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Lake Mary is the star of the Mammoth Lakes region. Of the 11 lakes in the area, Mary is the largest and most developed. Lake Mary Campground is a large facility with plenty of amenities in and around it. The lake provides a great base for activities like fishing, viewing waterfalls, hiking and backpacking.
Lake Mary receives the highest number of trout stocks in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and is well-known to anglers for its rainbow, brook and brown trout fishing. No swimming or wading is allowed in the lake.
Though no hiking trails begin in the campground, several interesting trails offer a variety of hikes nearby, including day hiking and backpacking trails into the rustic John Muir Wilderness.
The campground straddles the road at the northwest end of Lake Mary, and offers four loops of closely-spaced campsites. The campground is within walking distance of the lake, and some sites have a view of the water.
The campground lies among lodgepole pine trees at an elevation of 8,900 feet. Some campsites have views of the breathtaking scenery surrounding the campground, including Lake Mary and some of the 9,000 and 10,000' peaks in the John Muir Wilderness.
The Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are abundant with wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.
Mammoth Lakes Basin contains several additional popular lakes to explore for fishing and boating.
Visitors can also access the magnificent John Muir Wilderness nearby, which stretches 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevadas, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain. Hiking and horseback riding trails are abundant.
Take U.S. 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.
This place is absolutely breathtaking. The hosts were great and the views were amazing. One of the mornings before sunrise we were down at the lake when a bear snuck up on us... we were frozen and scared as it walked right by us so close I could have touched it. Luckily the bear wasn't interested in us and just kept walking. Great memories were made here and can't wait to return.
Great area to camp. Enjoy hiking or lake for all ages. Please keep mammoth clean and take care of your trash. Also be careful of animal 🐻 neighbors. They are hungry especially during drought years and will wander into your camp or picnic. Thankfully the kayakers warned us the bear was up shore walking our way. We split by the time the bear joined our noon sando's by the lake. Dont feed the bears.
A Mammoth experience! No showers but great hiking, views and lots of lakes to do water activities. Mary Lake is near multiple other lakes only miles apart. Lots of hiking and biking. Horseshoe lake is a great spot to take the dogs. Crystal lake hiking trail had great views!
Beautiful campground nestled in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra @ 8500ft.
No hookups or camp dump station but camp bathrooms are clean with running water. Each site is well maintained. RV Setup is on asphalt. Tent camp under shaded pine trees with picnic table, fire ring and bear box. Camp Host are super nice and friendly.
Best campground in Mammoth Lakes. The campsites are spacious and shaded. The camp hosts are cool. The bathrooms are clean and have flushing toilets. No showers. You have to go to twin lakes for that. There is a bear that shows up often. Twin falls is a short walk away. We had a great camping experience.
