Pine City Campground

Star4.77
32 reviews
Latitude: 37.6038 Longitude: -118.9999
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Inyo National Forest site

Official Website
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Pine City Campground
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fee is $34 per night for a single site. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes and...
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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
(760) 924-5500
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What Campers Say

4.77

Top-Rated

Based on 32 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

"User reviews overwhelmingly praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the attentive and friendly camp hosts, and the scenic views of Lake Mary and the surrounding peaks. However, some users noted concerns about road traffic noise and active bear activity."

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Campground Map

Latitude: 37.6038 Longitude: -118.9999

Pine City Campground

Latitude: 37.6038 Longitude: -118.9999

Driving directionsTake US 395 to State Highway 203. Head west to and through the town of Mammoth Lakes. Hwy 203 becomes Main Street, and then becomes Lake Mary Road which will lead to the Lakes Basin. Past the 1st lake take the 2nd left. 1st campground on the left.
The roads leading to the campground are dirt and rock, and parking aprons are also dirt and rock. In winter, the site is closed due to seasonal inaccessibility. Summer access is straightforward from major roads.
Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes, 3.7 miles, approximately 10 minutes.
Nearby supplies
The nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is in Mammoth Lakes, around 10 minutes away by vehicle.

Best Time to Camp at Pine City Campground

Summer arrives late but gloriously at Pine City, with the campground welcoming visitors from June through September when wildflowers paint the meadows and afternoon temperatures hover in the comfortable 70s. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons perfect for hiking and fishing. Come October, the first snows begin to dust the surrounding peaks, signaling the end of the camping season as winter transforms this alpine paradise into a snow-covered wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid backcountry explorers.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–Sept; summer brings wildflowers, pleasant temps, and strong positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early September (closed Sept 9) so fall season is short and limited for colors/activities.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed in spring until the June 2 opening date.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (seasonal operation).

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 2 to September 9. Closed in the winter.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is currently closed for the winter season. Tentative reopening is June 6, 2025.

About Pine City Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Pine City Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with just 10 secluded campsites. This hidden gem sits alongside the sparkling waters of Lake Mary, where each site comes thoughtfully equipped with bear-proof lockers to ensure both your safety and the protection of local wildlife. Despite its modest size, Pine City delivers an authentic High Sierra camping experience that feels worlds away from the crowds.
Pine City Campground primarily supports tent and small-group camping, with no RV-specific sites or accommodations for equestrian or glamping-style camping.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Pine City Campground offers a limited range of activities centered around its prime location near Lake Mary. The lake provides opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake and surrounding peaks, making the site popular for relaxation and photography.
FishingFishing is permitted in Lake Mary, which is stocked with rainbow trout. A user commented, 'Fishing is just a short walk to lake's edge which is stocked with large rainbows.'
BikingThe campground offers proximity to a biking trail: '5 mile bike ride that is all downhill to town with a free trolley to take you back up the hill,' as noted in a user review.
BoatingLake Mary supports non-motorized boating activities. Boat carry-down access is available, but there is no boat ramp.
Wildlife viewingActive bear sightings are common. A reviewer noted, 'Cinnamon is the campsite bear. Twice daily he walks through camp.' Campers should practice safe food storage to avoid bear encounters.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is an active bear area. Failure to store food will result in fines. There is regular bear activity, with bears often walking through twice daily.
Active AlertsThe campground is currently closed for the winter season. Tentative reopening is June 6, 2025.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers (48" x 30" x 36") are available at each site and must be used to store food and scented items.

Weather at Pine City Campground

Reviews

4.8
32 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Pine City Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews overwhelmingly praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the attentive and friendly camp hosts, and the scenic views of Lake Mary and the surrounding peaks. However, some users noted concerns about road traffic noise and active bear activity.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the friendly and helpful camp hosts. One reviewer mentioned, 'Camp Host Bobby and Tom kept the place very clean, they are so very friendly, they treat all with love and...
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Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned that there is 'no privacy between campsites' and noted the road traffic noise, with one saying, 'The road in front of the campground has a decent amount of traffic and most...
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Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend Site 7 for its larger parking space and tree coverage. It is noted as the 'best, biggest parking with lots of trees for hammocks.' Another tip is to use the free Mammoth trolley that...
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Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from June to September. Reviews during this period are positive, with users highlighting the clean facilities, scenic views, and fishing opportunities. However, it...
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Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Amazing place to camp and incredible view across Lake Mary/Sunset.' - 'Site 7 is the best, biggest parking with lots of trees for hammocks.' - 'Twice daily [the bear] walks through camp, so...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 7 is frequently mentioned as the best option due to its size and tree coverage. Site 10 is also noted for its incredible views.
Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed; no specific reviews about pet facilities or experiences.
Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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