Cattleguard Campground
The campground operates seasonally, typically late May through mid-October depending on weather and snow conditions. First-come, first-served only; no reservations accepted. Campers must bring their own water.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
ESCCRP Shady Rest Fuel Reduction Project Area Closure
Shady Rest Trail is closed to provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work.
Mammoth Mill Site Area and Trail Closure
This Forest Order prohibits recreating, entering or being in the Mammoth Mill Site Closure Area and the Mammoth Stamp Mill Trail to provide for public safety.
Mammoth Scenic Loop Closure
Our partners are helping the Town of Mammoth Lakes do hazard tree mitigation along the Mammoth Scenic Road. Both gates on the Scenic Loop will be closed for approximately 33 days beginning May 6 due to critical forest health work in the Inyo Craters area.This isn’t just routine maintenance, this…
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Area Closure
To provide for public safety and the protection of resources within the Inyo National Forest, the following acts are prohibited: Camping or having a campfire within the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest National Protection Area, possessing, storing, or transporting any part of a Bristlecone or Limber…
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about…
Monache Meadows Area Seasonal Road Closure
To provide for public safety and protection of natural resources during snowy and muddy conditions.
Stay Limits, Parking, and Developed Recreation Site Use
This forest order was put in place to protect natural resources and promote public safety.
Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project
www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/projects/reds-meadow-road-reconstruction
Wilderness Use Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the portions of the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses located in the Inyo National Forest. Please click on the PDF version for all Exhibit maps B - G. The website will not allow for more JPG formats to be uploaded than what…
Mount Whitney Zone Access Restrictions
This forest order prohibits recreating in the Mount Whitney Zone to provide for public safety and protect natural resources.
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown on the Exhibits.Please click on the PDF version for all Exhibit maps B - S. The website will not allow for more JPG formats to be uploaded than what…
Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown in the Exhibits.
Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project Area Closure
This forest order prohibits access to roads affected by the Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project to provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond. The closure orders are dynamic and…
Hot Creek Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating in Hot Creek within the Mammoth Ranger District.
Goat Prohibition Order
This Forest Order prohibits possessing or storing a goat within the Inyo National Forest Goat Prohibition Area.
B&B Mine Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the B&B Mine and Mill Site Closure Area.
Food and Refuse Storage Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits food and refuse in locations in Exhibits A and C-J, unless stored in a bear-resistant container. Food and refuse in locations shown in Exhibit B must be stored in a bear-resistant container OR counter-balanced at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally…
About
Cattleguard Campground sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada along Highway 120, the Tioga Pass route connecting the Owens Valley to Yosemite National Park. The campground's 11 sites are nestled among pines and offer views of the surrounding mountains. This is a primitive, no-reservation campground that fills on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, fire rings at each site, and picnic tables. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Sites can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet in length, but there are no hookups. The campground serves as a practical base for exploring Mono Lake, hiking in the surrounding Inyo National Forest, and accessing Yosemite via Tioga Pass when the road is open. The area typically experiences a short camping season due to elevation, with conditions best from late May through October. Temperatures range from 60-80°F during summer days and drop to 30-50°F at night. Early season visitors should be prepared for variable weather and possible lingering snow.
Directions
From the junction of Highway 395 and Highway 120 in Lee Vining, turn west onto Highway 120 and proceed approximately 3 miles. The campground entrance is on the left side of the road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 647-3044 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Inyo NF Camping & Cabins | |
| Mono Lake Ranger Station |
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