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The Best Camping in Mammoth Lakes

Looking for the best camping in Mammoth Lakes? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mammoth Lakes. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top camping spots in and near Mammoth Lakes

  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Panorama Dome, Mammoth Rock Trail, Valentine Lake

    18.75 mi / 3524 ft gain
    Panorama Dome, Mammoth Rock Trail, Valentine Lake is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mammoth Lakes, California.
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Photograph Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes

    4.0
    Lake Mary is the largest of the 11 lakes in the Mammoth Mountain area. Explore the lake’s perimeter and find your own perfectly peaceful place to watch one of Mammoth’s signature stunning sunsets. Parking is easy to come by either on the side of the road or at the marina parking lot up the road.B...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Backpack to Garnet Lake

    5.0
    14 mi / 2030 ft gain
    Although this trip specifically describes how to get to Garnet Lake, there are several other pristine alpine lakes (Shadow Lake and Thousand Islands Lake) along this looped trail, only a few short miles away from each other, that are just as worthy if you have the time. A minimum of 3 days/2 nigh...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Backpack from Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite Valley via the John Muir Trail

    5.0
    52 mi / 6300 ft gain
    Cross country hiking can be a daunting idea. There are so many things to plan for, and such a long distance to cover. If you are an experienced backpacker, and you want to get a taste of hiking on the John Muir Trail this hike might interest you.  Planning GPS Map (Caltopo): https://caltopo.com...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Mammoth Pass Trail and McLeod Lake

    7.75 mi / 2080 ft gain
    Mammoth Pass Trail and McLeod Lake is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mammoth Lakes, California.
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Mammoth Crest Loop

    13.11 mi / 3074 ft gain
    Mammoth Crest Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Mammoth Lakes, California.
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Laurel Lakes OHV Route

    9.94 mi / 3045 ft gain
    Laurel Lakes OHV Route is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mammoth Lakes, California.
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Duck Lake via Duck Pass Trail

    4.7
    9.29 mi / 1880 ft gain
    The Duck Pass trail in the John Muir Wilderness combines breathtaking views, wildflowers and plenty of icy mountain lakes for swimming into a trail that is moderate in both difficulty and distance. With multiple lakes along the way to pitch your tent and plenty of day hike options from a base cam...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    Relax at Laurel Lakes

    0 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Laurel Lakes trip, just south of Mammoth Lakes, is a worthwhile day trip that can easily be made into a hiking/camping trip.To get there, make your way to Laurel Lakes Rd via Sherwin Creek Rd either from Old Mammoth Rd or from the 395. The road to the lakes is not too bad initially but you'll...
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  • Mammoth Lakes, California

    John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon

    86.2 mi / 14911 ft gain
    John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Mammoth Lakes, California.
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  • Crowley Lake, California

    Shadow Creek Trail to John Muir Trail

    8.24 mi / 1283 ft gain
    Shadow Creek Trail to John Muir Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near June Lake, California.
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  • Crowley Lake, California

    Shadow and Ediza Lakes Trail

    12.57 mi / 1745 ft gain
    Shadow and Ediza Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near June Lake, California.
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  • Madera County, California

    4-Day Backpack Trip to Thousand Island Lake

    5.0
    Start from Agnew Meadows about 7 miles away. You can take the High Trail out as part of the River Trail with a long detour passing by several other scenic lakes, including Shadow Lake, Garnet Lake, and Ruby Lake. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set...
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  • Madera County, California

    Ediza Lake via Agnew Meadows

    4.0
    13.54 mi / 1804 ft gain
    Start at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. You will need to arrive before 7:30AM or take the Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain. Start out by heading north on the John Muir Trail. You will pass Shadow Lake; walk around the south side of the lake for mountain views. Then, follow the trail up Shadow Creek u...
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  • Madera County, California

    Backpack to Cecile Lake

    16 mi / 1904 ft gain
    Located in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Cecile Lake can be reached from a variety of trailheads. I chose to start out in Agnew Meadows. From here, the trail criss-crosses through a serene lowland environment with several crystal clear streams. After passing Olaine Lake, veer left an...
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  • Madera County, California

    Climb Mount Ritter

    Mt Ritter is a long climb, but it is worth the effort. Start out by establishing camp at Ediza Lake prior to your ascent. The SE Glacier route (first ascent by John Muir) follows the path of least resistance up the SE side of Mt Ritter.The route first gains a broad bench below Ritter and Banner P...
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