Tag: Mono County

Mono County, California, is a stunning region nestled in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. This sparsely populated county boasts diverse terrain, including majestic peaks like Mammoth Mountain and the rugged beauty of the Mono Basin. Its jewel, Mono Lake, with its iconic tufa towers, attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The county is a haven for outdoor activities year-round, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter and superb hiking, fishing, and camping in summer.  The region also preserves a rich cultural heritage, with historic mining towns like Bodie State Historic Park providing glimpses into its past. With its combination of natural beauty and recreational offerings, the area captivates visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility in California’s wilderness.

Silver Lake Campground

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Silver Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California
Silver Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California

Silver Lake Campground is nestled next to Silver Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and the scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This is a great base camp for longer camps and features excellent fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding and world class photography opportunities. There are some creek side and lake side campsites and the nearby boat ramp allows for fishing boats.

June Lake Loop, Mono County, California
June Lake Loop, Mono County, California

Silver Lake is nestled deep in a valley in the Sierra Nevada in a deep valley at the base of Carson Peak below the Reversed Creek and Rush Creek confluence.

The Silver Lake Resort was originally known as “Carson’s Camp,” and has been famous for quality mountain recreation since 1916. A pack station is located across highway 158 to allow for horse back riding or extended stay expeditions into the high county. There are plenty of trails which open access to the photographic opportunities in The Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. The Rush Creek Trail interconnects with the Pacific Crest Trail system and the John Muir Trail, and the local backcountry is fabulous.

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″).

Camp Summary

NameSiler Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.7824467,-119.1250786
Elevaation7,200 Feet
Number of Sites63
AmenitiesTables, Fire Rings

Campground Map

References

Twin Lakes Campground

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Twin Lakes Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. The campground offers views of the lake, and is quite popular due to its location on the mountain.

Twin Lakes Campground, Twin Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, California. Photo by Paul Wight
Twin Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, California. Photo by Paul Wight

The lake offers tremendous fishing and opportunities for hiking and enjoying the picturesque scenery. The fishing at Twin Lakes 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. 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.

Campground Summary

NameTwin Lakes Campground
LocationMammoth Lakes, Mono County, Californi
Latitude, Longitude37.6162715, -119.0121571
Elevation8589 Feet
Number of Sites92
AmenitiesCampfires Permitted, Flushable Toilets, Pet-friendly, Picnic Areas, RV Sites, Reservations Accepted, Tent Sites, Tables, Bear Boxes

Twin Lakes Campground Map

Resources

Lake George Campground

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Lake George Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area, above Lake Mary in the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake George one of the smaller lakes and campgrounds of the eleven lakes in the Mammoth Area. The campground is situated on hillside overlooking Lake George. 

Lake George Campgrond, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California
Lake George Campgrond, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California

The campground offers views of the lake, and is quite popular due to its location on the mountain. 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.  Jeffrey and lodgepole pines shade the campground and bald eagles are often seen soaring high above. 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. Campsites typically share parking and the sites are reasonably flat and large granite boulders. 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.

Campground Summary

NameLake George Campground
LocationMammoth Lakes, Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.6030476, -119.0121125
Elevation9060 feet
Number of Sites25
AmenitiesCampfires Permitted, Flushable Toilets, Pet-friendly, Picnic Areas, RV Sites, Reservations Accepted, Showers, Tent Sites, Tables, Bear Boxes

Lake George Campground Map

References

Lake Mary Campground

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Lake Mary Campground is a beautiful 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 situated on both sides of the road at the northwestern corner of Lake Mary and nearby Lake Mamie. 

Lake Mary Campground, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California
Lake Mary Campground, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California

The campground offers views of the lake, and is quite popular due to its location on the mountain. 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.

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

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.

Campground Summary

NameLake Mary Campground
LocationMammoth Lakes, Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.6074757, -119.0088844,
Elevation8950 feet
Number of Sites48
AmenitiesCampfires Permitted, Flushable Toilets, Pet-friendly, Picnic Areas, RV Sites, Reservations Accepted, Showers (at Lake George), Tent Sites, Tables, Bear Boxes

Lake Mary Campground Map

References

French Camp Campground

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Camping in the High Sierras is not as easy as it once was, however this fact offers one the ability to explore and remove oneself from their comfort zone.  French Camp campground was the result of just this fact for me and as result, I found a little gem in the High Sierra.  

French Camp Campground is located along Rock Creek in the Inyo National Forest
French Camp Campground is located along Rock Creek in the Inyo National Forest

On our last trip, we planned on visiting and exploring the High Sierra.  Immediately, we planned on returning to Convict Lake.  Perhaps Lake Mary or Twin Lakes Campground in Mammoth Mountain however all of these campgrounds where sold out for our time period. I did not want to relocate our campsite during the course of our trip.

Each campsite had quite a bit of room and the undergrowth was such that you did have a bit of privacy. There was a lot of trees to offer shade on a warm June day. Each location had a table and fire ring. The soil is sanding and this old campground has quiet a bit of soot and charcoal mixed into to it from years of fires. This could mean an interesting and frequent clean up period with children.

The flush bathrooms were centrally located and cleaned on a regulate basis. Rock creek ran along the northern side of the campground and allowed for easy creek access for fishing.

French Camp , like many High Sierra Campgrounds does have California Black Bear from time to time. During our stay, there was bear activity. One report had a bear come into camp while a family was having dinner. This bear apparently helped itself to several rolls while the family looked on.

French Camp Campground is just one a string the campgrounds along Rock Creek. The campground host at French Camp was a very personable man, who did a great job keeping the place clean and greeting the campers.

Directions

From Bishop go north on Hwy 395 approximately 23 miles to Tom’s Place.  Turn southwest on Rock Creek Road and go approximately one mile to the campground on the right.

Campground Summary

Campground NameFrench Camp
Latitude, Longitude37.552500, -118.679167
Sites86
Elevation7200 ft
AmmenitiesBear Boxes, Fire rings, Table, Flust Toilets, Shower, Water, Camp host

French Camp Trail Map