Mono Creek
3.7721 reviewsMono Creek
$37.00 - $77.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$37.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$77.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
During peak season (May 23–September 13), rates are $37 per night for standard non-electric sites and tent-only sites. Premium tent-only sites cost $77 per night. Holiday additional charges apply: $2 for standard sites and $4 for premium sites. Out-of-season rates are unavailable as the campground is closed.
About this campground
Tucked away in the High Sierras above Kaiser Pass, Mono Creek Campground offers a true escape from the modern world at 7,500 feet elevation. This remote mountain sanctuary sits nestled in a tranquil meadow, where the only sounds are rustling pines and babbling creek water. Just a stone's throw from the legendary Mono Hot Springs, this quiet retreat serves as basecamp for adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty. While the journey here requires navigating a challenging mountain road, those who make the trek are rewarded with exceptional hiking trails, productive fishing spots, serene boating opportunities, and scenic horseback riding routes. Fair warning: this is camping as it was meant to be—no water hookups, no crowds, just you and the wilderness.
Mono Creek Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent camping and RV camping for vehicles up to 25 feet. Double sites are available, making it suitable for group camping.
Weather and SeasonsThe High Sierra seasons paint dramatically different pictures at Mono Creek. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, with heavy snowfall and temperatures dipping to a crisp 22.5°F, creating a challenging but magical alpine experience for the truly hardy. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to its full glory—clear mountain skies stretch endlessly above, temperatures become delightfully mild, and the meadow bursts with wildflowers. These warmer months offer the perfect window for camping, when days are filled with sunshine and nights are cool enough for campfire storytelling.
ElevationPerched at 7,500 feet in the majestic High Sierras, Mono Creek Campground puts you firmly in mountain territory. At this elevation, the air is crisp and thin, the stars seem close enough to touch, and morning light paints the peaks in alpenglow. Visitors should come prepared for the altitude—pack extra water, take it easy on your first day, and remember that even summer nights can be surprisingly cool at this height. The elevation rewards you with cooler temperatures during hot valley summers and views that stretch for miles.
Natural Features and SceneryEach campsite at Mono Creek feels like your own private forest retreat, generously spaced and sheltered beneath towering Ponderosa pines that whisper ancient stories in the breeze. The landscape here is a study in contrasts—from the gentle, oak-dotted foothills you'll pass on your ascent, through densely forested middle elevations, to the raw, breathtaking beauty of the alpine zone. Mono Creek itself is the campground's liquid lifeline, where anglers regularly fill their creels with enough trout for memorable campfire dinners. As one satisfied visitor noted, they caught enough fish to feed four people two nights running. Just nearby, the natural Mono Hot Springs bubble up from the earth, offering weary hikers a chance to soak in mineral-rich waters while gazing at mountain vistas.
Geological RegionMono Creek Campground claims its place in the heart of the Sierra National Forest, where the dramatic geology of the High Sierras creates a landscape of extraordinary diversity. Above the famous Kaiser Pass, the campground occupies a gentle meadow that seems almost magical in its placement—a soft, grassy pause in the midst of granite peaks and volcanic formations. The surrounding terrain tells the story of millennia: rolling foothills dressed in golden oak groves give way to thick forests of pine and fir on the middle slopes, eventually surrendering to the stark, sublime beauty of the alpine zone. Here, mature Ponderosa pines stand as sentinels, their vanilla-scented bark and spreading crowns providing both shade and character to this mountain refuge near the geothermal wonders of Mono Hot Springs.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible. The campground’s terrain and layout may be challenging for individuals with mobility difficulties due to its natural setting.
Sites SizeSpacious sites with enough room for tents and small to medium-sized RVs. Large RVs over 25 feet are not recommended due to the narrow and challenging road.
Sites PrivacySites are described as private and well-shaded, offering a secluded experience.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Avoid the site next to the toilet and dumpster." Choose flat sites with shade near the creek (#006, #007). Site #14 is noted for being spacious and comfortable for car camping.
Best CampsitesSeveral reviewers praised campsite #14 for its size, flatness, and amenities such as car camping access and two tables. Sites #007 and #006 also received positive mentions for shade, creek proximity, and cleanliness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Sites must be occupied by noon the following day after the reservation start date.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially NOON on departure day.
Stay Limit
"Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground." "Maximum Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights total at this campground within rolling 30 days."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"The campground layout provides spacious, private sites with shade from mature Ponderosa pines. No sites directly overlook the water." The day-use area offers creek-front views.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025, and closes September 13, 2025, for reservations. Non-reservable period runs from September 13, 2025, to May 22, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov for up to six months in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit details on walk-up availability. "Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date."
Cancellation Policy"You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies alongside forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. After the start date, no modifications can be made." Late cancellations and arrival penalties are prominently outlined.
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mono Creek Campground provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, many of which are centered around nearby Edison Lake and Mono Hot Springs. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and soaking in the hot mineral baths at Mono Hot Springs.
Hiking
The campground is near the Mono Creek Trail, which connects to an extensive network of trails in the John Muir Wilderness, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Users praise the scenic quality of these trails, though some mention challenging terrain.Fishing
Mono Creek offers fishing opportunities with trout being a common catch. Some users reported mixed success, with one reviewer stating, 'Mono creek is a wonderful fish provider; we caught dinner for 4 two nights in a row.'Swimming
Swimming is possible in Mono Creek, which is described as clean and beautiful. However, there are no designated swimming areas, so safety precautions should be taken.Boating
Boating activities primarily take place at nearby Edison Lake, which is accessible from the campground. Kayaking and canoeing are popular options.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, and sightings of bears have been reported. One reviewer mentioned, 'Saw a bear wander down the mountain at dinner time, so use the food lockers and stay vigilant!'Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground is close to sites offering interpretive programs, though specific details about these programs are not provided.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing at Edison Lake are popular water sports options.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions. Campers are encouraged to buy firewood locally and burn it on-site to avoid spreading pests.
Hazards
General hazards"No flushing toilets, only vault." "Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers." Several users reported bear encounters. The road condition is hazardous with deep potholes, blind curves, and single-lane traffic. "Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions—there's zero room for error here," noted one reviewer.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Potable water is available at the nearby High Sierra Ranger Station. Emergency services information is not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025–September 13, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, including a dumpster. Several user reviews advise opening the dumpster lid fully to optimize space.
Proximity to water features"The creek is beautiful, clean, and perfect for swimming." Mono Creek is 0.4 miles walking distance from the campground, and Edison Lake is nearby for kayaking and paddling.
Common complaints"The road was so full of large and deep potholes that I would not advise going in a car without high clearance," one user stated. Complaints also include noisy neighbors late at night and challenging road access due to poor conditions.
Host"Camp hosts were excellent," said multiple reviewers, though some noted the absence of hosts during COVID.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Clovis, California, take Highway 168 north 70 miles to Huntington Lake Campground office at Eastwood. Take Kaiser Pass Road to Mono Creek Campground.
"RVs and motor homes over 25 feet are not recommended on Kaiser Road due to single-lane road with blind curves." Many user reviews also caution about the poor condition of the road, emphasizing large and deep potholes, blind curves, and challenges for vehicles without high clearance. "The road to get there can be a little scary," and "it doesn't say on the website that you have to have 4-wheel drive or high clearance to get there," as noted by users. "It felt like falling off the cliff on one side or the car getting scratched from the rocks on the other side," one camper remarked. High clearance or robust vehicles are highly recommended.Nearby supplies
The nearest general store is small and located further up the mountain near Lake Edison by the Vermilion Resort, according to user reviews.
Camper Reviews
3.8
21 reviews
Mono Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and scenic location, with a peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Mono Hot Springs and Edison Lake. However, many users criticize the road leading to the campground as narrow, potholed, and difficult to navigate without a high-clearance vehicle.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the spacious, private campsites, the beautiful natural setting, and the variety of recreational activities available from hiking to fishing. One reviewer noted, 'This is a great spot if...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The road to the campground is a frequent concern, described as rough, narrow, and suitable only for high-clearance vehicles. Vault toilets received mixed reviews, with some users mentioning strong...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water as there is no on-site source. A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended due to the road conditions. Use the bear-proof food lockers and follow all wildlife safety...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are the most popular for visiting, with positive experiences related to swimming, fishing, and hiking. However, this is also when the campground is busiest, and noise or disturbances...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The road to get there can be a little scary. It’s one lane for all vehicles traveling up and down the mountain, so drive very slow.' - Karena P. 2. 'This is the vacation I needed to be cut off...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 14 is highlighted as large and accommodating for car camping. Sites closer to the toilets received negative feedback due to odors. Sites near the creek are praised for their proximity to water,...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets are accessible, but the remote and rugged terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed and must be leashed. One review mentioned, 'Two pets per site and leashed at all times.'
Based on 21 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025