Camping at June Lake

June Lake Loop, located 30 minutes from the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, remains a pristine location for both summer and winter visits. From fun in the snow to long summer days spent fishing in the waters, the Eastern Sierra jewel creates a place worth visiting.

“The June Lake Loop offers infinite year-round recreational opportunities for the whole family. With 4 lakes with marinas, 6 trailheads, a ski area. pack station plus numerous dining options, diverse lodging, RV and camping, plus a brewery, boutique cannabis dispensary and music venue, the Loop has it all,” says June Lake Loop Chamber Vice President Jamie Schectman.

As with all parts of California, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the June Lake Loop business scene hard, forcing many shops to close briefly or implement state-required safety guidelines.

Schecthman noted plenty of outdoor activities — especially during the summer — are available.

“Rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, paddleboard and kayaking to name a few,” he said. “In October, we have some of the best fall colors this side of the Rockies. We are also located less than 30 minutes from the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park.”

Summer Camping
Camping activities range from RV spots to US Forest Service-operated sites. The U.S. Forest Service maintains discretion in closing or opening its sites, especially during years of high wildfire activity like 2020.

June Lake Campground (U.S. Forest Service)
June Lake Campground is located in the Eastern Sierra, near the town of June Lake, at an elevation of 7,600 feet. This campground has 28 campsites and reservations are required. Drinking water is available. Reserving a site costs $28 per night. Flush toilets are available. It allows for a 14-day stay limit. Each site is equipped with a bear locker. Campsites are located in a mixed Aspen and pine forest on the shoreline of June Lake. It includes ease of access to June Lake fishing, marina, and boat rentals make this a favorite spot for both families and anglers. Gift shopping, groceries, and restaurants are within walking distance in the town of June Lake. This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444- 6777 (International 518-885- 3639 or TDD 877-833-6777.

As a note, June Lake Campground is known for its high level of bear activity. As such, a bearproof locker is located at each site at June Lake Campground. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear-proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.

Oh! Ridge Campground
Oh! Ridge Campground is located near June Lake at an elevation of 7,600 feet. Campsites are located on mostly open area above the shoreline of beautiful June Lake. Day use area has a swimming beach located adjacent to the campground. The outstanding lake and mountain views at this campground are a favorite spot for both families and anglers.

This campground has 143 campsites with a cost of $30 per night and a 14-day stay limit. Campsites can accommodate a 40-foot vehicle. Drinking water is available. Flush toilets are available. Every campsite has a bear locker for food storage. Like June June Lake Campground, there is a history of bear activity, so securing food waste and trash in bear-proof trash cans is required.

Gull Lake Campground
Located in the heart of the June Lake Loop, camping on the lake has never been so exciting. The 11-spot camping ground can accommodate up to 30-foot vehicles and offers both potable water and flush toilets. Reservations aren’t required for the site and people can register at the campground, but it sees heavy use. The cost is $28 per night, up to a 14-day stay. According to Mono County Tourism, “there’s hardly a more pleasant place to be in summer: the trout are biting, the lake glistens and a lush aspen grove provides plenty of shade. Choose from 11 sites, all first-come, first-served with paved and easy drive-in access.

Balanced Rock greets visitors to the June Lake Loop. The rock was
placed by the Rush Creek Glacier thousands of years ago. COURTESY PHOTO

Reversed Creek Campground
Located in an isolated, wooded area of pine and aspens, Reversed Creek Campground offers some seclusion with its 17 sites. Both Gull Lake and June Lake are nearby for boating or fishing. Each site offers plenty of space to spread out, but this is still a central place to base a June Lake vacation where you can enjoy fishing, marinas & boat rentals, hiking, kayaking, and fall color viewing. Reservations aren’t needed but campers need to register at the campground, camping up to 14 days is allowed and the cost is $28 a night.

Silver Lake Campground
Located in aspen and willow groves, Silver Lake Campground is nestled between Silver Lake and the dramatic scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. This is a great base camp for fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and photography. The facility has creekside camping with a boat ramp and pack station nearby. The campground has 63 sites available and will accommodate a 40-foot vehicle. Drinking water and flush toilets are available. Advanced registration is required and the fees are $23 per night ($5/night extra for additional vehicles).

RV Camping
For those who want the luxury of an RV campground, June Lake Loop has a few options during the summer months.

Golden Pine RV Park, in June Lake, opens for the summer season on May 1. Golden Pine RV Park offers 26 sites, each with water, power and sewer hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire pits. Guests have access to restrooms, showers, laundry and fish cleaning facilities. While you’re there, enjoy a game of horseshoes, darts or corn hole, or take an easy walk to Gull Lake or The Village of June Lake. Call or email to make reservations. The phone number is 760-648- 7473 and email is goldenpinervpark@gmail.com.