Pine City Campground
4.7711 reviewsLatitude: 37.6038 Longitude: -118.9999
Pine City Campground
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
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 use fee is $34 per night for a single site. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes and Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes are honored for a 50% discount on the Single Campsite fee only.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Pine City Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with just 10 secluded campsites. This hidden gem sits alongside the sparkling waters of Lake Mary, where each site comes thoughtfully equipped with bear-proof lockers to ensure both your safety and the protection of local wildlife. Despite its modest size, Pine City delivers an authentic High Sierra camping experience that feels worlds away from the crowds.
Pine City Campground primarily supports tent and small-group camping, with no RV-specific sites or accommodations for equestrian or glamping-style camping.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late but gloriously at Pine City, with the campground welcoming visitors from June through September when wildflowers paint the meadows and afternoon temperatures hover in the comfortable 70s. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons perfect for hiking and fishing. Come October, the first snows begin to dust the surrounding peaks, signaling the end of the camping season as winter transforms this alpine paradise into a snow-covered wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid backcountry explorers.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,900 feet above sea level, Pine City Campground places you firmly in the thin, crystal-clear air of the High Sierra. This lofty elevation means you'll wake to crisp mountain mornings and sleep under a canopy of stars that seem close enough to touch. Visitors should take time to acclimate, staying well-hydrated and taking it easy for the first day or two, as the altitude can leave even seasoned adventurers feeling a bit breathless upon arrival.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering Lodgepole Pines creates a natural sanctuary around Pine City, their straight trunks reaching skyward like ancient pillars. Through breaks in the forest canopy, dramatic views unfold across Lake Mary's pristine waters to the jagged, vertical peaks of the John Muir Wilderness beyond. Morning light transforms these granite spires into glowing monuments, while evening alpenglow paints them in shades of rose and gold that photographers dream about.
Geological RegionPine City Campground sits at the geological crossroads of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, where ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. The surrounding vertical peaks of the John Muir Wilderness thrust dramatically from the forest floor, their granite faces telling a story millions of years in the making. Lake Mary itself fills a glacier-carved basin, its deep waters reflecting the surrounding peaks while stands of Lodgepole Pine carpet the slopes, thriving in this unique alpine ecosystem shaped by fire, ice, and time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not provide wheelchair-friendly toilets, and no additional information about accessible amenities is available.
Sites SizeEach site is equipped with a bear-proof locker and picnic table. The parking aprons are described as dirt and rock.
Sites PrivacyThere is no privacy between campsites, as noted by an official source: 'There is no privacy between camp sites and Lodgepole pine make up the overstory.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 7 is recommended for its size and tree coverage.
Best CampsitesSite 7 is noted as the best site due to its size, privacy, and ability to hang hammocks.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Groups
No specific information about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized in a linear layout along a road that parallels Lake Mary.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June 2 to September 9. Closed in the winter.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first come, first serve. No reservation system is in place.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pine City Campground offers a limited range of activities centered around its prime location near Lake Mary. The lake provides opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake and surrounding peaks, making the site popular for relaxation and photography.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Lake Mary, which is stocked with rainbow trout. A user commented, 'Fishing is just a short walk to lake's edge which is stocked with large rainbows.'Biking
The campground offers proximity to a biking trail: '5 mile bike ride that is all downhill to town with a free trolley to take you back up the hill,' as noted in a user review.Boating
Lake Mary supports non-motorized boating activities. Boat carry-down access is available, but there is no boat ramp.Wildlife viewing
Active bear sightings are common. A reviewer noted, 'Cinnamon is the campsite bear. Twice daily he walks through camp.' Campers should practice safe food storage to avoid bear encounters.Winter Activities
Closed during winter; no winter activities available.Water Sports
Lake Mary supports limited water sports such as non-motorized boating and fishing. Power boating is also allowed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. All fires must be fully extinguished.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is an active bear area. Failure to store food will result in fines. There is regular bear activity, with bears often walking through twice daily.
Active alertsThe campground is currently closed for the winter season. Tentative reopening is June 6, 2025.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
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
Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (2510 Hwy 203 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546) is available about 4 miles away for immediate assistance.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides bear-proof trash receptacles for waste disposal. Bear-proof lockers are also available for food storage.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly across the road from Lake Mary, a 106-acre lake.
Common complaintsSome users noted that there is a lack of privacy between campsites due to the layout.
HostCamp hosts are consistently praised for their friendliness and dedication. Hosts like Bobby and Tom keep the facilities clean and ensure a welcoming environment.
Campground Map
Latitude: 37.6038 Longitude: -118.9999
Driving directionsTake US 395 to State Highway 203. Head west to and through the town of Mammoth Lakes. Hwy 203 becomes Main Street, and then becomes Lake Mary Road which will lead to the Lakes Basin. Past the 1st lake take the 2nd left. 1st campground on the left.
The roads leading to the campground are dirt and rock, and parking aprons are also dirt and rock. In winter, the site is closed due to seasonal inaccessibility. Summer access is straightforward from major roads.Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes, 3.7 miles, approximately 10 minutes.
Nearby supplies
The nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is in Mammoth Lakes, around 10 minutes away by vehicle.
Camper Reviews
4.8
11 reviews
Pine City Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews overwhelmingly praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the attentive and friendly camp hosts, and the scenic views of Lake Mary and the surrounding peaks. However, some users noted concerns about road traffic noise and active bear activity.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the friendly and helpful camp hosts. One reviewer mentioned, 'Camp Host Bobby and Tom kept the place very clean, they are so very friendly, they treat all with love and...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users mentioned that there is 'no privacy between campsites' and noted the road traffic noise, with one saying, 'The road in front of the campground has a decent amount of traffic and most...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend Site 7 for its larger parking space and tree coverage. It is noted as the 'best, biggest parking with lots of trees for hammocks.' Another tip is to use the free Mammoth trolley that...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from June to September. Reviews during this period are positive, with users highlighting the clean facilities, scenic views, and fishing opportunities. However, it...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Amazing place to camp and incredible view across Lake Mary/Sunset.'
- 'Site 7 is the best, biggest parking with lots of trees for hammocks.'
- 'Twice daily [the bear] walks through camp, so...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 7 is frequently mentioned as the best option due to its size and tree coverage. Site 10 is also noted for its incredible views.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed; no specific reviews about pet facilities or experiences.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025