Pumice Flat Group Camp

Star4.32
7 reviews
INYO

Quick Facts

7,700 ft

Price

$3 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open only during sum...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Vista Recreation 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
Pumice Flat Group Camp
$3.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees vary by activity and location, with additional service fees of $8 online, $9 via the contact center, or $3 in-person.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
760-934-5795clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 7 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

"Overall, visitors appreciate the natural beauty, cleanliness of facilities, and privacy between group sites. There are mixed reviews about the layout and size of specific group sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

INYO

Pumice Flat Group Camp

INYO

Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 395, take Highway 203 west through the town of Mammoth Lakes. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Minaret (203). Pass the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Minaret Vista. Continue a few miles on Red's Meadow Road to the campground turnoff.
The road to the facility is narrow, single-lane and only accessible in summer.
Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes, CA - Approximately 15 minutes away by car.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at the Red's Meadow Pack Station and Resort, located about 2.5 miles away. Amenities include a general store and cafe.

Best Time to Camp at Pumice Flat Group Camp

Summer transforms Pumice Flat into an alpine paradise, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for stargazing. Early season visitors should come prepared for nature's tiny welcoming committee—mosquitoes are particularly enthusiastic in early to mid-summer, so pack accordingly. As autumn approaches, the crowds thin and the air crisps. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and silence, with freezing temperatures closing the campground but creating a wonderland for those who venture into the backcountry.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and described as an 'alpine paradise' in summer; warm days and cool nights ideal for activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Accessible in late season; scenic but cooler and shorter season before snow.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Late spring access dependent on snow; early season includes mosquitoes and limited access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Inaccessible in winter; closed due to snow and road conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May through September, dependent on weather and snow clearance.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open only during summer due to snow and seasonal road access restrictions.
  • Current Alerts: Campground road may be inaccessible until late May or early June due to snow.

About Pumice Flat Group Camp

Nestled high in the majestic Inyo National Forest, Pumice Flat Group Camp beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the Red's Meadows area. At 7,700 feet, this mountain sanctuary offers the perfect basecamp for groups seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Wake to the gentle murmur of nearby creeks and spend your days exploring endless trails, casting lines into pristine waters, or capturing the same breathtaking vistas that once inspired Ansel Adams. Towering lodgepole pines provide natural shelter for designated group sites, creating intimate gathering spaces where memories are forged around evening campfires.
Pumice Flat Group Camp is designed for group camping. It offers four group sites within a broader campground that also includes first-come, first-served individual sites. The group sites are best suited for larger parties.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
NOON
Check-out
NOON
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, photography, and geologic study. The location serves as a base for accessing trails leading to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. The nearby North Fork San Joaquin River offers fishing opportunities for trout. Additionally, the area's unique landscape makes it suitable for photography and wildlife viewing.
HikingHiking is a standout activity at Pumice Flat Group Camp, with access to renowned trails like those in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. A mandatory shuttle system is in place to transport hikers to nearby trailheads.
FishingFishing enthusiasts can target trout in the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, which is accessible from the campground. Jeff S. highlights the proximity of the river, stating it is 'an easy stroll across the road from the campground, great for fly fishing.'
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and various bird species. Visitors are advised to store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh altitude (7,700 ft) may require acclimatization. Wildlife such as black bears and mountain lions are present. Seasonal mosquitoes can be abundant.
Active AlertsCampground road may be inaccessible until late May or early June due to snow.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes provided for food storage; essential for safety in bear-prone areas.

Weather at Pumice Flat Group Camp

Reviews

4.3
7 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pumice Flat Group Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, visitors appreciate the natural beauty, cleanliness of facilities, and privacy between group sites. There are mixed reviews about the layout and size of specific group sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots, and the picturesque natural surroundings are commonly praised. Jeff S. notes, 'The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River is an easy...
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Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Group Site #2 is criticized for being cramped, with limited space for tents and vehicles. Additionally, the road to the campground is narrow and single-lane, which may be challenging for some...
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Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Jeff S. recommends bringing fly fishing gear for the nearby river, while Terri P. advises choosing Group Site #3 for smaller groups and #1 or #4 for larger groups. Visitors should also be prepared...
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Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the primary season for camping here, as the area is inaccessible during winter due to snow. Early summer may bring abundant mosquitoes, so campers should come prepared.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The bathrooms [are] very clean. Awesome place to stay.' - Ana R. - 'The four camp spots are designed to have a lot of space between them, so you get a bit of privacy.' - Jeff S. - 'Group Site #2...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site #2 is often critiqued for its cramped layout, while Group Sites #1 and #4 are recommended for larger groups. Terri P. suggests Group Site #3 for smaller parties.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows up to two pets per site, but there are no detailed reviews about pet-owner experiences.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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