How much does camping cost at Old Shady Rest Campground?

Camping fees at Old Shady Rest Campground range from $32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Old Shady Rest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Old Shady Rest Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Old Shady Rest Campground before I book?

Yes! Old Shady Rest Campground has 8 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 Old Shady Rest Campground?

Old Shady Rest Campground is open May 01 to October 23. 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 Old Shady Rest Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Old Shady Rest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Old Shady Rest Campground have?

Old Shady Rest Campground has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Old Shady Rest Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Old Shady Rest 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 Old Shady Rest Campground?

Old Shady Rest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Old Shady Rest Campground?

Popular activities at Old Shady Rest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Old Shady Rest Campground

4.36

285 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on CLM Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on CLM Services Official Website

Get Directions

Old Shady Rest Campground

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-934-5795clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Old Shady Rest Campground

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Campground Map

Old Shady Rest Campground

37.6506, -118.9614

Nearby places

Mammoth Lakes: 0 miles (walking distance)

Los Angeles: 300 miles

Reno: 165 miles.

Weather at Old Shady Rest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Old Shady Rest Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of open trails, warm days, and full access to high-country recreation — expect sunny, dry conditions with daytime highs generally in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F at 7,800 ft. This is when high-elevation hiking, mountain biking, and alpine-lake fishing are at their peak and wildflower displays linger into July at lower elevations. Expect the busiest conditions during July–August holiday weekends, so book early and plan for afternoon Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is prime: trails, lakes and biking open; pleasant daytime temps and wildflowers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 2 to October 25. The facility is closed to reservations outside this period but remains accessible for information.

About Old Shady Rest Campground

Old Shady Rest Campground sits at 7,800 feet in Inyo National Forest, minutes from Mammoth Lakes. Operated by CLM Services, this mid-sized alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors use it as a base for high-country hiking, mountain biking, fishing alpine lakes, and exploring the Eastern Sierra backcountry.

Old Shady Rest Campground accommodates tent and RV camping, offering standard nonelectric sites. It is best suited for small to medium RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of open trails, warm days, and full access to high-country recreation — expect sunny, dry conditions with daytime highs generally in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F at 7,800 ft. This is when high-elevation hiking, mountain biking, and alpine-lake fishing are at their peak and wildflower displays linger into July at lower elevations. Expect the busiest conditions during July–August holiday weekends, so book early and plan for afternoon Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryJeffrey pines dominate the canopy at this elevation, providing shade across most sites. The forest floor is typical high-Sierra terrain. Granite outcrops, scattered undergrowth, and dry soil. Views of the surrounding peaks appear through the trees, though you're in the forest rather than on a ridgeline. Black bears are common here. The elevation keeps things cooler than lower campgrounds, and the pine scent is noticeable on warm afternoons.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges are available at Old Shady Rest Campground; it is focused on tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThe nearby visitor center offers educational opportunities for families. "Families enjoy learning more at the visitor center down the street," noted the official description.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. Total stay limit within rolling 30 days is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two vehicles are allowed per site, though additional vehicles incur an extra fee.

Groups

Group camping accommodations are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on recreation.gov and through the Recreation.gov app or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include flat terrain and walkable distances to amenities like restrooms and nearby attractions. However, specific accessibility accommodations for disabilities are not detailed.

Site SizeSite sizes vary but are generally compact. Several reviews mention difficulties with larger RVs due to the narrow roads and positioning of campsites. "Not recommended for trailers longer than 16ft," notes one user.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are mixed, with some sites offering good separation, while others are close to one another. "Not much privacy as sites are open to each other," was noted in one review.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesSites #16, #17, and #18 should be avoided due to nearby construction and dust disturbances. Sites #22 and #44 are challenging for larger RVs. Sites at the end of loops provide relative privacy.

Best CampsitesSites #22 and #47 offer better privacy but access is tight for larger rigs. Avoid site #17, which reviews say was clear-cut and disrupted by construction. Roads throughout the campground are narrow. Several campers note that trailers over 16 feet struggle with maneuvering and positioning.

Need help booking Old Shady Rest Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Old Shady Rest Campground offers a variety of amenities to campers. Flush toilets are available and consistently noted as clean and well-maintained. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at each site, adding convenience for campers. Bear-proof lockers are available for food storage, and firewood can be purchased on-site. However, showers are not available within the campground but can be accessed nearby. "Clean bathrooms, flush toilets, and good running water," noted a user review. "Bathrooms are fine and decently clean," cited another camper. Trash and recycling facilities are present, though some reviews mentioned difficulty finding trash disposal locations.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Old Shady Rest Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking and mountain biking trails are popular and easily accessible. Fishing opportunities abound in nearby creeks and lakes. Families can explore the town park, skate park, and paved walking paths nearby. Winter activities such as skiing are also available in the Mammoth area. "Plenty of sites, but be sure to reserve well in advance," noted a camper highlighting the recreational appeal of the area.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available to prevent wildlife disturbances. Lockers must be used for all food storage.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, though some campers noted difficulty locating trash disposal areas. One review stated, "Couldn't locate a place to dump trash though."

Cell CoverageCell phone reception at Old Shady Rest Campground is reported as good. One user remarked, "Cell service was good, shade was average," while another camper noted the ability to stay connected for remote work.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

285 reviews

Recommended

Old Shady Rest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, highlighting the serene environment, clean facilities, and convenient location. Complaints center around small sites, road noise, and overcrowding during peak seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 285 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 285 reviews.

Site #17Mentioned
Site #17 was criticized for clear-cutting and construction activities nearby.
Site #044Mentioned
Site #044 was noted for its long distance to bathrooms.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the campground's cleanliness, proximity to town, friendly hosts, and accessibility to recreational activities. "Hosts are always friendly and reasonable," stated...

Based on 285 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative aspects include issues with site size, outdated facilities, road noise, and inconsistent maintenance. "Sites are on the small side if you’re looking to bring an extended size trailer," said...

Based on 285 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving sites well in advance due to high demand. Bear safety is emphasized, as noted in multiple reviews. "PLEASE take the bear regulations seriously and also lock up ALL food...

Based on 285 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight skiing opportunities and serene snow-covered landscapes. Summer reviews focus on hiking, fishing, and biking. Reviews often caution about overcrowding and road noise during...

Based on 285 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Clean campground with a very welcoming camp host," noted one reviewer. "Bathrooms were immaculate," stated another camper. "Very relaxing campground. Serene, quiet, and clean," wrote one reviewer.

Based on 285 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are praised for proximity to town and amenities. "Easy walking distance to the bus stop," noted one reviewer. Specific accommodations for disabilities are not detailed.

Based on 285 reviews