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Finding a campground for a roadtrip can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve never been there before. Specifically, it can be hard to tell if their campsites are private, ideal for your plans, or if they have any serious flaws, unless you heard about it from a friend.
Which is WHY I have compiled this list–I am THAT friend. 🙂
So, if you are planning to roadtrip to the Eastern Sierra, you have come to the right place to find prime campsites to stay at on your adventure!
But first, the website I use to book 95% of my campsite bookings and wilderness permits is THIS ONE.
However, if you cannot find the campsites below on that website, I will add the separate link to each in addition to any campsite review I have written about it (which will include the site and campsite number I stayed at).
And now, without further ado (because websites with LONG AF introductions are lame–yes, I said it), below you will find ten campground I would recommend to anyone. Enjoy!
Diaz Lake Campground
Diaz Lake is located in Lone Pine, CA right outside of the downtown in the southern section. As an underrated hidden gem, I have never see it completely full. It is a great alternative to camping if Alabama Hills if it’s not for you. Additionally, its location is a great pitstop for longer roadtrips, or if you’re heading to mt. Whitney. And finally, campsites are lakeside!
Where to book & more info: here.
Brown’s Town Campground
Brown’s Town Campground is located in Bishop and is very beginner-friendly for new campers and for families! Additionally, it is pet-friendly, great for kids, and it also accommodates RVs. Moreover, it holds a convenience store, flush toilets, and showers. It was very clean and well kept. I would most certainly return here for another trip, particularly with friends.
More info and for booking: here.
Independence Creek Campground
This campground is located in Independence, CA. However, I have personally NOT stayed here, but they have a good overall rating on google reviews and is RV friendly. Furthermore, its central location makes it accessible to many places nearby, and it also has RV sites as well
You can find the booking website here
Lake Sabrina Area
Lake Sabrina is probably one of my favorite spots to visit! Sitting off the main highway, I think it is TOTALLY worth going to and checking out. Lake Sabrina is fishing friendly, has such scenic hiking trails, and many coveted camping spots. Specifically, some of the campgrounds nearby are: Sabrina, North Lake, Bishop Park Group, Fort Jeffrey and Forks Campground.
French Camp
French camp sits perfectly as a pit stop along Highway 395. It is a very practical campground for RVs with such a central location to many popular spots in Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop. For instance, it resides near Tom’s Cabin, Lake Crowley, Rock Creek Lake, and Mosquito Flats. Additionally, it’s about 30 minutes from both Bishop, and Mammoth Lakes.
Rock Creek Road
French Camp also sits along Rock Creek Road, however, up past it you will find some LOVELY campsites. These are campsites completely immersed in the Sierra Backcountry, and give you that deep forest camping experience. Some campsites include: Iris Meadow, Big Meadow, Palisade, East Fork, and Rock Creek Lake Campground.
Find more info about my favorite campsite here!
McGee Creek Campground
Unfortunately, I have not stayed at this particular campsite, but I have backpacked over Mcgee Pass that exits out towards this campsite. I absolutely love the location of this campground bc it sits on a hill with a view out towards Crowley Lake. Additionally, it is an open campground with not many trees, but it also sits close to Tom’s Cabin, and McGee Creek Trailhead.
Convict Lake Campground
Further north McGee Creek and Crowley Lake, you will find the turn off for Convict Lake. Not only is this campground located in the most scenic Eastern Sierra backdrop, but it also holds hiking trails around the lake, and plenty of water activities to keep you busy! I wrote a more extensive campground review for this particular site just down below!
Mammoth Lakes Campgrounds
If you’ve been around for a while now, you’ll know that Mammoth Lakes, CA is one of my FAVORITE places for outdoor escape. The Campgrounds here include: Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Coldwater, Old Shady and New Shady Rest. These are all close to the downtown, plenty of civilization, and tons of bike trails, hiking trails, and backpacking opportunities. For more in depth reviews for some of campgrounds near Mammoth Lakes, click here.
June Lake Loop
(includes June Lake, Reversed Creek, and Silver Lake Campground)
By far my favorite area to camp in the Eastern Sierra. HIGHLY recommend even driving through her and spending time at these lakes. I have a more extensive campground review of June Lake Campground and OH Ridge Campground–click here. Both are lakeside campgrounds and a PERFECT place to stay.
About Highway 395
US Route 395, aka Highway 395, was originally found in 1926 and connects California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington together. It was originally named the Three Flags Highway because it connected Mexico, US, and Canada with one road. However, for the purposes of this post, I will be detailing campgrounds in the California portion of US Route 395.
You will find many areas here that are frequented by the outdoor explorer. Towns like Lone Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, etc, are all beautiful locations for the adventurous soul at any season of the year. Backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and camping are all very popular activities in these areas, as well as dipping in hot springs, and driving along these scenic backdrops of the Eastern Sierra.
Curious about other campsites in California? I review all the wonderful campsites (and not so wonderful campsites) here that I have stayed at. Take a peek, get outside, and happy adventuring!
Looking for more information about backpacking, camping, or gear that I use? Please head to the homepage to read more info! My amazon store front also contains all the great recommendations that I use in the outdoors or in daily living! Please note, I do earn commission as an Amazon Affiliate at no additional cost to you!
And as always, I deeply appreciate your presence and support here!❤️
