Tag: 395 Highway

Highway 395 is a scenic route that stretches from southern California through the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, eventually reaching the Nevada border. It’s renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, passing by iconic landmarks like Mammoth Lakes and the Alabama Hills. As it winds through California, The route offers travelers stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, expansive desert valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The route is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for its access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and winter sports destinations like Mammoth Mountain. Whether exploring quaint towns or soaking in natural hot springs, Highway 395 promises an unforgettable journey through some of California’s most rugged and picturesque terrain.

Rock Creek Lake Campground

Posted on by

Rock Creek Lake Campground, located in Mono County, California, is a picturesque alpine lake set amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. At an elevation of about 9,600 feet, Rock Creek Lake is tranquil lake is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Rock Creek Lake Campground
Rock Creek Lake Campground

Natural Beauty

Surrounded by towering pine trees and rugged mountain peaks, Rock Creek Lake offers stunning views that change with the seasons. In the spring and summer, wildflowers dot the meadows, and the clear blue waters of the lake reflect the surrounding landscape. In the fall, the area is painted with vibrant hues of gold and orange as the aspen trees change color. During the winter, the lake and its surroundings are blanketed in snow, creating a peaceful winter wonderland.

Facilities

Rock Creek Lake Campgrounds campsites are well-spaced along the lake shore, with several tent-only, walk-in sites overlooking the lake. Boat rentals, educational programs, groceries and showers are all nearby. Firewood is available on-site for a fee. Bears inhabit the area, so bear-proof lockers are provided for campers to store food.

The campsites at Rock Creek Lake sit on a low hill with scattered aspen and lodgepole pine trees overlooking the lake’s crystal blue waters. At an elevation of 9,600 feet, the facility affords visitors excellent mountain views.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Recreation

Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the lake may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers may be treated to golden trout in the backcountry. Power boats on the lake are limited to electric motors only.

The area’s majestic scenery and challenging trails are a draw for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The Tamarack Trail begins in the campground and wanders up to several high-elevation, glacially-carved alpine lakes and ponds.

Campground Summary

Campground NameRock Creek Lake Campground
Latitude, Longitude37.4526, -118.7324
Sites25
Elevation9,600 ft
AmmenitiesBear Boxes, Fire rings, Table, Flust Toilets, Shower, Water, Camp host

Rock Creek Lake Campground Map

References

Lone Pine Campground

Posted on by

Lone Pine Campground is a wonderful campground in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in Inyo County, California. The campground is located between Line Pine Creek and Inyo Creek just a few miles west of the city of Lone Pine. The campground is located the site of the old Rock Creek sawmill. This sawmill once operated at this location from the 1930s thru the 1950s.

Mt Whitney looms large over the High Sierra, outside of Lone Pine, California
Mt Whitney looms large over the High Sierra, outside of Lone Pine, California

Lone Pine Campground is a great place to stay. It is very scenic located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The sites are reasonably large and suitable for trailers. The Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail begins at west end of the campground. There is fishing in the nearby Lone Pine Creek and lots of outdoor activities.

The creek is of special significance to me personally. My grandfather taught me how to fish is the cool waters of the stream just about 50 feet away from our campsite. I was about five years old and remember placing my line in the waters in a nearby pool. My memory is that within 15 minutes I caught my limit of 10 fish, at that time. My dad to this day maintains that they recently stocked the stream, however I continue to maintain that this was early skill on may part.

This campground is a known bear active area, so safe food handling and trash disposal should be observed to protect yourself and the bears.

Campground Summary

NameLone Pine Campground
LocationLone Pine, Inyo County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.5974524,-118.1870643
Elevation5885 feet
Sites42
AmenitiesVault Toilet, Bear Boxes, Tables

Directions

Located on Whitney Portal Road, six miles west of the town of Lone Pine, California.

Campground Map

References

Oh! Ridge Campground

Posted on by
Oh! Ridge Campground

Oh! Ridge Campground is the first campground in the June Lake Loop located in the Eastern High Sierra in Mono County, California.

The campgrounds is at an elevtion of 7,600 feet. Campsites are a ridge in an open area above the shoreline of scenic June Lake. There is a day use area which has a a swimming beach located adjacent to the campground.

The outstanding lake and mountain views at this campground are a favorite spot for both families and anglers. Every campsite has a bear locker for food storage. Active bear area, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48″x 30″x 36″).

June Lake serves as a wonderful place to camp and can be a great jumping off point to explore many of the Central Sierra’s attractions including Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park , Mono Lake, Lee Vining, Bodie State Historic Park, Bridgeport, Green Lakes, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake and the Long Valley Caldera, Lundy Canyon, Virginia Lakes, Big Springs and the Upper Owens River, the Mono Craters, the Inyo Craters, and the Benton Hot Springs

Campground Summary

NameOh! Ridge Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude
Elevation7,600 feet
Number of Sites143
AmenitiesBear Locker, Water, Flush Toilets

Campground Map

References

June Lake Campground

Posted on by
June Lake Campground

June Lake Campground is nestled next to June Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and the scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The Campground is located in the Eastern Sierra, near the town of June Lake, at an elevation of 7,600 feet.

This campground has 28 campsites which are situated in an aspen grove and pine forest and the lake is easily accessible for each campsites. The high mountains which form the valley walls in which the lake is situated offers some majestic views and the long light of the late afternoon.

June Lake fishing has world class fishing, a marina, and boat rentals make this a favorite spot for both families and anglers.

This is a wonderful location to camp and can be a great jumping off point to explore many of the Central Sierra’s attractions including: Mono Lake, Lee Vining, Bodie State Historic Park, Bridgeport, Green Lakes, Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake, Lundy Canyon, Big Springs and the Upper Owens River, the Mono Craters, the Inyo Craters, and the Benton Hot Springs

Bear activity is very high in the area. A bear-proof locker is located at each site at campsites. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.

Campground Summary

NameJune Lake Campground
LocationJune Lake Loop,
Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.7819488,-119.0761371
Elevation7,600
Number of Sites29
AmenitiesBear Boxes, Table, fire rings

Campground Map

References

Gull Lake Campground

Posted on by

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