular playground also is located near the marina.

This campground is located in bear county, so prepare accordingly and camp responsibly. Bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48″x 30″x 36″).  The campground is typically open from the last weekend in April until November 1. each year

Campground Summary

NameGull Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.7731237,-119.0841089
Elevation7,600 feet
Number of sites16
AmenitiesTables, Flush Toilets, Fire Rings, shade tress

Campground Map

References