Upper Soda Springs Campground

Star4.84
65 reviews
Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$23 - $32/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Inyo National Forest site

Official Website
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Upper Soda Springs Campground
$23.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fee for single sites is $32/night, with an additional vehicle fee of $10/night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes are honored...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS
Provider
(760) 924-5500
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What Campers Say

4.84

Top-Rated

Based on 65 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshadehiking

"User reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the attentiveness of the camp host Gary, and the natural beauty of the campground. Many highlight the serene environment and proximity to trails and fishing areas."

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Campground Map

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Upper Soda Springs Campground

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

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 and continue up the mountain past Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge and Minaret Vista Station. At intersection of State Rt. 203 (Main St.), Minaret Rd, and Lake Mary Rd, take Rt. 203 west about 6 miles to the Minaret Vista entrance booth where a fee is paid. Continue through the booth on Rt. 203 for another 10.7 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground.
The road narrows to a single lane with turnouts and includes steep and curvy stretches for 2.3 miles after the Vista booth. It widens back to two lanes thereafter. Accessible only in summer due to seasonal closures.
Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes (approx. 17 miles, 30 min drive)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries, camping supplies, horseback riding, and activities available at nearby Reds Meadow Pack Station and Resort. Larger supply options are available in Mammoth Lakes.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Soda Springs Campground

At 7,600 feet elevation, Upper Soda Springs delivers a true mountain experience with dramatic seasonal transformations. Summer days warm your spirit while crisp alpine nights remind you to pack that extra layer—temperatures can plunge surprisingly low once the sun dips behind the peaks. As autumn arrives, the campground prepares for its winter slumber, becoming a snow-locked wonderland inaccessible to vehicles but cherished by those who remember its summer magic.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Open June 8–Sept 11; reviews highlight summer as ideal for hiking, fishing and accessibility.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open only into early Sept (through Sept 11), so fall opportunities are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens June 8; spring season largely closed for visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside seasonal window; winter access not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June through September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 8 through September 11.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed for the 2025 season.

About Upper Soda Springs Campground

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.
The campground offers standard tent and combined camping sites. RV camping is not recommended due to the narrow roads and irregular parking aprons.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Unspecified.
Check-out
Unspecified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Soda Springs Campground offers access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. The proximity to the San Joaquin River and trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail make it an ideal place for outdoor adventures.
HikingThe campground provides access to numerous hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail. One user noted, 'Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls are easy hikes and just down the road.'
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant in the San Joaquin River, with rainbow and brown trout being popular catches. User reviews describe the fishing as 'some of the best as it's secluded and there is not much foot traffic.'
Wildlife viewingThe scenic campground and surrounding trails offer opportunities for wildlife observation, although specific animals are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area; proper food storage is mandatory. The single-lane road with steep and curvy stretches can be challenging for some drivers.
Active AlertsCurrently closed for the 2025 season.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at most sites and measure approximately 48"x30"x36".

Weather at Upper Soda Springs Campground

Reviews

4.8
65 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Upper Soda Springs Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the attentiveness of the camp host Gary, and the natural beauty of the campground. Many highlight the serene environment and proximity to trails and fishing areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 65 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews frequently mention clean pit toilets, shaded campsites, and great hiking and fishing opportunities. The camp host Gary is described as 'friendly,' 'helpful,' and 'engaging,' often going out...
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Based on 65 reviews

Common Concerns

Some concerns include dust and mosquitoes, as well as occasional noise from neighboring campers, though these issues are promptly addressed by the camp host.
Based on 65 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent and being prepared for cold overnight temperatures due to the campground's location in a canyon. Many also advise interacting with the camp host for...
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Based on 65 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most reviews highlight the summer season as ideal due to the campground's accessibility and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby attractions.
Based on 65 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls are easy hikes and just down the road." "The pit toilets are the cleanest ones I've ever seen." "Gary, the camp host, was very welcoming and fun to talk to."...
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Based on 65 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the river are particularly praised for their serenity and proximity to scenic views. Those backing up to the bare-faced rock wall are noted for having less shade. Specific site numbers are...
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Based on 65 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, but there are no detailed reviews specific to accessibility features.
Based on 65 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed in all developed recreation sites. User reviews express satisfaction with the pet-friendly policies, noting that the campground is 'perfect for adults, kids, and...
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Based on 65 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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