Pumice Flat Group Camp

Star4.32
6 reviews
INYO
Pumice Flat Group Camp
$3.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees vary by activity and location, with additional service fees of $8 online, $9 via the contact center, or $3 in-person.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
760-934-5795clm@clm-services.com

About this campground

Nestled high in the majestic Inyo National Forest, Pumice Flat Group Camp beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the Red's Meadows area. At 7,700 feet, this mountain sanctuary offers the perfect basecamp for groups seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Wake to the gentle murmur of nearby creeks and spend your days exploring endless trails, casting lines into pristine waters, or capturing the same breathtaking vistas that once inspired Ansel Adams. Towering lodgepole pines provide natural shelter for designated group sites, creating intimate gathering spaces where memories are forged around evening campfires.
Pumice Flat Group Camp is designed for group camping. It offers four group sites within a broader campground that also includes first-come, first-served individual sites. The group sites are best suited for larger parties.
Historical SignificanceYour adventure at Pumice Flat places you at the crossroads of geological wonder and artistic legacy. Just a stone's throw away, the otherworldly columns of Devils Postpile National Monument stand as testament to ancient volcanic forces that shaped this landscape. The nearby Ansel Adams Wilderness honors the legendary photographer who found endless inspiration in these peaks and valleys, transforming the Sierra Nevada into iconic black-and-white masterpieces that continue to draw photographers and nature lovers from around the world.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Pumice Flat into an alpine paradise, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for stargazing. Early season visitors should come prepared for nature's tiny welcoming committee—mosquitoes are particularly enthusiastic in early to mid-summer, so pack accordingly. As autumn approaches, the crowds thin and the air crisps. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and silence, with freezing temperatures closing the campground but creating a wonderland for those who venture into the backcountry.
ElevationPerched at 7,700 feet in the thin mountain air, Pumice Flat offers a true high-altitude camping experience. This elevation brings crisp, pure air and spectacular star-filled nights, but also requires thoughtful preparation. Take time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and move at a pace that respects the altitude. The reward? Unparalleled access to alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams, and panoramic views that stretch across the Sierra Nevada range.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient lodgepole pines stretch skyward, their slender trunks creating natural cathedral columns throughout the campground. Crystal-clear mountain creeks wind through the landscape, their gentle babbling providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. Towering peaks frame every vista, while the nearby Devils Postpile's hexagonal basalt columns offer a glimpse into the Earth's volcanic past. This pristine ecosystem supports an impressive cast of wildlife—from the occasional black bear and elusive mountain lion to playful pine martens and chirping pikas. Mule deer graze in nearby meadows, while overhead, raptors soar and songbirds fill the forest with their melodies.
Geological RegionPumice Flat sits within the dramatic eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, a landscape sculpted by fire and ice over millions of years. The campground's lodgepole pine forest thrives in volcanic soils, flanked by two pristine mountain creeks that have carved their paths through ancient granite. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry at every turn—from the perfectly formed columns of Devils Postpile National Monument to the glacier-carved lakes that dot the high country. Rugged peaks pierce the sky in every direction, their granite faces telling stories of tectonic forces and glacial sculpting that continue to shape this magnificent mountain range.

Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is provided in the sources.
Sites SizeThe group area consists of four group campsites, which are spaced apart but vary in size. According to user reviews, Group Site #2 has very little space for tents or vehicles, while sites #1 and #4 are better suited for larger groups with 5-6 vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are well spaced apart, providing some level of privacy. Jeff S. notes, 'The four camp spots are designed to have a lot of space between them, so you get a bit of privacy.'
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose Group Site #1 or #4 for larger groups; Group Site #2 is better suited for tents-only camping due to limited parking.
Best CampsitesGroup sites #1 and #4 recommended for larger groups; Site #3 noted for small groups with fewer vehicles.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
NOON
Check-out
NOON
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No official maximum guest count, but user reviews highlight issues with space for large groups.
Groups
The group area has four campsites. Site #2 is described as cramped, with limited space for tents and vehicles. Sites #1 and #4 are better for larger groups, accommodating up to 5-6 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup area consists of four campsites spaced apart for privacy, located near creeks.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen only during summer due to snow and seasonal road access restrictions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual sites in the main Pumice Flat Campground are first-come, first-served while group sites require advance reservation.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 fee and possible forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee if canceled late.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, photography, and geologic study. The location serves as a base for accessing trails leading to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. The nearby North Fork San Joaquin River offers fishing opportunities for trout. Additionally, the area's unique landscape makes it suitable for photography and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Hiking is a standout activity at Pumice Flat Group Camp, with access to renowned trails like those in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. A mandatory shuttle system is in place to transport hikers to nearby trailheads.
Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can target trout in the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, which is accessible from the campground. Jeff S. highlights the proximity of the river, stating it is 'an easy stroll across the road from the campground, great for fly fishing.'
Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and various bird species. Visitors are advised to store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
Winter Activities
No winter activities are specified; the campground is only accessible in summer due to snow.
Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed but subject to seasonal fire restrictions.
  • Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated; presumed to follow standard quiet hours for national forests.

Hazards

General hazardsHigh altitude (7,700 ft) may require acclimatization. Wildlife such as black bears and mountain lions are present. Seasonal mosquitoes can be abundant.
Active alertsCampground road may be inaccessible until late May or early June due to snow.

Weather forecast

58
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 46%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 24.6 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky
7-Day Forecast

Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.

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.

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Emergency Services

For emergencies, contact Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center or Mono Lakes Visitor Center at (760) 924-5500 or (760) 647-3044.

Good to know

Peak season datesLate May through September, dependent on weather and snow clearance.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to two creeks and near the North Fork of the San Joaquin River.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight limited space for parking and tents in certain group sites, particularly Site #2.
HostCampground hosts are noted as excellent; facilities include clean pit toilets.

Campground Map

INYO
Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 395, take Highway 203 west through the town of Mammoth Lakes. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Minaret (203). Pass the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Minaret Vista. Continue a few miles on Red's Meadow Road to the campground turnoff.
The road to the facility is narrow, single-lane and only accessible in summer.
Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes, CA - Approximately 15 minutes away by car.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at the Red's Meadow Pack Station and Resort, located about 2.5 miles away. Amenities include a general store and cafe.

Camper Reviews

4.3
6 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pumice Flat Group Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, visitors appreciate the natural beauty, cleanliness of facilities, and privacy between group sites. There are mixed reviews about the layout and size of specific group sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots, and the picturesque natural surroundings are commonly praised. Jeff S. notes, 'The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River is an easy...
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Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Group Site #2 is criticized for being cramped, with limited space for tents and vehicles. Additionally, the road to the campground is narrow and single-lane, which may be challenging for some...
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Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Jeff S. recommends bringing fly fishing gear for the nearby river, while Terri P. advises choosing Group Site #3 for smaller groups and #1 or #4 for larger groups. Visitors should also be prepared...
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Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the primary season for camping here, as the area is inaccessible during winter due to snow. Early summer may bring abundant mosquitoes, so campers should come prepared.
Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The bathrooms [are] very clean. Awesome place to stay.' - Ana R. - 'The four camp spots are designed to have a lot of space between them, so you get a bit of privacy.' - Jeff S. - 'Group Site #2...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site #2 is often critiqued for its cramped layout, while Group Sites #1 and #4 are recommended for larger groups. Terri P. suggests Group Site #3 for smaller parties.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows up to two pets per site, but there are no detailed reviews about pet-owner experiences.
Based on 6 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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