Lake Mary Campground

About

Lake Mary is the crown jewel of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and Lake Mary Campground provides convenient access to this pristine alpine setting. Located just 5-10 minutes from the town of Mammoth Lakes at an elevation of 8,900 feet, the campground occupies both sides of the road near the northwest end of the lake. Sites are nestled among lodgepole pine trees, with some offering views of Lake Mary and the surrounding 9,000 to 10,000-foot peaks of the John Muir Wilderness. The campground features 48 sites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and mandatory bear-proof food lockers. Flush toilets and potable water from hand pumps are available. Lake Mary receives the highest number of trout plants in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, drawing anglers targeting rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Swimming and wading are prohibited to protect water quality. Several hiking and backpacking trails are accessible nearby, including routes into the John Muir Wilderness, which stretches 100 miles along the Sierra Nevada crest. The basin contains numerous additional lakes for fishing and exploration. Due to the high elevation and heavy winter snowpack, the campground typically opens in late May or early June and closes in fall.

Directions

Take US 395 to Mammoth Junction and Highway 203. Turn west on Highway 203 and drive through the town of Mammoth Lakes to the junction of Minaret Road/Highway 203 and Lake Mary Road. Continue straight through the intersection and drive 3.6 miles to Lake Mary Loop Drive. Turn right and drive 0.5 miles to the campground entrance.