These moments helped establish a love for the Eastern Sierra that manifested into my first photo book, Along for the Ride: Unplanned Adventures in the Eastern Sierra, which features a collection of a half decade's worth of photographs from this incredible region.
In creating the book and spending so much time in the Eastern Sierra, I amassed a ton of intel on the best places to camp in the area. Here are my favorites, along with tips to keep in mind before visiting the region, and, of course, some photos from the book.
The 10 Best Eastern Sierra Camping Spots
You can pull your car right up to the sand at Grant Lake, which is the largest in June Lake Loop. It's a popular spot for fishing with its population of trout and there is boat access, but despite that, there's often plenty of space and lots of privacy between campers. The views from up the hill aren't bad either. I’d recommend heading as far down the west side of the lake as you can go for a great weekend by the water.
You can't go wrong with a trip to either Aspen or Moraine Campgrounds off Tioga Road in Lee Vining, unless you hate sleeping in a pine forest next to creeks and relaxing all day. The best part about these camping spots is that they're central to amazing bodies of water like Virginia Lakes and Saddlebag Lake. They're also a short 15-minute drive away from Yosemite National Park if you’re there in the summer or fall (access via the Tioga Road closes from November to May).
You've heard the name and you've seen it in movies like Django Unchained and Gladiator. But Alabama Hills is absolutely worth the hype, and you can camp for free in Alabama Hills thanks to our friends at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). If you want an Eastern Sierra campground with a few amenities though (picnic tables, fire pits, water), you can hit Tuttle Creek Campground for $8 per night, first come first served. All of these camping spots offer impressive views of the Sierras and Mt. Whitney—all just 3 miles outside Lone Pine. Just please respect the place and pick up after yourself, as there's been a big problem with trash over the years.
Twin Lakes may be the Eastern Sierra's best-kept secret. The spot is tucked up just outside the town of Bridgeport and might as well be a hidden oasis. You can pitch a tent or rent a cabin near multiple trailheads at Lower Twin Lakes Campground and get an early start on hikes in the area, and boat rentals are just around the corner. Fishing is also popular here—the California state record brown trout was caught in Upper Twin Lake in 1987, and weighed in at 26 pounds, 8 ounces. Take note—there are two Twin Lakes in Mono County, the one you want is Twin Lakes Bridgeport.
Owens River is massive—hone in on the north part of the river up past Lake Crowley for Grade-A camping. You can camp for free at designated BLM camping areas, or stay at a place like Brown's Campground. The scenery is also gorgeous, and you can spend an entire day walking back and forth across this snake-shaped river. Optimal fishing times are usually March to June for the spring spawn runs. Do your homework and you might be able to find a hot spring for a soak, too.
Lake Sabrina, roughly 18 miles southwest of Bishop, California, is a gem. If you like to fish, you can do a lot of that here and at other nearby lakes like South Lake, North Lake, and Intake Two. (I recommend getting a boat and cruising to the north side of Lake Sabrina if you want to catch the beefy boys.) If you do try to camp at Lake Sabrina Campground, try to hit it on a weekday to secure a good spot. Weekends can be busy up there, and there are only 18 campsites ($30/night, no reservations). Bishop Park is another nearby campground if you can't get a spot.
Without exaggeration, Convict Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes you'll ever see. Apparently, that’s also what convicts fleeing prison in the late 1800s thought—other than needing a place to hide out from local sheriffs, I’m sure they didn’t mind finding the quiet and privacy that Convict Lake offers (eventually, they were caught). Tucked between the mountains of the Inyo National Forest just off Highway 395, the lake is remarkably easy to get to and offers fishing, hiking, and dining at one of the best restaurants in the Sierra, The Restaurant at Convict Lake. You can also visit in the winter and walk across the lake's frozen surface. Camping is available nearby at Convict Lake Campground, which is open from late April through October, with rental cabins available all year.
You can't go wrong at any campsite in Lundy Canyon Campground, just west of Mono City and Mono Lake. All of the sites hug Mill Creek and offer epic, tree-covered spots right by the water. Lundy Canyon is a one-stop-shop for beautiful views, rushing creeks, and relaxed hikes. If you want to get the feet really turning, you can hike up to the Lundy Lake Waterfalls via a five-mile out-and-back hike from the lake. Go in October and you'll find all the trees dressed up in gold.
There are hot springs aplenty in the Eastern Sierra, and you can camp at many of them. Travertine, just outside of Bridgeport, is easy to access and wholly unique. Alternate between the various pools here and enjoy the view looking out over Bridgeport at the Sawtooth Ridge. Avoid weekends unless you want to get real friendly real quick— the tubs are tiny. The heart of Bridgeport is just a short drive away, and you can grab a burger and a Coke at The Barn after you get nice and pruney. If you do want to camp here, know that there are no facilities but primitive camping is allowed on the surrounding Forest Service Land. Just make sure to practice good Leave No Trace ethics.
Driving around the June Lake Loop is like rounding the corner on Christmas morning. If you want to see one of the most beautiful places in the Eastern Sierra, find a spot to camp on June Lake and bring a camera. There are two campgrounds: Oh Ridge Campground on the northern shore and June Lake Campground on the southern, close to town. You can stop by June Lake Brewery or June Pie Pizza Co. if you’re feeling like a night out. Take a stop at Silver Lake to walk around, throw a rod in and take in some serious Sierra landscapes. Fall here out of this world so if you can, plan a trip in September or October.
Silver Lake, CA
7 Pro Tips for Camping in the Eastern Sierra
Bring cash—many campground hosts don’t have a card reader.
Check fire restrictions before you go by visiting the USDA Forrest Service.
If you pack less food, that'll make you even more motivated to catch enough fish for dinner.
My go-to camping speaker is the JBL Clip 3, but respect your neighbors and keep the volume to yourself.
Drink more water than you think you need, especially on longer hikes (the whole region is at elevation, and it's dry up there!).
Wherever you camp, make a point to be awake for sunset and sunrise.
Keep your phone off as much as possible.
