Category: Campgrounds

Campgrounds are serene havens nestled in natural landscapes, offering a rustic retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers alike. Surrounded by towering trees, babbling brooks, or expansive meadows, campgrounds provide a tranquil setting to pitch tents or park RVs, fostering a connection with nature. Trails for hiking or biking often wind through these sites, leading adventurers to hidden vistas or peaceful lakeshores. Campfire circles crackle with warmth in the evenings, where stories are shared under starlit skies. Facilities may range from basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables to more modern conveniences such as restrooms with showers and designated cooking areas. Whether for a weekend escape or an extended wilderness adventure, campgrounds offer a refreshing escape from urban life, inviting visitors to unwind and recharge in the great outdoors.

Gull Lake Campground

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Gull Lake Campground is a small, shaded and private campground in the June Lake Loop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gull lake is just over 60 acres in area the the smallest of the four roadside lakes on the June Lake Loop.  Despite its diminutive size the lake is popular for anglers and those who enjoy the majestic views of the towering mountains which make up the valley.

Gull Lake Camground overlooks the northern most lake on the June Lake Loop.
Gull Lake Camground overlooks the northern most lake on the June Lake Loop.

The campsites are well shaded, set beautifully amongst willow tress which also offer a large amount of privacy. The campground is situated near the lake and some of the campsites have lake front access.

Gull Lake offers some amazing fishing and its population of Rainbow trout, Brown trout, cutthroat and brook trout offer a nice diversity for such a small lake. There is a nice little marina for boat access and rental. A popular playground also is located near the marina.

This campground is located in bear county, so prepare accordingly and camp responsibly. Bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48″x 30″x 36″).  The campground is typically open from the last weekend in April until November 1. each year

Campground Summary

NameGull Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.7731237,-119.0841089
Elevation7,600 feet
Number of sites16
AmenitiesTables, Flush Toilets, Fire Rings, shade tress

Campground Map

References

Grant Lake Campground

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Grant Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California
Grant Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California

Grant Lake Campground and marina is the northern most campground of the June Lake Loop located in Mono County, California. The lake is also the largest of the four lakes in the June Lake area and home of the brown trout. The German Brown Trout is a native species is highly sought after by anglers around the world. Grant Lake’s German Brown Trout are 100% native to this lake.

June Lake Loop, Mono County, California
June Lake Loop, Mono County, California

The lake offers a full service marina and has snacks, refreshment, tackle, gasoline and boat launching. Grant Lake is the only lake of the four to allow water-skiing, wake-boarding and personal watercraft are allowed after 10:00 am.

The campsites are nestled among Aspen trees and features high sierra mountains, lake views, tables, fire rings and flush toilets. The campground observes quiet time beginning at 10pm and ends at 7am daily. During this time, please refrain from loud talking and partying, playing radios, running generators, or any other loud activities that may disturb other guests.

This campground is located in bear county, so prepare accordingly and camp responsibly. The campground is open from last Saturday in April through mid October.

Campground Summary

NameGrant Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.2373876,-115.3430201
Elevation7,200 feet
Number of Sites70
AmenitiesShowers, Water, Tables, Sewer, Fire Rings – No Electricity

Campground Map

References

Silver Lake Campground

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Silver Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California
Silver Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California

Silver Lake Campground is nestled next to Silver Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and the scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This is a great base camp for longer camps and features excellent fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding and world class photography opportunities. There are some creek side and lake side campsites and the nearby boat ramp allows for fishing boats.

June Lake Loop, Mono County, California
June Lake Loop, Mono County, California

Silver Lake is nestled deep in a valley in the Sierra Nevada in a deep valley at the base of Carson Peak below the Reversed Creek and Rush Creek confluence.

The Silver Lake Resort was originally known as “Carson’s Camp,” and has been famous for quality mountain recreation since 1916. A pack station is located across highway 158 to allow for horse back riding or extended stay expeditions into the high county. There are plenty of trails which open access to the photographic opportunities in The Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. The Rush Creek Trail interconnects with the Pacific Crest Trail system and the John Muir Trail, and the local backcountry is fabulous.

This campground is located in bear county, so prepare accordingly and camp responsibly. Bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48″x 30″x 36″).

Camp Summary

NameSiler Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.7824467,-119.1250786
Elevaation7,200 Feet
Number of Sites63
AmenitiesTables, Fire Rings

Campground Map

References

Tamarisk Grove Campground

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Tamarisk Grove Campground is a popular camping destination located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California. The campground is situated in the heart of the park, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape and easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions.

The campground features 50 campsites, including tent and RV sites, as well as several group campsites for larger groups. The sites are spacious and well-maintained, with picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms and showers.

One of the main draws of Tamarisk Grove Campground is its proximity to a wide range of outdoor activities. The park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous treks through rugged terrain. Visitors can explore the park’s unique desert landscape, including colorful canyons, rugged mountains, and vast expanses of open desert.

In addition to hiking, the park offers opportunities for rock climbing, bouldering, and mountain biking. The park also features several designated off-road vehicle areas, where visitors can explore the desert landscape on ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, which is located just a short distance from the campground. The visitor center offers a range of exhibits and displays that provide visitors with a better understanding of the region’s natural and cultural history.

Another popular attraction in the area is the Salton Sea, which is located just a short drive from the campground. The Salton Sea is a large, shallow lake that was formed by accident in the early 1900s, and today it is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and birdwatching.

Overall, Tamarisk Grove Campground is an excellent choice for visitors looking to explore the rugged beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. With its spacious campsites, convenient amenities, and easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions, it is a popular destination for both seasoned campers and first-time visitors alike. Whether you are looking for a quiet nature retreat or an action-packed outdoor adventure, Tamarisk Grove Campground has something to offer everyone.

Campground Map

Yaqui Wash Primative Campground

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Yaqui Wash Primative Campground is a dispersed camping area located within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park. Nestled in the Colorado Desert, this campground offers a unique and rugged camping experience amidst the park’s dramatic desert landscapes.

Location and Accessibility

Yaqui Wash Campground is situated off Yaqui Pass Road (County Road S3), approximately 9 miles south of the town of Borrego Springs. The campground is easily accessible by car, though the final approach may require careful navigation over rough terrain, making high-clearance vehicles advisable.

Camping Facilities

As a primitive and dispersed camping site, Yaqui Wash Campground lacks developed facilities such as restrooms, picnic tables, or designated campsites. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience, bringing their own water, food, and waste disposal methods. The site offers open spaces for pitching tents or parking RVs, with ample opportunities for solitude and immersion in nature.

Natural Features

Yaqui Wash Campground is set within a wash, a dry riverbed that channels water during rare rain events. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rocky outcrops, sandy flats, and a variety of desert vegetation, including creosote bushes, ocotillos, and cacti. The area offers striking views of the surrounding mountains and the expansive desert floor.

Activities

Campers at Yaqui Wash can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including:

  1. Hiking: Numerous trails and off-trail routes provide opportunities for exploring the diverse desert terrain. Nearby hiking destinations include Yaqui Well, Pinyon Mountain, and the Villager Peak Trail.
  2. Wildlife Viewing: The desert is home to a variety of wildlife, such as desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, jackrabbits, and a range of bird species.
  3. Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Yaqui Wash is an excellent location for stargazing. The clear desert skies offer spectacular views of the Milky Way and other celestial objects.
  4. Photography: The unique desert landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and varied flora and fauna provide ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

Environmental Considerations

Visitors to Yaqui Wash Campground should adhere to Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the fragile desert environment. This includes packing out all trash, avoiding the disturbance of wildlife, and respecting the natural landscape. Additionally, campers should be aware of the potential for flash floods in washes during rain events and plan accordingly.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yaqui Wash Campground is during the cooler months, from October to April. During this period, daytime temperatures are more moderate, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Summer temperatures in the desert can be extremely high, posing risks of heat-related illnesses.

Conclusion

Yaqui Wash Campground offers a unique and immersive desert camping experience within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Its remote location, primitive setting, and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal destination for adventurous campers seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the desert environment. By following responsible camping practices, visitors can help preserve this pristine area for future generations to enjoy.

Campground Map