High Sierra Topix

We have a situation where we are flying in on a Saturday and driving directly to Lee Vining so we can pick up permits before the visitor center closes. Then we will still need to get supplies that night and AFAIK Mammoth Lakes is the closest city. Thus it would be ideal to find a free or nearly free place near there where we could show up late on a Saturday evening and just throw down a tent. No services needed.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Hi David and Karen,

Try Smokey Bear Flats:

http://www.rv-camping.org/CA_MammothLakes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

-Russ

I dont get to the east side much these days, but Hartley Springs between June and Mammoth was a free camp ground in days past (checked with Inyo NF, it still is). Just no water or trash service. Its a short drive (~1.5 mi) off of Hwy 395 to the west. I recall the turnoff being marked and it being about 4 to 5 miles south of the June Lake Turnoff. Nice and quite with obsidian chips all around.

Another free camp is Glass Creek about 3 miles further south down 395 (closer to Mammoth). Its right off the road to the west. If I recall correctly, theres a Cal Trans station at the turn off on the other side of the hwy (east side) called Crestview. he turnoff to Mammoth is another 9 or 10 miles down the road.

there are a plethora of campgrounds all around that area along 395. Not sure if they're free but there is also dispersed camping where you just drive up a road and camp free in a national forest. no one will bug you unless you light up a fire.