Lake Mary Campground

Star4.38
307 reviews
650 Gilman St, Palo Alto, CA, USA 94301
Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat HikingFishing

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open May 23 and clos...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens CLM Services site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Lake Mary Campground
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for standard non-electric sites at Lake Mary Campground is $34 during peak season (May 23 to September 20). Fees do not include...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 307 reviews

107 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews highlight Lake Mary Campground's stunning location and great amenities. Common praises include clean bathrooms, friendly hosts, and proximity to the lake and trails. However, issues like dusty sites, bear activity, and lack of showers are recurring themes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

650 Gilman St, Palo Alto, CA, USA 94301

Lake Mary Campground

650 Gilman St, Palo Alto, CA, USA 94301

Driving directionsTake U.S. 395 to Mammoth Junction and Highway 203. Turn west on Highway 203 and drive through the town of Mammoth Lakes to the junction of Minaret Road/Highway 203 and Lake Mary Road. Continue straight through the intersection and drive 3.6 miles to Lake Mary Loop Drive. Turn right and drive 0.5 miles to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but it is located at a high elevation of 8,900 feet, so travelers from lower elevations should exercise caution to avoid altitude sickness. Seasonal access challenges include snow, especially in late spring or early fall.
Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes (approximately 5 miles, 15 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping equipment are available in Mammoth Lakes, around 5 miles away. Twin Lakes General Store offers showers and basic supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Mary Campground

At Lake Mary, mountain weather writes its own rules. Even in summer, you'll experience nature's full spectrum—crisp mornings that demand a warm jacket give way to pleasant afternoons in the 50s, while evening temperatures can plummet dramatically, sometimes touching 27°F on clear July nights. Wind sweeps across the lake with regularity, and surprise snowflakes aren't uncommon in late spring or early fall. This dynamic climate creates an ever-changing canvas of weather that keeps every day interesting and every sunset memorable.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Open May–Sep; summer is peak season with pleasant weather, abundant activities and positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open only through Sep 20; early fall offers crisp weather but limited season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site does not open until May 23; spring access is limited/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 23–Sep 20; winter camping not offered here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 and close September 20 for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire restrictions may be in place. Bears are active and require proper food storage.

About Lake Mary Campground

Perched high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Lake Mary Campground offers a pristine mountain escape in the heart of Mammoth Lakes. This expansive facility combines modern conveniences with breathtaking wilderness, where well-maintained sites equipped with bear boxes, flush toilets, and fresh water spigots nestle beneath towering lodgepole pines. Wake to mirror-like reflections on Lake Mary's surface and spend your days exploring one of California's most spectacular alpine playgrounds.
Lake Mary Campground provides options for RV camping, tent camping, and group sites. "Big camp spots," notes Rachel A regarding tent camping. RV camping setups are on asphalt as Mike Lorenz mentions.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites held until noon the day after arrival.
Check-out
Sites must be vacated by 12 PM on departure day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights in a rolling 30-day window.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Mary Campground offers a wide range of activities including fishing, hiking, and boating. "Lake Mary receives the highest number of trout stocks in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and is well-known to anglers," states the official overview. Biking is also popular, supported by the Mammoth Lakes Bike Trail which runs through the campground.
HikingHiking opportunities abound with trails nearby including routes into the John Muir Wilderness. "Crystal Lake hiking trail had great views!" says Josh Davidian.
FishingFishing is highly rated. "Lake Mary receives the highest number of trout stocks in the Mammoth Lakes Basin," reports the official overview. Reviewers frequently mention catching trout.
BikingBiking trails are available and cater to various skill levels. "Situated perfectly on the Mammoth Lakes Bike Trail," notes Andrew S.
BoatingBoating is supported with marinas on both sides of the lake offering rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight with frequent bear sightings. "Almost guaranteed to see a bear here," says PhatSnack.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear activity reported; bears are habituated and can raid campsites if food is not properly stored. Windy conditions may prevent campfires. High elevation may cause altitude sickness for some visitors.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire restrictions may be in place. Bears are active and require proper food storage.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each site. Proper use is mandatory to prevent bear encounters.

Weather at Lake Mary Campground

Reviews

4.4
307 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Lake Mary Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Lake Mary Campground's stunning location and great amenities. Common praises include clean bathrooms, friendly hosts, and proximity to the lake and trails. However, issues like dusty sites, bear activity, and lack of showers are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 307 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, friendly hosts, picturesque views, proximity to the lake, and well-maintained facilities are frequently praised.
Based on 307 reviews

Common Concerns

Dusty campsites, closely spaced sites with limited privacy, bear activity at night, and lack of showers are common complaints.
Based on 307 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Pay attention to the rules and the bears will just walk by," advises PhatSnack. Other tips include bringing stakes for windy nights and packing for all seasons.
Based on 307 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping at Lake Mary, with frequent mentions of pleasant weather and active wildlife. Winter activities like cross-country skiing are available nearby.
Based on 307 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The weather couldn't be better. The campground was clean and nice. Wish we could stay longer," says Su Lin C. "Caught a couple of trout in Lake Mary. Great camp. Great views," remarks E S.
Based on 307 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 47 is described as having amazing views but needing extra effort for access. Site 49 is criticized for being very small and poorly laid out. Site 40 is praised for its proximity to clean...
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Based on 307 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are generally well-rated, with paved paths facilitating easy access. "Bathrooms were extremely clean and pleasant," notes Juha T.
Based on 307 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but limited to two per site. "Only 2 pets per site allowed," states the official overview.
Based on 307 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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