Tag: Eastern Sierra

The Eastern Sierra region of California is a breathtaking landscape defined by its rugged mountains, expansive desert valleys, and stunning alpine lakes. Stretching along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, this area offers a dramatic contrast to the lush forests found on the western slopes. Towering peaks like Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States, dominate the skyline, while deep canyons and winding rivers carve through the terrain. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the area for its world-class hiking trails, pristine fishing spots, and opportunities for rock climbing and skiing. In addition to its natural beauty, the region boasts charming towns such as Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, where visitors can explore local art galleries, sample delicious cuisine, and soak in hot springs beneath starry skies. Whether you seek adventure in the wilderness or a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning vistas, the Eastern Sierra promises an unforgettable experience.

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.

Coldwater Campground, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California
Coldwater Campground, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California

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

Lone Pine Campground

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Lone Pine Campground is a wonderful campground in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in Inyo County, California. The campground is located between Line Pine Creek and Inyo Creek just a few miles west of the city of Lone Pine. The campground is located the site of the old Rock Creek sawmill. This sawmill once operated at this location from the 1930s thru the 1950s.

Mt Whitney looms large over the High Sierra, outside of Lone Pine, California
Mt Whitney looms large over the High Sierra, outside of Lone Pine, California

Lone Pine Campground is a great place to stay. It is very scenic located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The sites are reasonably large and suitable for trailers. The Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail begins at west end of the campground. There is fishing in the nearby Lone Pine Creek and lots of outdoor activities.

The creek is of special significance to me personally. My grandfather taught me how to fish is the cool waters of the stream just about 50 feet away from our campsite. I was about five years old and remember placing my line in the waters in a nearby pool. My memory is that within 15 minutes I caught my limit of 10 fish, at that time. My dad to this day maintains that they recently stocked the stream, however I continue to maintain that this was early skill on may part.

This campground is a known bear active area, so safe food handling and trash disposal should be observed to protect yourself and the bears.

Campground Summary

NameLone Pine Campground
LocationLone Pine, Inyo County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.5974524,-118.1870643
Elevation5885 feet
Sites42
AmenitiesVault Toilet, Bear Boxes, Tables

Directions

Located on Whitney Portal Road, six miles west of the town of Lone Pine, California.

Campground 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