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.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
Wild Horse Gather Closure Area - July 7-17
The U.S. Forest Service will begin the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory Gather operation to gather and remove 450 wild horses located outside the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory. Effective from July 7 – July 17, 2026, going into or being within the Wild Horse Gather Closure Area (Forest…
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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