Inyo National Forest
RV Guide
Introduction
Come and have your breath taken away by the majestic views of this California National Forest, which covers 1.5 million acres in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Inyo National Forest has much to offer for your next RV vacation, including amazing wildlife like California's bighorn sheep and thousands of miles of hiking trails to explore. An anglers delight, there are many lakes and streams for you to catch rainbow, German brown, or the famous California golden trout.
Grab your hiking boots and head to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to see Methuselah, a tree that has celebrated at least 5,000 birthdays. If you want to get some up-and-close views of stunning waterfalls and peaks, take a shuttle tour of Reds Meadow Valley. During the winter, you can explore many corners of the park via cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. From the amazing blue skies to the picturesque mountain views, you'll find that Inyo National Forest is a fantastic location for your next RV getaway.
Located not far from Yosemite National Park, this area of the Wild West is nearly perfect - it's just missing you. With 53 RV campgrounds, you are sure to find a great place to build a campfire to enjoy s' mores and share stories. We've highlighted some of the top RV camping areas below.
RV Rentals in Inyo National Forest
Transportation
Driving
Be the one that got away as you head out in your motorhome to a tranquil oasis of Inyo National Forest! Prepare to be blown away as you take a scenic drive to this one-of-a-kind destination. This national forest has everything - snow-capped mountains, lakes, creeks, lush meadows - the list goes on and on. A great vacation spot for a refreshing getaway, this forest is near Fresno, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. It's also a perfect last-minute weekend trip from Carson City, Nevada - only a short two-and-a-half hour drive. You'll want to take caution driving on some of the local roads inside the park since they can be narrow and winding.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Inyo National Forest
Campsites in Inyo National Forest
Reservations camping
Lone Pine Campground
A beautiful campground, you will instantly feel the stress leave you shoulders when you come camp here and see breathtaking views of Mount Whitney. There are 28 sites that you can reserve in advance that provide access to potable water, vault toilets, and picnic tables. Need a few things? You can do a little last-minute shopping at the store that is moments away from the Lone Pine Campground. An excellent place for rustic living that is dog-friendly, you’ll fill your social media feed quickly with photos of the fantastic views of the desert and vistas. This campground is open from April to December.
Lake Mary Campground
Inyo National Forest's Lake Mary Campground is an idyllic rig camping location no matter the season. Conveniently located right outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, you can enjoy paddling, hiking, skiing, and fishing right from the campground. You’ll want to reserve one of the 48 sites in advance at this well-loved location. Open from May to September, at this campground you’ll find toilets, potable water, food lockers, and picnic tables. Bring your dog and have an unforgettable time at Inyo National Forest.
First-come first-served
Bishop Park Campground
Breath in some crisp mountain air and surround yourself with the Sierra Mountains! Set up your RV for a memorable trip at this popular campground. A first-come, first-served area, there are 21 spots that you can set up in for your next adventure. You will want to set up your spot early as this place is one of the popular sites in Inyo National Forest for camping. An ideal location, this campground offers toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Keep in mind that some sites can accommodate smaller rigs, while others are open to tents only. Pets are welcome to camp with you.
Seasonal activities in Inyo National Forest
Off-Season
Skiing at Mammoth Lakes
Come and visit this quaint town that calls Inyo National Forest home. The only incorporated town in the forest, it is a popular place to visit by campers who love to be outside during the winter months. An excellent ski spot due to its location near Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas, there is also a natural hot spring nearby - a perfect spot to relax after a busy day out on the trails.
Getting Out In The Snow
Head out from your campervan and explore a winter wonderland at Inyo National Forest. An excellent place for skiing or snowshoeing, this national forest is open for RV camping as you get out in the snow. You'll find several spots for jumping-off points for some unbelievable backcountry snowboarding. There are even trails for you to enjoy a little snowmobiling, so what are you waiting for? The white powder awaits!
Fishing
Come and enjoy the favorite outdoor pastime of fishing during your RV camping trip to Inyo National Forest. With 1,000 miles of rivers and streams and 400 lakes, you can cast your cares away as you catch a variety of trout. You may even find yourself catching California's state fish - the golden trout. Either way, make sure to grab your camera out of the camper to capture your next big catch!
In-Season
Hiking the Trails
Get out in the clean, crisp California air as you hike over the thousand miles of trails at Inyo National Forest. Check out the Instagram-worthy location of Temple Crag that towers over the lakes on the Pine Creek Trail. Need a challenge? Hike towards Mount Whitney for a chance to hike up the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Make sure to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to view amazing ancient trees including the infamous Methuselah.
Mountain Climbing
Come on out and play as you have an experience of a lifetime on your next RV camping trip. A great place for climbers of all expertise, there are some moderate climbs like Ugly, Mean, Be a Queen, and Pie in the Sky that will get your adrenaline going. Those who want a more challenging climb should check out the Jedi Mind Tricks or Seven Spanish Angels in the Mammoth Lakes and Bishop Areas.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing
This beautiful countryside is home to a fantastic array of animals that you might be lucky to see during your next RV camping trip. With a variety of species including mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, and mule deer, be on alert as you never know what you'll see. Bird lovers will be excited to see the great horned owls, water dippers, abundant cliff swallows and during the winter months, bald eagles. If you're lucky, you may even see the California bighorn sheep!
