Minaret Falls Campground
4.6010 reviews2510 Hwy 203 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Minaret Falls Campground
$23.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight single campsite fee is $32 per night. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per night. Visitors with America the Beautiful Access/Senior Passes or Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees occupied by the pass holder. A one-time transportation fee of $7 per adult, $4 per child (ages 3-15), or a maximum of $20 per vehicle is charged for entry, entitling campers to ride the valley's shuttle at no charge.
About this campground
Escape to Minaret Falls Campground, where 27 pristine campsites await along the rushing waters of the Middle Fork San Joaquin River. Perched at 7,700 feet in the heart of Inyo National Forest, this summer sanctuary offers the perfect blend of mountain solitude and natural comfort. Each site is thoughtfully positioned among towering lodgepole pines and graceful river willows, creating private retreats where the only sounds are birdsong and flowing water. Modern amenities like bear-proof lockers and vault toilets ensure a safe, comfortable stay while preserving the wilderness experience.
Minaret Falls Campground is best suited for tent camping and small trailers, offering a rustic camping experience. It includes individual campsites and some combined sites.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp sits at the doorstep of Devils Postpile National Monument, where ancient volcanic forces created one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. This geological masterpiece has drawn scientists, photographers, and nature lovers for generations, standing as a testament to the Earth's incredible creative power. The surrounding lands have witnessed thousands of years of human history, from indigenous peoples to John Muir's wanderings.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this high-altitude haven into an alpine paradise, with warm days perfect for exploration and crisp nights ideal for stargazing. Daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 77°F, while evenings cool to a refreshing 38°F—perfect sleeping weather under the stars. The campground opens as snow melts away in late spring and closes when autumn's first flakes dust the peaks. Mountain weather can surprise with afternoon thundershowers, adding drama to the landscape and filling the air with the scent of rain on pine.
ElevationAt 7,700 feet, Minaret Falls occupies that sweet spot where mountain majesty meets comfortable camping. The elevation gifts visitors with crystal-clear air, spectacular star-filled nights, and natural air conditioning that makes summer camping a joy. Spring arrives late and autumn comes early at this altitude—wildflowers might still bloom in July, while September can bring the season's first dusting of snow, reminding visitors they're truly in the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to sunlight filtering through a canopy of lodgepole pines while the San Joaquin River provides nature's soundtrack just steps from your tent. The campground serves as your gateway to some of California's most breathtaking scenery—the otherworldly columns of Devils Postpile rise nearby, while the pristine Ansel Adams Wilderness beckons adventurers with granite peaks and alpine lakes. The namesake Minaret Falls cascades through the forest, offering a rewarding destination for day hikers seeking mountain magic.
Geological RegionNestled within Inyo National Forest's diverse ecosystem, the campground occupies a remarkable meeting place of geological wonders. The Middle Fork San Joaquin River has carved its path through ancient volcanic landscapes, creating a corridor of life where lodgepole pines and river willows thrive. This mountainous terrain showcases nature's artistry at every turn—from the famous basalt columns of Devils Postpile to the jagged peaks of the Minarets. The surrounding Ansel Adams Wilderness preserves this spectacular landscape, ensuring future generations can experience the same awe-inspiring vistas that captured the famous photographer's imagination.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeThe parking aprons are sandy, dirt and soft and are irregular in shape; should accommodate most any size RV.
Sites PrivacyMost campsites are well spaced providing good privacy, with a grass understory and Lodgepole pine offering shade.
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River for scenic views. Sites closer to lodgepole pines may offer better shade and privacy.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not provided, but reviews highlight sites with views of waterfalls and proximity to creeks.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of guests per site is not explicitly stated in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout is not fully described but includes well-spaced campsites with grass understory.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June 8 through September 23. Closed during other parts of the year.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; first-come, first-serve availability.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not mentioned.
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Minaret Falls Campground is situated in a scenic location ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Day trips to Devils Postpile National Monument and Ansel Adams Wilderness are popular among campers.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include 'beater' trails along the river and short hikes to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls. A reviewer shares, 'A basic campground in a beautiful location... You can fish along the San Joaquin River and enjoy small hikes to Devil's Postpile or Rainbow Falls.'Fishing
Fishing is available along the San Joaquin River, offering stocked rainbows and wild rainbows and browns. A user noted, 'Plenty of stocked rainbows and wild rainbows and browns if you persist.'Wildlife viewing
The scenic location offers opportunities for wildlife observation.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable due to the seasonal operation of the campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sport activities are supported, such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Not explicitly stated.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground is in active bear country, requiring stringent food storage practices. Mosquitoes are prevalent near river willows during summer months.
Active alertsClosed for the 2025 season due to road construction.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, located approximately 17 miles away at 2510 Hwy 203 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. Phone: (760) 924-5500.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are provided at the campground for safe disposal of trash.
Proximity to water featuresCampsites are located along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, with nearby smaller lakes and Minaret Falls.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention challenges such as steep single-lane road access, lack of flush toilets, and difficulty obtaining potable water for trailers. Some reviewers also note unpaved campsites and noise disturbances from inconsiderate campers.
HostKen, the campground host, is praised in user reviews for being friendly, attentive, and helpful, especially in handling disturbances and providing hiking recommendations.
Campground Map
2510 Hwy 203 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Driving directionsTake US 395 to State Highway 203. Head west to and through the town of Mammoth Lakes. At the 2nd traffic light, turn right onto Minaret and continue up the mountain past Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge and Minaret Vista Station. At the Minaret Vista entrance booth, pay the entry fee, then continue through for another 11.8 miles to the campground sign. Turn right at the sign onto a single-lane dirt road and go 0.4 miles to the campground.
The road to the campground is narrow and single-lane with sharp turns and smooth dirt hills. The stretch from the Minaret Vista entrance booth to the campground includes steep and curvy terrain (2.3 miles) before returning to two lanes. Accessibility is limited to private vehicles only for campers.Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes - approximately 17 miles and 30 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials can be found at Reds Meadow Pack Station and Resort, located nearby. Additional options are available in the town of Mammoth Lakes, approximately 17 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
10 reviews
Minaret Falls Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, privacy of campsites, and proximity to attractions such as Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls. While the campground offers basic amenities, lack of showers and flush toilets has been noted as a drawback by some.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include scenic views, proximity to hiking trails, clean vault toilets, and the peaceful atmosphere of the campground.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include challenges with the single-lane dirt road access, lack of flushing toilets, and difficulty navigating with larger trailers.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent due to the presence of river willows, using bear-proof food lockers, and visiting nearby attractions such as Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Campers generally praise the campground during the summer months for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Mosquito activity is noted during spring and early summer.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
'My finest experience was at Minaret Falls.' - Meagan Kukawsky. 'Great campground, super friendly host, clean bathrooms... Watch the sunset on the river right before you start the campfire.' - Mychal...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campers have highlighted the scenic beauty of individual sites and close river proximity. Site numbers are not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets are noted as a feature suitable for campers with disabilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed in all developed recreation sites.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025