Aerie Crag Picnic Area
04 reviewsMono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Quick Facts
7,200 ftPrice
$15 - $23/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open mid-April throu...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,200 ftPrice
$15 - $23/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open mid-April throu...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsAerie Crag Picnic Area
$15.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight RV use at $23 per night; America the Beautiful Senior/Access Passes are honored. Reservation fees may apply.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider760-647-3044
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 4 reviews
17 Google reviews
Most mentioned
lake
"User reviews generally regard the campground as a practical option for overflow RV camping, although it is not considered remote or scenic. The availability of Rush Creek for fishing is frequently highlighted as a positive feature."
Fees & Passes at Aerie Crag Picnic Area
$15 - $23/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Not explicitly stated.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Inyo National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Aerie Crag Picnic Area
Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high Sierra at Aerie Crag. Winter and shoulder seasons bring crisp mountain air and frequent snowfall, with temperatures often dipping below 40°F—perfect for those who love the stark beauty of a snow-dusted landscape. As summer arrives, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures climb toward 80°F under brilliantly clear skies. The region's low humidity means comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures, whether you're exploring frost-kissed mornings or basking in warm afternoon sunshine.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open mid-April through October 31; closed in the off-season.
About Aerie Crag Picnic Area
Perched on a sweeping sagebrush plateau along the banks of Rush Creek, Aerie Crag RV Campground welcomes travelers seeking a peaceful retreat in the Eastern Sierra. This former picnic area has been transformed into an exclusive RV camping destination, offering spacious sites on level terrain without the constraints of hookups. The campground's wild setting means you'll be sharing the landscape with local wildlife, including black bears who call this region home. Visitors must store all food and scented items properly—violations of bear safety regulations carry fines starting at $150, a small price for protecting both campers and wildlife.
The campground is exclusively for RV camping, serving as an overflow site when other local campgrounds are full. It does not accommodate tents or group camping and lacks specialized facilities for cabins or glamping.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high Sierra at Aerie Crag. Winter and shoulder seasons bring crisp mountain air and frequent snowfall, with temperatures often dipping below 40°F—perfect for those who love the stark beauty of a snow-dusted landscape. As summer arrives, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures climb toward 80°F under brilliantly clear skies. The region's low humidity means comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures, whether you're exploring frost-kissed mornings or basking in warm afternoon sunshine.
ElevationAt 7,200 feet above sea level, Aerie Crag offers that sweet spot of mountain elevation where the air is refreshingly thin and the views stretch endlessly across the Eastern Sierra landscape. This altitude provides cooler temperatures even in summer and spectacular star-gazing opportunities in the crystal-clear mountain air.
Natural Features and ScenerySet against a canvas of silvery sagebrush that stretches to the horizon, Aerie Crag captures the raw beauty of the high desert ecosystem. Rush Creek meanders nearby, its gentle waters providing a soothing soundtrack and attracting diverse wildlife to its banks. While the open landscape lacks the shade of towering pines, it compensates with unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and endless sky—a photographer's dream during golden hour when the sagebrush glows amber in the fading light.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Inyo National Forest, Aerie Crag occupies a unique geological position on an ancient sagebrush plain carved by time and elements. This 7,200-foot plateau tells the story of the Eastern Sierra's formation, where volcanic activity and glacial forces created the dramatic landscape visible today. Rush Creek's proximity adds a riparian element to the high desert environment, creating a fascinating intersection of ecosystems that showcase the region's diverse natural heritage.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly facilities are not available, including accessible toilets.
Sites SizeParking aprons for RVs are standardized in size: back-in aprons measure 32' x 19', while parallel parking aprons measure 44' in length.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are located on a flat, sagebrush-covered plain, offering minimal privacy.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesParallel parking aprons are 44' long; back-in aprons are 32' X 19'. Sites vary between wide back-ins and parallel styles.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- RV-only sites
- no tent camping permitted.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFlat sagebrush-covered plain with sites styled as either wide back-ins or parallel configurations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-April through October 31; closed in the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are accepted; first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable as overflow camping for self-contained RVs when local campgrounds are full. RV-only sites.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities are focused on fishing, particularly for rainbow trout in Rush Creek, which offers convenient access for anglers. The campground does not support swimming, hiking, biking, or boating activities.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in Rush Creek, which is accessible from the campground. Anglers report catching rainbow trout.Winter Activities
No winter recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No opportunities for non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are noted.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Not specified; however, food storage safety is emphasized due to bear activity.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is a significant concern; fines apply for improper food storage. Lack of potable water may require additional planning.
Weather at Aerie Crag Picnic Area
31
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center (address: 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541; phone number: 760-647-3044).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information on trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Rush Creek, but no on-site potable water is available. Nearest source is Silver Lake Campground and Boat Launch or Rush Creek Trailhead.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention locked restroom buildings and proximity to major roads reducing the remote camping experience.
Campground Map
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Driving directionsFrom June Lake, CA, take State Rt. 158 west 5.9 miles to RV Campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
Roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible from CA State Route 158.Nearby places
June Lake - approximately 5.9 miles, Lee Vining - approximately 20 miles.
Nearby supplies
Nearest potable water available at Silver Lake Campground and Boat Launch or Rush Creek Trailhead. RV waste stations located at Mobil gas station in June Lake (fee applies) and Fern Creek Lodge (free).
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Aerie Crag Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally regard the campground as a practical option for overflow RV camping, although it is not considered remote or scenic. The availability of Rush Creek for fishing is frequently highlighted as a positive feature.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
"Close to conveniences of the stores along June Lake Loop," "Great place to access Rush Creek for fishing," "Beautiful canyon and area to camp."
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
"No hook-ups," "Does not have shaded canopies of trees," "1 of 2 bathroom buildings was locked up."
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to practice safe food storage techniques due to the presence of bears. Payment must be made via cash or check, and water sources are available at nearby locations such as Silver...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground operates seasonally from mid-April to October 31, with fishing being the most popular activity during this period. During the colder weeks, snow and freezing temperatures may limit...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great views from the spots," "Off Road Camping. Great location next to stream. Great Dark Skies."
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific commentary on sites notes that seven out of fifteen have picnic tables. Site-specific reviews on accessibility and privacy are not provided.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times in the developed recreation site.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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