Reds Meadow Campground

Star4.70
72 reviews
Reds Meadow Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA
StargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

9,600 ft

Price

$23 - $32/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open May 30 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Inyo National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Reds Meadow Campground
$23.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$32 per night for single sites. Additional vehicle fee: $10/night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes are honored for a 50% discount on...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$28.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
(760) 924-5500
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 72 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowershikingfriendly

"User reviews frequently praise the campground’s cleanliness, proximity to hiking trails, and the dedication of camp hosts. Complaints largely center around the narrow access road, limited privacy, and seasonal closures."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Reds Meadow Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Reds Meadow Campground

Reds Meadow Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Driving directionsTake US 395 to State Highway 203. Head west to and through the town of Mammoth Lakes. At the 2nd traffic light, turn right onto Minaret Road and continue up the mountain past Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge and Minaret Vista Station. Drive 13.4 miles past the Minaret Vista entrance booth where a fee is paid, then turn left at the campground sign.
State Route 203 narrows to a single lane beyond the Minaret Vista entrance booth, with steep and curvy stretches of 2.3 miles before widening to two lanes. The road is paved but challenging for large vehicles.
Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes, CA: approximately 6 miles away
Nearby supplies
Reds Meadow Pack Station and Resort offers limited groceries, camping supplies, and horseback riding. Firewood is available for a fee. Mammoth Lakes is the nearest full-service town with additional supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Reds Meadow Campground

Summer transforms Reds Meadow into a high-altitude paradise, where crystal-clear skies and refreshing mountain air create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Days warm to a comfortable 80°F while nights cool to a crisp 40°F, ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. As winter approaches, heavy snowfall blankets the landscape in pristine white, closing the campground but creating a winter wonderland that awaits your return each spring.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in CA

Summer is peak: lush meadows, warm days (~80°F) and full access to trails and features.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 31; fall offers color but season shortens and weather/closures become more likely.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open starting May 30; early season may still have snow and post-storm mosquitoes, variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure in winter; campground not open for winter use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June to August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 30 through October 31
  • Current Alerts: Closed for winter and inaccessible in June due to road construction. Tentative reopening date: July 2, 2025.

About Reds Meadow Campground

Nestled deep within the Inyo National Forest, Reds Meadow Campground offers 52 pristine campsites where adventure meets tranquility. This seasonal mountain retreat serves as your gateway to some of California's most spectacular natural wonders, including the otherworldly Devils Postpile and the cascading beauty of Rainbow Falls. Here, scenic hiking trails wind through ancient forests, inviting you to explore the raw majesty of the Eastern Sierra.
Reds Meadow Campground accommodates tent camping and combined camping options with minimal amenities, providing a rustic experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Group sites and primitive camping options are not explicitly supported.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
1night

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Reds Meadow Campground offers a variety of recreational activities suited for outdoor enthusiasts. Notably, it serves as an excellent base for hiking and fishing, with trails leading to iconic attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. Swimming options are limited to nearby lakes and ponds, and the site is a popular location for wildlife viewing.
HikingSotcher Lake Trail and Devils Postpile Trail are key hiking attractions accessible from the campground. The Sotcher Lake Trail spans 1.5 miles, while the Devils Postpile Trail extends up to 12 miles. Campers recommend accessing these trails during sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds, as shuttles often bring in large groups of visitors during the day.
FishingFishing opportunities are available, featuring species such as rainbow, brown, brook, and Alpers trout. Historical reviews mention weekly trout stocking during earlier years, although this practice is not cited in recent authoritative sources.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in nearby Sotcher Lake. User reviews describe family-friendly ponds and a hot spring area as alternative aquatic options: "There’s kiddy ponds to swim in and a hot tub/spring at the top," shared one camper.
Wildlife viewingBear sightings are frequent due to the campground’s active bear area. Campers frequently report encounters, emphasizing the importance of adhering to bear safety measures: "We always see bears!" shared one camper.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is common, and proper food storage is mandatory. Narrow roads with steep drop-offs pose driving challenges.
Active AlertsClosed for winter and inaccessible in June due to road construction. Tentative reopening date: July 2, 2025.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are located at each site. Typical dimensions: 48"x30"x36". Mandatory for all food and scented items.

Weather at Reds Meadow Campground

Reviews

4.7
72 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Reds Meadow Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews frequently praise the campground’s cleanliness, proximity to hiking trails, and the dedication of camp hosts. Complaints largely center around the narrow access road, limited privacy, and seasonal closures.
Review Summaries
Based on 72 reviews

What Campers Love

"Cleanest vault toilets I've seen," "Cindy, the camp host, is fantastic - so helpful and friendly," "Close to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls for easy hiking access," "Bear-proof lockers are kept...
Show more
Based on 72 reviews

Common Concerns

"Narrow, steep access road is challenging for larger vehicles," "Limited privacy between campsites," "Seasonal closures restrict access," "The bathhouse near the hot spring has been closed...
Show more
Based on 72 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Access trails during sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds; avoid shuttles during peak hours. Bring extra supplies as the nearest store is a short walk away. Prepare for bear encounters and utilize...
Show more
Based on 72 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally, from May 30 to October 31. User reviews suggest that late summer provides a lush, green environment with fewer mosquitoes compared to early summer after rains....
Show more
Based on 72 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We always get warm showers or baths at night using the hot water from the creek," "Super clean vault toilets; among the best I've ever seen," "Reception-wise, I did get signal at random spots,"...
Show more
Based on 72 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #16 is praised as 'just the right size' and perfect for families. Campsite #25 is also well-reviewed for its location and accessibility. However, smaller sites have been criticized for...
Show more
Based on 72 reviews

Accessibility Features

No wheelchair-friendly toilets or accessible features are available, limiting usability for campers with disabilities.
Based on 72 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on-site but must be leashed at all times, as noted in official guidelines. User reviews do not report any specific pet-related issues or amenities.
Based on 72 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Reds Meadow Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Inyo National Forest
Reds Meadow Campground