Mono Creek

Star3.77
38 reviews

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$37 - $77/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, a...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mono Creek
$37.00 - $77.00 / night
Campsite Fees
During peak season (May 23–September 13), rates are $37 per night for standard non-electric sites and tent-only sites. Premium tent-only sites cost...
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Standard Site Fee$37.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$77.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
559-893-2111vista@vista-rec.com
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What Campers Say

3.77

Mixed Reviews

Based on 38 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushikingsites

"User reviews highlight the campground's remote and scenic location, with a peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Mono Hot Springs and Edison Lake. However, many users criticize the road leading to the campground as narrow, potholed, and difficult to navigate without a high-clearance vehicle."

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Campground Map

Mono Creek

37.3554, -118.9968

Driving directionsFrom Clovis, California, take Highway 168 north 70 miles to Huntington Lake Campground office at Eastwood. Take Kaiser Pass Road to Mono Creek Campground.
"RVs and motor homes over 25 feet are not recommended on Kaiser Road due to single-lane road with blind curves." Many user reviews also caution about the poor condition of the road, emphasizing large and deep potholes, blind curves, and challenges for vehicles without high clearance. "The road to get there can be a little scary," and "it doesn't say on the website that you have to have 4-wheel drive or high clearance to get there," as noted by users. "It felt like falling off the cliff on one side or the car getting scratched from the rocks on the other side," one camper remarked. High clearance or robust vehicles are highly recommended.
Nearby supplies
The nearest general store is small and located further up the mountain near Lake Edison by the Vermilion Resort, according to user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Mono Creek

The High Sierra seasons paint dramatically different pictures at Mono Creek. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, with heavy snowfall and temperatures dipping to a crisp 22.5°F, creating a challenging but magical alpine experience for the truly hardy. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to its full glory—clear mountain skies stretch endlessly above, temperatures become delightfully mild, and the meadow bursts with wildflowers. These warmer months offer the perfect window for camping, when days are filled with sunshine and nights are cool enough for campfire storytelling.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with best access and popular for swimming, fishing, and hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with quieter conditions; fewer published positives than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring is variable with lingering snow; campground opens late May for reservations.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Heavy snowfall and campground is seasonally closed to reservations; access and services limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025–September 13, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, and closes September 13, 2025, for reservations. Non-reservable period runs from September 13, 2025, to May 22, 2026.

About Mono Creek

Tucked away in the High Sierras above Kaiser Pass, Mono Creek Campground offers a true escape from the modern world at 7,500 feet elevation. This remote mountain sanctuary sits nestled in a tranquil meadow, where the only sounds are rustling pines and babbling creek water. Just a stone's throw from the legendary Mono Hot Springs, this quiet retreat serves as basecamp for adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty. While the journey here requires navigating a challenging mountain road, those who make the trek are rewarded with exceptional hiking trails, productive fishing spots, serene boating opportunities, and scenic horseback riding routes. Fair warning: this is camping as it was meant to be—no water hookups, no crowds, just you and the wilderness.
Mono Creek Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent camping and RV camping for vehicles up to 25 feet. Double sites are available, making it suitable for group camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Sites must be occupied by noon the following day after the reservation start date.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially NOON on departure day.
Stay Limit
"Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground." "Maximum Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights total at this campground within rolling 30 days."

Amenities available

Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mono Creek Campground provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, many of which are centered around nearby Edison Lake and Mono Hot Springs. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and soaking in the hot mineral baths at Mono Hot Springs.
HikingThe campground is near the Mono Creek Trail, which connects to an extensive network of trails in the John Muir Wilderness, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Users praise the scenic quality of these trails, though some mention challenging terrain.
FishingMono Creek offers fishing opportunities with trout being a common catch. Some users reported mixed success, with one reviewer stating, 'Mono creek is a wonderful fish provider; we caught dinner for 4 two nights in a row.'
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Mono Creek, which is described as clean and beautiful. However, there are no designated swimming areas, so safety precautions should be taken.
BoatingBoating activities primarily take place at nearby Edison Lake, which is accessible from the campground. Kayaking and canoeing are popular options.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, and sightings of bears have been reported. One reviewer mentioned, 'Saw a bear wander down the mountain at dinner time, so use the food lockers and stay vigilant!'
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground is close to sites offering interpretive programs, though specific details about these programs are not provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"No flushing toilets, only vault." "Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers." Several users reported bear encounters. The road condition is hazardous with deep potholes, blind curves, and single-lane traffic. "Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions—there's zero room for error here," noted one reviewer.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredEach campsite includes a bear-proof food storage locker, which is essential for safety given reported bear activity.

Weather at Mono Creek

Reviews

3.8
38 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mono Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and scenic location, with a peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Mono Hot Springs and Edison Lake. However, many users criticize the road leading to the campground as narrow, potholed, and difficult to navigate without a high-clearance vehicle.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the spacious, private campsites, the beautiful natural setting, and the variety of recreational activities available from hiking to fishing. One reviewer noted, 'This is a great spot if...
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Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

The road to the campground is a frequent concern, described as rough, narrow, and suitable only for high-clearance vehicles. Vault toilets received mixed reviews, with some users mentioning strong...
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Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water as there is no on-site source. A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended due to the road conditions. Use the bear-proof food lockers and follow all wildlife safety...
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Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular for visiting, with positive experiences related to swimming, fishing, and hiking. However, this is also when the campground is busiest, and noise or disturbances...
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Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The road to get there can be a little scary. It’s one lane for all vehicles traveling up and down the mountain, so drive very slow.' - Karena P. 2. 'This is the vacation I needed to be cut off...
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Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 14 is highlighted as large and accommodating for car camping. Sites closer to the toilets received negative feedback due to odors. Sites near the creek are praised for their proximity to water,...
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Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, but the remote and rugged terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.
Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and must be leashed. One review mentioned, 'Two pets per site and leashed at all times.'
Based on 38 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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