There’s something uniquely humbling about sleeping in a van at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Maybe it’s the thin air making us giddy, or perhaps it’s the realization that our Sprinter van, despite all its bells and whistles, is still just a metal box on wheels trying to keep us warm in the wilderness.
My wife and I decided it was high time to explore Mammoth Lakes, California—a place where the scenery is as dramatic as the altitude adjustments.
A Brief History and Some Cold, Hard Facts About Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a small town with a big personality, nestled in Mono County, California. Established in 1984 (yes, it’s younger than that worn-out concert tee you refuse to throw away), the town boasts a population of just over 8,000 hardy souls.
Sitting pretty at an elevation of 7,880 feet, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like skiing, mountain biking, and pretending altitude sickness isn’t real.

The area is a geological wonderland, shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Mammoth Mountain itself is actually a dormant volcano, which is both fascinating and mildly concerning when you’re parked at its base.
The region experiences a semi-arid climate, with summers that are delightfully mild and winters that can bury houses in snow. So, you know, pack accordingly.
Five Ideal Camping Spots in the Mammoth Lakes Area
1. New Shady Rest Campground
- Location: Off Highway 203, just outside Mammoth Lakes
- Price: $24 per night
- Distance to Nearest Attraction: 0.5 miles to Mammoth Lakes town center
Our first stop was New Shady Rest Campground, conveniently located so close to town that you could practically smell the espresso from the local coffee shops. The campground is enveloped by a pine forest, offering ample shade—hence the name. Maneuvering our Sprinter van into the spacious site was a breeze, which is more than I can say for some other campgrounds we’ve encountered that seem designed for compact cars and wishful thinking.
We spent the evening roasting marshmallows over a campfire ring that had seen better days but did the job. The campground was bustling yet peaceful, a delicate balance that only happens when fellow campers collectively agree not to be obnoxious. The proximity to town meant we could easily restock supplies—or grab a burger when our campfire cooking inevitably went awry.
Mammoth Lakes Camping Vibe Scale:
- Scenery: 4/5
- Amenities: 4/5
- Accessibility: 5/5
- Privacy: 3/5
- Overall Vibe: 4/5
2. Lake Mary Campground
- Location: Along Lake Mary Road
- Price: $26 per night
- Distance to Nearest Attraction: 0 miles to Lake Mary (it’s literally right there)
Lake Mary Campground offered us waterfront property without the soul-crushing mortgage. We parked our van with a view of the shimmering lake, surrounded by towering pines that whispered secrets with every breeze. Waking up to a lakeside sunrise should be on everyone’s bucket list, if only to realize how much better nature is at this whole “aesthetic” thing.
We took our foldable kayak out for a spin, navigating the clear waters while trying to avoid the fishermen casting their lines with varying degrees of skill. The evenings were serene until the resident ducks decided to hold a late-night conference near our site. Still, a small price to pay for the tranquility that Lake Mary offers.
Mammoth Lakes Camping Vibe Scale:
- Scenery: 5/5
- Amenities: 3/5
- Accessibility: 4/5
- Privacy: 4/5
- Overall Vibe: 4.5/5
3. Convict Lake Campground
- Location: Convict Lake Road, about 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes
- Price: $33 per night
- Distance to Nearest Attraction: 0.2 miles to Convict Lake
Don’t let the ominous name fool you; Convict Lake is a slice of alpine paradise. Legend has it the lake was named after a group of escaped convicts who had a showdown here in the 1800s. Charming, right? The campground itself is well-maintained, and the sites are generously spaced—ideal for when you need a break from humanity.
We hiked the 2.5-mile trail circling the lake, marveling at the rugged mountain peaks reflecting off the water like a Bob Ross painting come to life. Back at the campsite, we met some fellow van-lifers who, like us, were chasing that elusive blend of adventure and minimalism. The night sky was so clear we could see the Milky Way, reminding us how small we are in the grand scheme of things—a humbling thought until you remember you haven’t showered in two days.
Mammoth Lakes Camping Vibe Scale:
- Scenery: 5/5
- Amenities: 3/5
- Accessibility: 3.5/5
- Privacy: 5/5
- Overall Vibe: 4.5/5
4. Mammoth Mountain RV Park
- Location: 2667 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Price: $55-$65 per night (full hookups)
- Distance to Nearest Attraction: 1 mile to Mammoth Lakes town center
When we craved a few more amenities—like electricity that doesn’t come from our loyal Honda Generator—we headed to Mammoth Mountain RV Park. It’s right off the main drag, making it the Ritz-Carlton of campgrounds in terms of convenience. Full hookups meant we could charge all our gadgets, which was great until we realized we came here to escape all that.
The indoor pool and hot tub were a nice touch, albeit a bit crowded. It was a different vibe from the more rustic campgrounds—a mix of long-term RVers and weekend warriors. While it lacked the secluded charm of lakeside camping, it made up for it with hot showers and laundry facilities. Sometimes, creature comforts win.
Mammoth Lakes Camping Vibe Scale:
- Scenery: 3/5
- Amenities: 5/5
- Accessibility: 5/5
- Privacy: 2/5
- Overall Vibe: 3.5/5
5. Pine City Campground
- Location: End of Lake Mary Road, near Twin Lakes
- Price: $24 per night
- Distance to Nearest Attraction: 0.1 miles to Twin Lakes
Tucked away at the end of the road, Pine City Campground felt like our little secret hideaway. The sites are nestled among—you guessed it—pine trees, and offer immediate access to Twin Lakes. We set up camp and wasted no time hitting the nearby trails.
One morning, we rented a small motorboat to explore the lakes, feeling like explorers charting unknown territories, albeit with life vests and a map. Evenings were spent by the campfire, where the only sounds were the crackling wood and the occasional hoot of an owl. It was pure camping bliss, interrupted only by the realization that we’d run out of s’mores supplies.
Mammoth Lakes Camping Vibe Scale:
- Scenery: 5/5
- Amenities: 2.5/5
- Accessibility: 3.5/5
- Privacy: 4/5
- Overall Vibe: 4/5
Five Best Things to Do or Explore in Mammoth Lakes (No Hikes, We Promise)
1. Devils Postpile National Monument
- Address: End of Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Price: $10 per vehicle (Shuttle bus fees may apply)
Columnar basalt formations might not sound thrilling, but Devils Postpile is geology’s way of showing off. The hexagonal columns tower like something out of a fantasy novel. We half-expected a dragon to swoop down—not that we’d be prepared for that.
2. Mammoth Brewing Company
- Address: 18 Lake Mary Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Price: Depends on your tolerance (beers start at $6)
After days of campfire coffee, a professionally brewed beer was a welcome change. Mammoth Brewing Company offers a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of craft beers that made us consider extending our stay indefinitely.
The “Double Nut Brown” ale was a personal favorite, and the food trucks outside didn’t hurt either.
3. Hot Creek Geological Site
- Address: Hot Creek Hatchery Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Price: Free
Imagine a creek that’s literally boiling in places. Welcome to Hot Creek Geological Site. The vibrant blue pools are mesmerizing but dangerously hot—swimming is prohibited unless you fancy a scalding. We strolled along the designated paths, marveling at the Earth’s geothermal oddities and wondering if we could use it to make instant coffee.
4. Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
- Address: Highway 395, Lee Vining, CA (30 miles north)
- Price: $3 per person
Okay, we cheated a bit on the “no hikes” rule, but the walk to see the tufa towers at Mono Lake is minimal and totally worth it. The calcium-carbonate spires rise from the lake like alien structures. We arrived at sunset, and the surreal landscape combined with the changing light made for photos that required no filters—take that, Instagram.
5. Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center
- Address: 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Price: Activities range from $20-$100
From zip-lining to mountain biking, the Adventure Center is aptly named. We opted for the scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mammoth Mountain. At 11,053 feet, the panoramic views were stunning, and the air was thin enough to make us feel athletic just by standing there. There’s also a café at the top, because nothing says “I conquered the mountain” like a cappuccino at altitude.
The Best Hiking Trails Nearby
1. Crystal Lake Trail
- Trailhead Location: Near Lake George
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 3 miles round trip
A short but steep hike, the trail to Crystal Lake is like the StairMaster of nature—but with a much better payoff. The switchbacks can be challenging, but each turn offers increasingly impressive views of Lake George and Lake Mary below. Upon reaching Crystal Lake, we were greeted by pristine waters nestled among granite peaks. We spent some time catching our breath and wondering why we don’t do cardio more often.
2. Duck Pass Trail
- Trailhead Location: Coldwater Campground
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 10.1 miles round trip
Feeling ambitious (or maybe just overconfident), we tackled the Duck Pass Trail. The path winds past several alpine lakes, each more beautiful than the last. The climb to Duck Pass was no joke, but the views from the top were worth every huff and puff. Standing at over 10,000 feet, we felt on top of the world—until we remembered we had to hike back down.
3. Sherwin Lakes Trail
- Trailhead Location: Sherwin Creek Road
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 5 miles round trip
This trail offered a pleasant hike through forests and meadows to the serene Sherwin Lakes. Less crowded than some of the other trails, it was a peaceful escape. We enjoyed a picnic by the water, accompanied by the soundtrack of birds and the occasional rustling in the bushes that we hoped wasn’t a bear.
Our Recommended Three-Day Itinerary
Basecamp: We recommend setting up camp at Lake Mary Campground for the duration of your stay. It’s centrally located and offers that lakeside living we all secretly desire.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Set up camp at Lake Mary Campground.
- Afternoon: Visit Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center; take the gondola to the summit.
- Evening: Dinner and drinks at Mammoth Brewing Company.
Day 2: Hiking and Relaxation
- Morning: Hike the Crystal Lake Trail.
- Afternoon: Recover with a leisurely picnic at Lake George.
- Evening: Catch the sunset at Hot Creek Geological Site.
Day 3: Sightseeing and Farewell
- Morning: Drive to Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.
- Afternoon: Explore Devils Postpile National Monument.
- Evening: Return to camp, pack up, and maybe plan your next visit.
Mammoth Lakes Camping Trip, Yes Please
Our journey through Mammoth Lakes was a mix of awe-inspiring nature and humbling physical activity. From the comfort of our Sprinter van to the challenging trails and serene lakes, it was an adventure that reminded us why we choose the road less traveled—even when it’s uphill both ways.
If you’re considering a trip, do it. Just remember to pack layers, prepare for altitude, and keep an open mind. Mammoth Lakes has a way of exceeding expectations while simultaneously challenging your notions of comfort and adventure.
And who knows? You might just find that the best view comes after the hardest climb—or at least after a really good beer.
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