We were planning on doing a weekend getaway and Pvstoy has us considering Hway 395, most likely from Bridgeport to the Mammoth Lakes area. Probably a little late for the fall colors but the views always make the drive worth it. We are not familiar enough with the area to know where to camp. Any suggestions some of you may have would be appreciated. Ideal locations would be quiet and isolated.
Thanks, Ted
Hi Ted,
When do you plan to go?
Like what was said you can stealth camp in many locations on various dirt roads along the way, but in the paved main roads up canyons watch for signs to camp only in designated sites only.
Exploring side dirt roads you will find areas that are hidden from view and you are not bothered.
Mammoth Lakes I like to head out the road from Shady Rest campground that is behind the US Forest Service Visitor center as you come into town. You will see a sign on the pavement No Camping for the next two miles. Then you hit dirt and after the allowed miles there is a permitted to camp sign. After that you are free to camp. It is hard to explain where I go but, after the sign you take the first right, follow up the hill for a bit. Take a left and will side slope the hill. Then a right that takes you up to a dead end at rocks. I camp there and it has a good view of the surroundings. Over the years there has been a lot more traffic there.
If you are at Lone Pine for some of you, I head up to the Alabama Hills. Turn right on Movie Set Road and you can just wander all over the place. There are windows and arches hidden in various spots. The Visitor Center can give you paper on where some of them are.
You can’t go wrong in some of the campgrounds and they have nice views, I just prefer to stealth camp and save the money to have dinner at the Virginia Creek Settlement just before the Bodie turn off after Bridgeport.
Hope you have a great trip and see lots of wonderful views.
