Camping in Mono Lake with swimming

For out-of-this-world camping, explore Mono Lake's towering limestone formations by day and starry mountain views by night.

95% (11 reviews)

United States
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California
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Mono Lake

95% (11 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mono Lake

Top campgrounds in mono lake with swimming

96%

(13)

Mill Creek Station HWY 395 Bishop

1 site · RV1 acre · Bishop, CA

Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules werechanged out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. MillCreek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north toReno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart.Learn more about this land:Mill Creek Station Hip Camp parallels Hwy 395, nine miles north of Bishop, half an hour to Mammoth Mountain, an hour from the entrance to Yosemite and two and half hours from Death Valley. Surrounded by world class mountain biking, climbing, hiking, skiing, as well as historic railroad and mining museums. All halfway between Los Angeles and Reno in the eastern Sierra. We have space for three motor homes or RVs. There are no pull throughs so if you are towing a car you may disconnect it and park the car in our parking lot. You must be self contained with water and power. Generators are OK. There is a restroom but there is no shower. We have a hanging fire pit in the backyard behind our house which you may use. Upon request we will open it for you. Wi-fi is available at our residence on the front porch or the backyard .We are 420 friendly but request that cigarette smoking be contained to open areas away from those of us who cannot tolerate cigarette smoke. No Pets please.Our backyard is unique as it was an old stone quarry at one time and now has an outdoor stage for occasional music events which you are invited to attend as well as to explore the rocks. Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules were changed out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. Mill Creek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north to Reno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart. We have a mineral museum and a climbing and mountaineering exhibit dedicated to Warren Harding, a legendary rock climbing pioneer and friendRecreation is unlimited in this area. Mammoth Mountain ski area is ½ hour away. It is also a world class mountain biking destination. There are many other cycling areas in the vicinity as well as hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing, kayaking and general outdoor exploration. We are at an elevation of 4,500 ft and rarely have snow in the winter. We can provide a long list of climbs, hiking trails, and other adventure sports and scenic exploration. In Bishop the Paiute Casino is 6 miles to the south. Laws Historic Railroad and Mining Museum is 14 miles away. It is open to the public with 11 acres of interesting displays of the old western railroad buildings and artifacts including the huge 20 Mule Team Borax wagons. It is a great place to picnic. We are close to western Nevada’s historic mining towns like Goldfield, Tonopah and Gold Point. Death Valley is 2 ½ hours away. Las Vegas is 5 hours and the eastern entrance to Yosemite is 1 hour to the north by Mono Lake. Enjoy your visit!Roger and Mary Lou

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

96%

(465)

Inyo National Forest

Lone Pine, California

Glacier point, definitely recommended! Get here EARLY in the morning for a damn good sunrise, and before the tour busses show up (or snag a wilderness permit and stay overnight!)

97%

(1537)

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley, California

After stopping at Devils Postpile, make sure to continue on to see the 101ft Rainbow Falls

100%

(7)

Devils Postpile National Monument

Mammoth Lakes, California

92%

(171)

Sierra National Forest

Big Creek, California

93%

(165)

Stanislaus National Forest

Strawberry, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Mono Lake with swimming guide

Overview

Nestled in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mono Lake is one of California's most unique treasures. The shallow lake covers 70 square miles and is among the oldest on the continent. As you gawk at the eerie limestone formations rising from the still waters, you just might feel like you're on another planet.

Camping near Mono Lake puts endless wilderness adventure at your fingertips. Hiking trails meander through the lakeshore and surrounding forests. Plus, the east entrance to Yosemite National Park is just a short drive away.

The lake itself lies just outside of Lee Vining—a great place to stock up on supplies. You can also swing by the visitor center for maps and regional info.

A few top activities in the Mono Basin National Forest include hiking through volcanic landscapes and fishing trout streams. To see the lake's famous tufa towers, head to the South Tufa Area. Itching to get on the water? kayaking and SUP boarding are a few ways to explore the motorboat-free lake. Just don't bust out your pole and tackle box here—there's not a single fish in Mono Lake.

Driving south on highway 395, you find even more outdoor adventure throughout Inyo National Forest. Drive the scenic June Lake Loop, or enjoy boating and downhill skiing at the Mammoth Lakes.

Out of respect for Mono Lake's fragile landscape, there's no camping on the lake itself. Mono Basin National Forest allows free backcountry camping, but you do need a fire permit. You can also choose from an array of RV parks and private campgrounds. Many are located in the surrounding mountains and Lee Vining Creek Canyon.

The Mono Lake area is known for its high winds, so be sure to bring some good stakes if you're planning on tent camping. This California destination welcomes visitors year-round, but if you want to beat the crowds, consider a winter retreat. Cool weather and solitude are the perfect backdrops to your Sierra Nevada adventure.