June Lake Loop camping is one of the most scenic and undervisited camping experiences in the entire Eastern Sierra. The 16-mile loop off Highway 395 strings together four stunning mountain lakes — June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake — all backed by 11,000 and 12,000-foot Sierra Nevada peaks and surrounded by Inyo National Forest wilderness. While Mammoth Lakes just to the south draws massive crowds, June Lake Loop camping delivers a quieter, equally spectacular alternative that most California travelers completely overlook. Here is everything you need to know about the six best campgrounds on the loop.
June Lake Loop Camping — What Makes It Special
The June Lake Loop sits at around 7,200-7,600 feet in elevation in the Eastern Sierra, giving it cool summer temperatures, exceptional air quality, and mountain scenery that rivals Yosemite without the lines. All four lakes on the loop are stocked with rainbow and Alpers trout, making this one of the premier fishing destinations in California. Marinas with boat rentals sit on every lake. The small town of June Lake has restaurants, a general store, and a laid-back mountain village atmosphere that makes June Lake Loop camping feel genuinely resort-like without the resort prices.
Fall is extraordinary here — the aspens turn brilliant gold and orange in October, making the June Lake Loop one of the best fall foliage destinations in California. Summer is peak season for fishing and water sports. The campgrounds are open late April through mid-October.
6 Best June Lake Loop Camping Options
1. Oh Ridge Campground — Best Overall
Oh Ridge is the largest and most popular campground on the loop, with 143 sites overlooking June Lake from a ridge above the eastern shore. The views of the lake with the Sierra peaks behind it are genuinely spectacular. The campground is set among sage and scattered trees with a nearby beach and boat launch ramp providing easy lake access.
Sites accommodate trailers up to 40 feet. Flush toilets and piped water throughout. Bear lockers at every site — use them, bears are very active here. Cost is $38 per night. Reserve through recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Summer weekends fill immediately — book the moment your window opens. This is the best choice for June Lake Loop camping if you want the best lake views and full facilities.
Sites: 143 | Cost: $38/night | Trailers: Up to 40 feet | Reservations: recreation.gov
2. June Lake Campground — Most Lakeside
June Lake Campground is a smaller, more intimate option with 28 sites tucked in a mixed aspen and pine forest directly on the southern shore of June Lake. Some sites are virtually lakeside — some of the most coveted spots on the entire loop. The campground is within walking distance of the June Lake Marina, boat rentals, gift shops, groceries, and restaurants in town.
Elevation is 7,600 feet — acclimatize if coming from sea level, especially if you’re fishing or hiking. Flush toilets, piped water, and bear lockers at every site. Many points in the campground have views of the surrounding peaks. $38 per night, book at recreation.gov.
Sites: 28 | Cost: $38/night | Trailers: Check site dimensions | Reservations: recreation.gov
3. Silver Lake Campground — Best for Hikers
Silver Lake Campground sits at 7,200 feet at the base of dramatic Ansel Adams Wilderness peaks at the far end of the loop. The 63 sites spread along Rush Creek and Silver Lake shoreline with some directly creekside and others bordering the lake. A small store, cafe, hiking trailhead, and pack station are all within easy walking distance.
The trailhead here accesses the Ansel Adams Wilderness with trails climbing toward dramatic high Sierra lakes and passes. Rush Creek also connects to the John Muir Trail, making this the best June Lake Loop camping choice for serious hikers. Boating on Silver Lake has a 10mph speed limit, making it peaceful for kayakers and paddleboarders. $32 per night.
Sites: 63 | Cost: $32/night | Trailers: Up to 40 feet | Reservations: recreation.gov
4. Reversed Creek Campground — Most Shaded
Reversed Creek is a small 17-site campground near Gull Lake set in a mature aspen grove — the most shaded and forested June Lake Loop camping experience. The intimate size means it feels less busy than Oh Ridge even at peak season. Gull Lake is steps away with its marina and fishing access. The aspen canopy turns spectacular gold in October.
$32 per night. Trailers up to 30 feet. Book at recreation.gov — fills quickly despite its small size.
Sites: 17 | Cost: $32/night | Trailers: Up to 30 feet | Reservations: recreation.gov
5. Gull Lake Campground — Most Intimate
Gull Lake Campground is the smallest on the loop with only 11 sites in a mature aspen grove at 7,600 feet. No reservations available — first-come, first-served only, making it the best option for spontaneous June Lake Loop camping trips. The intimate setting and shaded sites make it a local favorite. Flush toilets and piped water on site.
Arrive by Friday morning on summer weekends for the best chance at a site. The small size and first-come-first-served policy mean it rarely feels crowded even when full.
Sites: 11 | Cost: $32/night | Reservations: None — first-come, first-served
6. Grant Lake Marina and Campground — Best for RVs
Grant Lake at the northern end of the loop has a marina and campground with full RV hookups — water and sewer — making it the best June Lake Loop camping option for self-contained RV travelers. The campground has an awe-inspiring view of the lake, 12,000-foot Mt. Wood, and the lush aspen groves of Parker Canyon. The marina is open last Saturday in April through mid-October with boat rentals and excellent fishing. Generators allowed from 7 am to 10 pm. Showers and restrooms for registered guests.
Reservations: Direct through Grant Lake Marina | Hookups: Water and sewer for RVs
Fishing the June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop camping is synonymous with fishing. All four lakes are stocked with rainbow trout, and each lake has a slightly different character. June Lake and Gull Lake are the most popular, with multiple marinas and easy shore access. Silver Lake is excellent for early morning fly fishing along Rush Creek. Grant Lake is the largest and most open water with good trolling. The area hosts multiple fishing events throughout the summer, including the June Lake Monster Trout Contest in April and the July 4th Fishing Expo.
All anglers over 16 need a California fishing license. The upper Owens River near the loop is a world-class fly fishing destination for those willing to explore beyond the main lakes.
Hiking from the June Lake Loop Campgrounds
Parker Lake Trail is the most popular day hike on the loop — 2 miles from a trailhead on a dirt road off Highway 158 near Grant Lake leads to magnificent Parker Lake below Parker Peak. Relatively easy with spectacular scenery.
Fern Lake Trail climbs 1.7 miles from a trailhead between Gull and Silver Lakes to beautiful Fern Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. A longer option continues deeper into the wilderness.
Rush Creek Trail is a strenuous 7.25-mile climb from the trailhead by Frontier Pack Station past Horsetail Falls and deeper into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. One of the best day hikes in the Eastern Sierra for experienced hikers.
Mono Lake and Tufa Towers — Mono Lake is just 10 minutes from the northern end of the loop on Highway 395 and is one of the most otherworldly landscapes in California. The tufa towers rising from the hypersaline lake are extraordinary.
Fall Colors on the June Lake Loop
October is arguably the best time for June Lake Loop camping. The aspen groves surrounding all four lakes turn brilliant gold and orange, creating some of the finest fall foliage scenery in California. The combination of the colorful aspens reflected in the blue lakes with fresh snow on the Sierra peaks above is extraordinary. Campground availability is significantly better in October than in summer, and temperatures are cool and comfortable.
Practical Tips for June Lake Loop Camping
All Forest Service campgrounds require reservations — the days of first-come-first-served are largely over except at Gull Lake. Book at recreation.gov starting 6 months before your arrival date. Summer weekends go instantly. Bears are genuinely active throughout the loop — use the bear lockers at every meal and every night, no exceptions. The elevation at 7,200-7,600 feet means nights are cold even in July — bring layers. Yosemite National Park is accessible as a day trip from the loop via Tioga Road when open, typically late May through October.
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For more Eastern Sierra camping, see our guides to Alabama Hills Lone Pine California — The Complete Visitor’s Guide, Exploring Joshua Tree in 2 Days — 7 Essential Local Tips, and Best Campgrounds in Northern California — 15 Sites Worth the Drive.
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