Pine Glen
4.3745 reviews650 Gilman Street
Quick Facts
7,800 ftPrice
$32 - $150/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Open season: May 23 ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,800 ftPrice
$32 - $150/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Open season: May 23 ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPine Glen
$32.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group sites are $150 per night during peak season, while individual standard sites are $32 per night. Discounts may apply to Interagency Senior...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$182.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-934-5795clm@clm-services.com
What Campers Say
4.37
Recommended
Based on 45 reviews
25 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanshadespacioussites
Some mention
noise
"Reviews present Pine Glen as a campground ideal for group gatherings, featuring spacious sites and clean facilities. However, some criticisms were raised regarding the lack of showers and vehicle fees."
Fees & Passes at Pine Glen
$32 - $150/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: 14 nights maximum in a rolling 30-day period.
Cancellation: Cancellations are allowed before the date of arrival with varying fees. A $10 cancellation fee is ch...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Vista Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Pine Glen
Pine Glen's mountain climate delivers the best of California's high country seasons. Summer days invite you to bask in warmth that occasionally climbs above 80°F, perfect for afternoon hikes and lazy hammock time. As darkness falls, the temperature drops dramatically, creating those crisp mountain nights that make campfires irresistible. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with freezing temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and hot cocoa. Year-round mountain breezes keep the air fresh and remind you that you're truly in the wild Sierra.
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
- Peak Season: May 23 to September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season: May 23 to September 20. Closed season: September 21 to May 22.
- Current Alerts: Potential alerts include forest fire smoke, bear activity, and seasonal road closures.
About Pine Glen
Nestled beneath towering Jeffery pines in the heart of Mammoth Lakes, Pine Glen welcomes both intimate gatherings and solo adventurers to its tranquil forest setting. This versatile campground within the New Shady Rest complex serves as your basecamp for Sierra Nevada adventures, where morning coffee comes with the scent of pine needles and evenings end with stargazing through the canopy. At 7,800 feet, you're perfectly positioned to explore mountain trails, cast a line in pristine waters, or stroll into town for supplies and local flavor.
Pine Glen caters to group camping, offering nine group sites set around a large loop. It accommodates both tent and RV campers, though no hookups are available.
Historical SignificanceThough Pine Glen itself whispers rather than shouts its history, you're camping in a landscape that has witnessed millennia of human stories. The greater Mammoth Lakes region holds deep roots in Native American heritage, with ancient peoples traversing these mountains long before the first European explorers arrived. Your tent sits within easy reach of two of California's most treasured cultural landscapes: the iconic Yosemite National Park to the northwest and the otherworldly Mono Basin to the north, where natural wonders and human history intertwine.
Weather and SeasonsPine Glen's mountain climate delivers the best of California's high country seasons. Summer days invite you to bask in warmth that occasionally climbs above 80°F, perfect for afternoon hikes and lazy hammock time. As darkness falls, the temperature drops dramatically, creating those crisp mountain nights that make campfires irresistible. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with freezing temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and hot cocoa. Year-round mountain breezes keep the air fresh and remind you that you're truly in the wild Sierra.
ElevationPerched at 7,800 feet above sea level, Pine Glen offers that sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. The thin mountain air adds an extra sparkle to the stars and might leave lowlanders slightly breathless on their first day. Take it easy as you acclimate, drink plenty of water, and let your body adjust to this lofty paradise where the air is crisp and the views stretch for miles.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic Jeffery pines create nature's own cathedral, their vanilla-scented bark and spreading branches offering shelter and serenity. This mature forest provides a natural playground where sunlight filters through pine needles, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. Keep your camera ready—black bears might lumber through at dawn, mule deer often graze in the twilight hours, and the trees echo with birdsong from dawn to dusk. Mountain lions patrol these woods too, adding a touch of wildness that reminds visitors they're sharing this spectacular landscape with its original inhabitants.
Geological RegionPine Glen sits proudly in the eastern Sierra Nevada, where ancient geological forces have sculpted one of North America's most dramatic mountain ranges. At 7,800 feet, you're camping on the shoulders of giants—surrounded by peaks that tell stories of volcanic eruptions, glacial carving, and tectonic upheaval. The mature Jeffery pine forest that embraces the campground thrives in this unique ecosystem, where granite bedrock meets mountain meadows. This is big wildlife country, where black bears forage for pine nuts, mountain lions prowl the ridgelines, mule deer browse the understory, and countless bird species fill the air with their calls.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityCampground accessibility features include tables with wheelchair cutouts and restrooms equipped with assistive supports for individuals with disabilities. User reviews also highlight these as accommodating.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate large groups and substantial setups, including RVs, campers, and multiple vehicles. One site reportedly fit a 29 ft trailer, a truck, a Jeep, and still had room for activities.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as spacious and offering a degree of privacy. Users note that the large group sites are particularly suitable for families and bigger gatherings.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #11 is recommended for its forest views and accessibility to amenities.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum in a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 15 guests per group site.
Groups
Group sites are equipped to host up to 15 people with features like three bear boxes, multiple picnic tables, a fire ring, and water spigots.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features nine large group sites arranged in a loop formation, with picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire pits at each site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 23 to September 20. Closed season: September 21 to May 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its app.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not guaranteed, and occupied sites will be held until checkout time at noon the day after the reservation start date. Extra vehicles and trailers may incur additional fees.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the date of arrival with varying fees. A $10 cancellation fee is charged, and additional penalties apply for late cancellations, which may include forfeiting the first night's recreation fee. Once the reservation start date begins, changes are not allowed.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pine Glen allows campers to enjoy a variety of recreational activities that take full advantage of its natural setting. Options include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The campground also connects to paved trails leading to nearby campgrounds and parks.
Hiking
Several trails are accessible from Pine Glen, catering to hikers of varying experience levels. Trails to Shady Rest Town Park and into the town of Mammoth Lakes are easily reachable, and the Mammoth Lakes area offers challenging and scenic trails.Fishing
The Eastern Sierras surrounding Pine Glen are well-known for excellent trout fishing. Several creeks and lakes are within a short drive, making fishing a popular activity for campers.Biking
Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore paved biking trails that connect Pine Glen with neighboring campgrounds and the town of Mammoth Lakes.Wildlife viewing
Campers frequently spot wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, pine martens, and various birds. "Deer come up to your site if you don’t scare them," a camper noted.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned for Pine Glen, as it is a seasonal facility open May through September.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are not mentioned as available activities in the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent the spread of pests. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.
- Quiet hours are enforced during nighttime but generator use is allowed between 6 AM and 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent wildlife activity, including black bears, requires campers to be vigilant about food storage. Seasonal fire hazards and high-altitude conditions may also pose risks.
Active alertsPotential alerts include forest fire smoke, bear activity, and seasonal road closures.
Weather at Pine Glen
31
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are Mammoth Lakes Hospital and the Mammoth Lakes Police Department, both located approximately 1 mile from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 20.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are conveniently located within the campground. Bear-safe trash bins are emphasized for wildlife safety. Some reviewers, however, noted that dumpsters were occasionally overflowing.
Proximity to water featuresClose to several lakes and creeks including Lake Mary and Twin Lakes, known for fishing and hiking.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of showers, high fees for extra vehicles, and occasional noise from nearby roads or tree felling operations.
HostHosts vary in quality, with some praised for friendliness and professionalism while others have been criticized for rudeness.
Campground Map
650 Gilman Street
Driving directionsTake U.S. Highway 395 to State Route 203. Proceed west on 203 for 2.8 miles to Old Sawmill Road. Take a right, go 0.1 mile, and turn right into the campground. Proceed to the rear of New Shady Rest Campground near site #127 to the entrance of Pine Glen Campground.
Road access is paved and suitable for most vehicles; however, caution is advised due to potential seasonal restrictions, high-elevation conditions, and weather influences.Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes: approximately 1 mile. Los Angeles: 300 miles north. Reno: 165 miles south.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Mammoth Lakes, approximately 1 mile from the campground. Additionally, the nearby RV park offers propane refills and showers.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
45 reviews
Pine Glen is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews present Pine Glen as a campground ideal for group gatherings, featuring spacious sites and clean facilities. However, some criticisms were raised regarding the lack of showers and vehicle fees.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the clean bathrooms, spacious campsites, and wildlife. One review stated, "The campsites were orderly, and the bathrooms clean," while another mentioned, "Plenty of space between...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the absence of showers, high extra vehicle fees, occasional road noise, and inconsistent waste management: "If the campground has flushing toilets, they should have paid showers,"...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing extra cash for vehicle fees and firewood, arriving early for showers at nearby facilities, and preparing for possible bear encounters. "Plan on enough money for one...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews emphasize the area's warmth and clear skies, while late-spring and early-fall campers noted cooler nights. Windy conditions were a recurring issue during transitional months.
Based on 45 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Each spot has a bear box, sturdy picnic table, and nice campfire pit with heavy-duty grill." "I will camp here again." "We heard NO traffic noise at all."
Based on 45 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #9 was noted for flat ground and convenience. Site #20 accommodates up to 15 people but had issues with extra vehicle fees. Site #15 was considered small for large groups but clean. Site #11 was...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility was praised, with wheelchair-friendly picnic tables and assistive supports in bathrooms noted. "This is the first campsite I recall that seemed accommodating to disabled persons."
Based on 45 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pine Glen allows up to two pets per site. Reviews did not elaborate on pet-specific amenities or issues.
Based on 45 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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