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.

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

Lake Mary Campground

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Lake Mary Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake Mary is the largest and the most developed of the eleven lakes in the Mammoth Area. The campground is situated on both sides of the road at the northwestern corner of Lake Mary and nearby Lake Mamie. 

Lake Mary Campground, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California
Lake Mary Campground, Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, California

The campground offers views of the lake, and is quite popular due to its location on the mountain. The lake offers tremendous fishing and opportunities for hiking and enjoying the picturesque scenery. The fishing at Lake Mary features Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout and on more than one trip, my evenings were spent watching sunsets while fly fishing. The peak season is from late May to early September each year.

The campground offers access to many nearby activities including Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow,, Rainbow falls and Hot Creek. Two boat ramps and marinas allow for boating however the 10 mph limit on the lake keeps the lake angler friendly. Campsites typically share parking and the sites are reasonably flat. Tall pine trees offer shade from the high altitude sun.

Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes, California - Photo by Paul Wight
Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes, California – Photo by Paul Wight

This campground is in bear country and typically bears activity is fairly high. 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

NameLake Mary Campground
LocationMammoth Lakes, Mono County, California
Latitude, Longitude37.6074757, -119.0088844,
Elevation8950 feet
Number of Sites48
AmenitiesCampfires Permitted, Flushable Toilets, Pet-friendly, Picnic Areas, RV Sites, Reservations Accepted, Showers (at Lake George), Tent Sites, Tables, Bear Boxes

Lake Mary Campground Map

References

Whitney Portal Campground

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Whitney Portal Campground is the campground in the foothills of the High Sierra, and serves as the gateway for many hikers up Mount Whitney in Inyo County, California. The campground sits at high elevation at over 8100 feet above sea level. It is nestled among pine trees and Lone Pine Creek offers a babbling creek, the rushing waters of which the break the sound of the wind through the pine needles.

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

The campground is a prime camping place, and located at the base of the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney. Mount Whitney stands at 14,505 feet above sea level and is considered the king of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The campground has 43 sites which allow access to the John Muir Wilderness and its hiking and back packing trails. Each campsite is nestled among the boulders in a mature pine forest.

A rushing Lone Pine Creek near Whitney Portal Campground
A rushing Lone Pine Creek near Whitney Portal Campground

The campground sees heavy use in the late spring and summer months. The elevation helps break the heat from the valley below. Due to its location and popularity, the campground is known to have bear activity. All precautions should be taken with respect to food and trash and bear locker are provided. In addition to Black Bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin and pika are known to be in the area, so keep your eyes open.

Whitney Portal Campground Summary

NameWhitney Portal Campground
LocationLone Pine, Inyo County, California
Latitude, Longitude
Sites43
Elevation8100 ft
AmenitiesWater, Vault Toilets, Bear Lockers, Picnic table, fire ring, no hook-ups

Directions

From Highway 395 in Lone Pine, California turn west (at the stoplight) onto Whitney Portal Road. The campground is 12.5 miles from Lone Pine and about 3400 feet in elevation gain.

Whitney Portal Campground Map

References

Tuttle Creek Campground

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Tuttle Creek Campground is a small campground located on the eastern Sierras near Lone Pine, in Inyo County, California. The campground is located just below the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Amazing sunrises and sunset greet the camper who choses this place to vacation.

Tuttle Creek is located just five miles away from Lone Pine and the Alabama hills are even closer. There is a group camp available and also two horse corrals are available.

Tuttle Creek is a great place to camp when exploring up or down the beautiful 395 highway. It offers a jumping off place to travel into Death Valley or up to Mt. Whitney. The tranquility and scenery may want to stay the full 14 day limit, and yet, the Eastern Sierra light will entice you to leave and further explore.

Campground Summary

NameTuttle Creek Campground
LocationLone Pine, Inyo County, California
Latitude, Longitude36.5649341,-118.1261991
Number of Sites83
Elevation4658 ft
Amenitiesvault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern holders, seasonal water

Directions


From Highway 395, drive 3.5 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road, then 1.5 miles south on Horseshow Meadow Road, follow signs to the campground.

Tuttle Creek Campground Map

References