Camp at Mono Lake
Lee Vining, California
Description
Added by Gregg Boydston
Pick your beach-front camping spot at this lesser known area. Spend the day enjoying the lake with an SUP or Kayak.
Many people visit Mono Lake for a quick photo opportunity of the South Tufa. When I discovered camping was allowed on the North side of the lake, I knew I had to experience it and share.
You head East on Cemetery Rd. just North of Lee Vining. This road turns into a dirt road, which will require you to stay right on a fork. You will see a sign directing you to Black Point, which will require a right turn (kind of hidden by sage brush). Head a little further down the road and you come to a dead end with a kiosk. This is where you will park your vehicle. There are some guidelines to camping on the beach and I hope that anyone who decides to will follow them. They ask that you keep a certain distance from the water (wildlife purposes) and that you stay within a certain distance along the water. This lake has a lot going on with animals and plants which is why they ask us to respect these guidelines.
We simply walked about 50 yards from the car and set up camp there. There is plenty of space to play some games or fetch with the pups. We had a few games of Bocce Ball going along with some frisbee.
THINGS I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT:
- The wind can get bad
- There are quite a bit of coyotes in the area in the evening
- The lake can smell
- Mono Cone in Lee Vining is a great food stop (seasonal)
- Black Point Fissures are a 40 minute hike away
- Please respect the area
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Camp at Mono Lake Reviews
I love the sunrises and sunsets in the Eastern Sierras. Dispersed camping near Mono Lake is really cool... The sound of coyotes at night and the proximity to exploration in Mammoth and Bishop. I highly recommend the Whoa Nellie Deli in the Mobil gas station at the junction of 120 and 395. Yummy gourmet food!
5.0
There are many spots to camp all around this lake if you know where to look and all of them come with amazing views. My days camping in this area are easily some of the most memorable days from my trip.
5.0
Mono Lake is easily one of the most surreal places I've been to - we camped at the south side after leaving Yosemite over Tioga Pass. Stunning how the landscape and vegetation changes so quickly! The weather looked bad when we got there - but then the sun set the sky on FIRE just after sunset. Also, the weather can change pretty fast so be prepared for everything. Summary: extraterrestrial surroundings, fire in the sky at sunset, golden sky at sunrise and great thunderstorms with lightning in between.
5.0
It's a bit chilly, but totally worth kicking off your shoes and layers for a dip in the lake. The high salinity helps to make you float:) Also, I always head up the road 25 minutes Southbound 395 towards Mammoth and take a left after the airport at the little Green church into Benton Crossing Rd to relax in Wild Willie's Hot Spring...it's the best way to see the stars of the Long Valley Caldera
5.0
You can encounter all kinds of weather here in a single day. Definitely bring layers.
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Explore the Black Point Fissures
Mono Lake Park Nature Trail
Mono Lake Boardwalk
Mono Lake Vista Point
Explore the Mono Lake Tufas under the Milky Way
Mono Lake's South Tufa Loop
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