Reds Meadow Campground: A Wilderness Escape in the Eastern Sierra

Reds Meadow Campground Introduce

For those seeking an immersive wilderness camping experience in the spectacular Eastern Sierra Nevada, Reds Meadow Campground stands out as a prime destination. Located off CA-203, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, and accessible by phone at (760) 924-5500 or +1 760-924-5500, this campground is a highly sought-after option for anyone searching for "Camping Near Me" in a truly wild and scenic setting.

The environment of Reds Meadow Campground is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, nestled within a shady pine forest. The campground is situated in the Reds Meadow Valley, an area renowned for its proximity to iconic natural wonders such as Devils Postpile National Monument, the impressive 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the vast Ansel Adams Wilderness. The valley itself is lined with granite boulders and Jeffrey pines, offering picturesque views. A notable feature, as highlighted by numerous campers, is the presence of natural hot water seeping from the ground near a creek. This unique natural amenity allows campers to enjoy warm showers or baths, even providing hot water for washing pots and pans, adding a remarkable level of comfort to an otherwise rustic camping experience. The serene atmosphere of the campground provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor lovers, allowing for a deep connection with nature and opportunities to wake up directly amidst trails leading to these celebrated landmarks.

Reds Meadow Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering 52 campsites. This means reservations are generally not available, requiring campers to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot. The campsites vary in size and setting, with options ranging from large to small, and areas that are either shaded by the pine forest or open to the meadow, catering to different preferences. While specific details on RV hookups are not consistently detailed for Reds Meadow Campground specifically, it is part of a larger area (Reds Meadow Valley) that includes campgrounds with varying amenities. However, standard amenities for most campsites at Reds Meadow include a picnic table and a bear locker, which is crucial given that the area is active bear country, necessitating proper food storage. Drinking water is available at the site. It is important to note that the Reds Meadow Road, which provides access to the campground, is typically open only in the summer months, usually from late June to September, depending on snowmelt and road conditions, and is often subject to road reconstruction projects and shuttle bus requirements for private vehicles (with exceptions for campers and early/late arrivals).

In terms of services and features, Reds Meadow Campground is well-regarded for its exceptional cleanliness, particularly its pit toilets. Despite being "solar-powered pit toilets" rather than flush toilets as some older information might suggest, reviewers consistently praise their cleanliness, noting that camp hosts regularly check and clean them multiple times a day. This dedication to hygiene significantly enhances the camping experience. While the former bathhouse is now closed, the natural hot water source near the creek remains a highly valued feature, utilized by campers for warm bathing and washing. The camp hosts are frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness, and diligence in maintaining the campground and offering valuable advice on local activities and how to avoid crowds on popular trails. The campground also offers easy access to a vast network of trails. Two immediate trails lead to Sotcher Lake and Reds Meadow Resort, while trails to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls are conveniently located directly across the street. This direct access allows campers to hit the trails at sunrise or before sunset, avoiding the shuttle bus crowds that frequent these popular spots. A general store and shower facilities are also available at the nearby Reds Meadow Resort (not the campground itself), providing additional convenience for campers.

Promotional information for Reds Meadow Campground emphasizes its unique location and unparalleled access to the natural wonders of the Inyo National Forest. The ability to directly access major trailheads like Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail from the campground is a significant draw. The hot water source, while rustic, is a strong selling point for those seeking a more comfortable wilderness experience. The first-come, first-served nature promotes spontaneity for those who prefer not to make reservations far in advance, or for last-minute trips as highlighted by one reviewer's positive experience during a fire-induced change of plans. The overall narrative presented by enthusiastic campers is one of a well-maintained, welcoming, and strategically located campground that serves as an ideal base for extensive hiking, fishing (in nearby lakes like Sotcher and Starkweather), and exploring the diverse beauty of the Reds Meadow Valley. The focus is on embracing the natural environment, with the added benefit of diligent camp hosts who contribute significantly to a positive and memorable stay, encouraging repeat visits.

Reds Meadow Campground Photos

Reds Meadow Campground Location

Reds Meadow Campground

CA-203, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA

Reds Meadow Campground

CA-203

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518 Twin Lakes Rd

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Coldwater Creek Campground Rd

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Reds Meadow Campground Reviews

THIS REVIEW IS FOR REDS MEADOW CAMPGROUND and not Reds Meadow Resort. We've been here in 2010 and camped at campsite #25 then this year at campsite #16. Both stays were a great experience. I remember the last time we were here the bathhouse was still working but that was 11 years ago with very hot showers so what we do back then was we get half a pail of cold water in the creek or water faucet and mix it with that hot water to have a warm water for bath. The bathhouse is closed now but very hot water is still coming out near the creek and they have a small pool of it. This time we dip our filled camping shower bag to the pool until it reaches the desired temperature we want for showers or we get hot water from it for our water container. We always get warm showers or bath at night! The hot water works well too to wash your pots and pans!Well aside from having hot water available at the campground they also have the cleanest pit toilets. They keep the bear lockers clean as well. It said on the website that they have 4 flush toilet houses but all of them are new solar powered pit toilets now. I'm not sure if they're new but it's so clean and the camp hosts cleans and checks it 2x a day. They were so clean the 6 days we were there even on the days that there were a lot of campers! Thank the camp host for keeping it clean!This campground have 2 trails to Sotcher Lake and to Reds Meadow Resort. Across the street are the trails to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls. It's easily accessible to trails. You can go on those trails at sunrise and before sunset and avoid the crowds. Shuttles come down every 30 minutes full of people plus campers so at least when you're staying at this campground you can just access the trails in your own time with less travelers.This campground was our first camping experience back in 2010. We had a wonderful experience back then and we've been camping for 11 years now for at least 2x or 3x a year. We actually camped here last minute on July 1-6 because our Shasta Lake camping reservations got cancelled the night of June 30 due to fire! But since we were already packed and ready to go, this campground comes to mind to stay because we knew this would be a better one with no reservations and all and we've been wanting to camped here again and explore the area. We made the right decision in going here unplanned. The camp hosts were so nice and helpful with what else to do and experience in the area. We did go to Lower Falls past Rainbow Falls for the first time and had a chance to swim there. We also got to experience rafting, fishing and picnicking at Starkweather Lake where the water is so clean and we went when no ones there... They recommend places to go and experience and what to do and when to do it to avoid travelers and campers!If we are going to have that chance again on camping at this campground, we will choose this one again last minute!NO RESERVATIONS or not reservable, register or reserve at the campground. There are 52 campsites to choose from on a first come, first served basis and some are big or small, shaded or meadow areas of campsites.
Jul 14, 2021 · A
We fell inlove with campsite #16. It is just a right size campsite with my family. This campground is perfect place to stay if you're planning to do hiking at Devil's postpile and Rainbow falls which we did. The vault toilet is clean. The camp host is doing a great job to keep the place clean and well, also being a responsible camper will help make this campground keep clean too. We will for sure keep coming back to this campground.
Aug 27, 2022 · zarel FamDil
A very nice place to camp and relax. A short walk from several natural attractions.
Aug 01, 2022 · Thor Larsen
The road in is narrow but in pretty good condition. Unfortunately, the Forest Service has cut down a gazillion perfectly healthy huge old trees in preparation for widening the road. What's next? Cutting down even more big trees to make multiple parking lots?! They have a shuttle system currently so thousands of cars don't have to drive down and park.The campground used to have an amazing bathhouse by the hot spring, but the Forest Service closed it. Why?! Such a shame to let such great things rot.Cindy, the camp host, is fantastic - so helpful and friendly! Super clean vault toilets; among the best I've ever seen. No bad smells, plenty of TP. Unfortunately, her manager is less fantastic - made us move our van from its level spot for some bizarre reason, and then closed the half of the campground with the best spots so we had to move anyway (tho maybe that was not her decision and she was just following orders).Despite my complaints, it's still a gem and worth the trip, particularly for the hikes.
Sep 07, 2023 · Hilde Souweine
This is a beautiful campground waaaay out on the back side of Mammoth mountain, and very near to the pack station with a little store for backpackers. There are famous hikes (Rainbow falls- beware it is downhill there but all uphill back and you must be moderately fit to hike this!!!, and Devil’s Postpile which we didn’t hike and so I cannot comment). The bathrooms were clean, and the Camphost kindly came out to meet us as we arrived after dark. This is a very popular campground, as are the others close by, do not arrive late and expect a spot in the summer. The 4 stars is mainly because of the road, not the campground. We towed a 23 ft trailer. This campground is 8 miles of twists and turns and an often bumpy and narrow road. They will be working on it, the snow did a real number last winter, but when I’m not sure. There is quite a ways of a steep grade to get down. The uphill traffic has the right of way, and there are places where coming down you might have to back up to allow traffic as it’s nearly one lane. In some ways I’m quite glad we arrived after dark because we couldn’t see the cliff the road is built on; the drive back up was pretty terrifying with no shoulder or rails and a sheer drop off. Incredibly, there are large shuttle buses going up and down all day from the ski area up top, and we very nearly were hit by one coming around a curve. I personally would never take a class A motor home down and up that road, until they widen and guardrail it! That said, we had a sweet few days in the campground. It was lush and green late August due to summer rains, and there were some mosquitos. The forestry service is doing a lot of great work clearing underbrush and thinning trees, but I wouldn’t want to be there if a fire started…Very beautiful spot though.
Sep 03, 2023 · Jenni Walker