How much does camping cost at Hartley Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Hartley Springs Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hartley Springs Campground before I book?

Yes! Hartley Springs Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hartley Springs Campground?

Hartley Springs Campground is open Peak usage occurs during holidays and weekends, especially around Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, as noted by user reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hartley Springs Campground?

Hartley Springs Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hartley Springs Campground?

Fire policies at Hartley Springs Campground: Metal fire rings are available for campfires. No further restrictions are mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Hartley Springs Campground?

Cell phone service at Hartley Springs Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Hartley Springs Campground have?

Hartley Springs Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hartley Springs Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hartley Springs Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hartley Springs Campground?

Hartley Springs Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Hartley Springs Campground

Q: Is Hartley Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hartley Springs Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up only, as reservations are not accepted. User reviews mention that the campground fills up quickly during weekends and holidays.

4.49

61 reviews

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Featured in:Primitive Camping California Camping Near Yosemite National Park

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hartley Springs Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The site is free to use, with no charges for camping. However, visitors have mentioned donations are encouraged, sometimes at a suggested rate of $10...

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(760) 647-3044null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Hartley Springs Campground

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Nearby places

Nearby cities include Mammoth Lakes (approximately 11.3 miles south) and June Lake (closer, but distance not specified).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely available in Mammoth Lakes, which is approximately 11.3 miles away. No official information is provided about specific stores or fuel availability.

Driving directionsFrom Mammoth Lakes, CA, take State Rt. 203 east 1 mile to US Rt. 395. Bear left onto Rt. 395 (north) to Lee Vining and go 11.3 miles to Hartley Springs sign. Turn left onto gravel road and go 0.9 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear right onto Forest Rt. 2S48 and go 0.7 miles to campground on right. NOTE: Last 1.6 miles is rough.

Access to the campground involves traveling on a gravel road, which becomes rough and challenging over the last 1.6 miles. User reviews confirm that the road is bumpy, sandy, and steep, but navigable with careful driving. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. One user noted, 'Definitely expect to encounter wildlife as well – we slept in the car and saw a bear sniffing around at night.'

Weather at Hartley Springs Campground

Current alert: Closures due to surrounding forest fires have been mentioned in user reviews, but no official alerts are provided.

Best Time to Camp at Hartley Springs Campground

Summer brings mid-60s to mid-70s°F days, occasionally touching low 80s, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Trails and roads typically clear by late June. Weekdays stay quieter than weekends, when OHV traffic kicks up dust. May and October see possible snow and crisper temperatures. The dry summer climate keeps conditions comfortable but dusty on popular weekends.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Off-peak months like September see less congestion and pleasant conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak usage occurs during holidays and weekends, especially around Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, as noted by user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from late May to October 1, subject to snow conditions.

About Hartley Springs Campground

Hartley Springs Campground sits at 8,400 feet in the Inyo National Forest, offering 20 free primitive sites between June Mountain and Obsidian Dome. The campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Large, flat sites can fit multiple trailers or RVs, though the access road requires high clearance. Popular with OHV riders on weekends, which brings dust and occasional late-night noise.

Hartley Springs Campground offers primitive, dispersed-style camping. It caters to a variety of campers, including those with tents, RVs, or trailers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-60s to mid-70s°F days, occasionally touching low 80s, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Trails and roads typically clear by late June. Weekdays stay quieter than weekends, when OHV traffic kicks up dust. May and October see possible snow and crisper temperatures. The dry summer climate keeps conditions comfortable but dusty on popular weekends.

ElevationPerched at 8,400 feet above sea level, Hartley Springs offers a true high-altitude camping experience. The thin mountain air provides natural air conditioning during summer months, while the elevation creates stunning sunrise and sunset views across the Eastern Sierra landscape. Visitors should allow time to acclimate to the altitude, staying hydrated and taking it easy on their first day to fully enjoy all the adventures that await.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa and Jeffrey pines mix with White firs across the campground, their spacing wide enough to provide good privacy between sites. The volcanic landscape of Obsidian Dome sits nearby, a black glassy formation marking ancient eruptions at this geological crossroads. Small meadow clearings break up the forest. Tributaries feeding the Owens River headwaters run through the area. At 8,400 feet, the thin air and open forest floor invite both wildlife and strong sun.

Geological RegionHartley Springs Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads in the Inyo National Forest, where ancient volcanic activity meets glacial sculpting at 8,400 feet. The campground's unique position between June Mountain's ski slopes and the glassy black wonderland of Obsidian Dome tells a story millions of years in the making. This forest sanctuary, dominated by aromatic Ponderosa and Jeffrey pines alongside stately White firs, showcases the diverse ecosystems that thrive where the Eastern Sierra's dramatic geology creates perfect growing conditions for these mountain giants.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers scenic views of the surrounding pine forests and nearby geological features like June Mountain and Obsidian Dome.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit

14 days maximum stay per site.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites spread widely through the pines with irregular shapes and dirt parking aprons. Most offer good privacy. The flat terrain handles multiple trailers without trouble.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only, as reservations are not accepted. User reviews mention that the campground fills up quickly during weekends and holidays.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not applicable as reservations are not available.

AccessibilityThe campground does not specifically advertise ADA-accessible features. However, one user noted the camp host's assistance with a disabled guest.

Site SizeCampsites are described as being large, flat, and able to accommodate multiple trailers or RVs.

PrivacyThe sites are widely spaced among pine trees, providing good privacy at most campsites.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSites featuring ample privacy and shade are recommended. Avoid weekends if seeking tranquility, as noted by user reviews complaining about late-night parties.

Amenities available

Hartley Springs Campground is a primitive camping site located amidst the pine forest at an elevation of 8,400 feet. It features a total of 25 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings available at each site. Though it is a no-fee campground, donations are appreciated. It operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy, as there is no trash collection service available. Potable water is not provided, so campers must bring their own. Vault toilets are available on-site, but there are no flush toilets or hot showers.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hartley Springs Campground is ideal for those seeking outdoor recreational activities. The area is particularly popular among off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts due to its abundance of nearby trails. Additionally, the pine forest surroundings and proximity to Owens River's tributaries make it suitable for nature lovers.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is reported in the region, with fines of at least $150 for non-compliance with food storage regulations. The area can also get dusty due to OHV trails, and late-night parties might create disturbances during weekends.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground, only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyMetal fire rings are available for campfires. No further restrictions are mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesMono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center provides visitor information but not emergency services. Emergency services are not mentioned; assume Lee Vining or Mammoth Lakes to be the closest emergency locations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling services are not available. Campers must pack out all garbage.

Water FeaturesNo direct water features are available in the campground. Tributaries to the Owens River headwaters are nearby.

Camp HostThe campground hosts are described as friendly and helpful in most reviews, although one user reported unpleasant experiences. Hosts maintain cleanliness of vault toilets and assist campers with issues.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception varies with the provider. According to user reviews, Verizon signal is strong, while T-Mobile service is reported as spotty.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

61 reviews

Recommended

Hartley Springs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground as a great free site, especially for those who enjoy OHV activities and the dispersed camping feel. While some praise its peacefulness and spacious sites, others criticize overcrowding on weekends and inadequate signage.

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the spacious sites, the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the helpfulness of the camp host, and the campground's excellent location near trails and lakes.

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overcrowding, particularly during weekends and holidays, noisy OHV activity, partygoers disturbing the peace, and the rough road leading to the campground.

Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site numbers are not consistently marked. One review noted the 'circle-your-wagons' style of some sites, making them ideal for families or groups.

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, extra toilet paper, and a high-clearance vehicle for easier access. Consider weekdays for a quieter experience. Leave a donation to help maintain the site.

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest on weekends and during summer. Weekdays are quieter, and off-peak months like September see less congestion. Reviews also note that wildlife sightings are common,...

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place is better than many state parks I've visited." - Chris Rosenau. "I loved this place because it is in between June Lake-Silver Lake and Mammoth Lakes." - Hector J Mendoza. "We slept in the...

Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

A review highlighted the camp host assisting a disabled camper whose electric scooter broke down.

Based on 61 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed. Several users appreciated the pet-friendly policy.

Based on 61 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Weekday campers with a high-clearance vehicle who want a free, spacious site near Obsidian Dome. Verizon users will have solid cell service, and the flat terrain handles trailers well without hookups.

Skip if

Holiday or weekend trips will likely mean OHV noise, dust, and late-night parties from neighboring sites. No potable water on-site means hauling your own from Mammoth Lakes, 11 miles out.

Nearby Campgrounds

June Lake sits at high elevation in Inyo National Forest, operated by CLM Services with flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store. The mid-sized campground accommodates tents and RVs with fire rings and picnic tables, serving as a base for fishing, boating, and hiking in the surrounding alpine terrain. Reviewers praise the mountain and lake views, clean facilities, and helpful hosts, though some note noise from town and limited site privacy.

Hartley Springs Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Hartley Springs Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Hartley Springs Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hartley Springs Campground

Planning Tips

About Hartley Springs Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Hartley Springs Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hartley Springs Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews