Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California, Twin Lakes Campground is a popular destination for camping enthusiasts. The campground offers lakeside camping with breathtaking scenery and numerous outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and viewing waterfalls.
Cost and Fees
The cost for camping at Twin Lakes Campground is $29 per night per site. There is a limit of one RV with tow per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate one extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee, which will be charged a per-night fee and collected at the campground.
Reservations and Availability
Reservations for Twin Lakes Campground can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 606-515-6777 or TDD 877-833-6777). The site can be reserved up to six months in advance. The campground is open from mid-April to October 31st, and reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
Campground Layout and Amenities
The campground is divided into three sections, with Sections 1 and 2 located on the west side, closer to the shore, and Section 3 set upon a hill. Picnic tables, campfire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water are provided in all sections. Campers can also walk to the facility’s general store for boat rentals, camping supplies, and showers.
The campground is forested with lodgepole pine, providing partial shade and a private setting. It sits at an elevation of 8,600 feet at the base of snow-capped, 11,059′ Mammoth Mountain, a popular skiing destination. The mountains are abundant with wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika, and many species of fish and birds.
Outdoor Activities
The 108-acre Twin Lakes are a prime location for trout fishing, with anglers casting for rainbow, brook, and brown trout while watching a waterfall tumble into the lake. The calm waters are also inviting for canoes and kayaks, though power boats must have electric motors.
Several trails offer a variety of hikes nearby, including a 4-mile trail on Mammoth Mountain and two shorter nature trails along the lakes. Families enjoy attending educational programs scheduled throughout the summer.
Nearby Attractions
Twin Lakes Campground is close to several popular lakes for fishing and boating, including the Mammoth Lakes Basin, which contains several additional popular lakes to explore. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort offers year-round recreation, and the magnificent John Muir Wilderness is nearby, which stretches 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevadas.
Bear Safety
Each site at Twin Lakes Campground is equipped with a bear-proof locker to store food and scented items, as there has been a high level of bear activity in the area. All trash must be disposed of in the bear-proof trash receptacles, and food, trash, or scented items should not be stored in vehicles.
Conclusion
Twin Lakes Campground in California is a must-visit destination for camping enthusiasts looking for breathtaking scenery, numerous outdoor activities, and abundant wildlife. With its lakeside camping, amenities, and nearby attractions, the campground offers something for everyone. Remember to store food and scented items properly to avoid attracting bears and to follow all campground rules and regulations.
References:
– Twin Lakes Campground – Inyo National Forest. USDA Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20466
– Twin Lakes Campground, Inyo National Forest – Recreation.gov. USDA Forest Service. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234329
– Twin Lakes Resort – Bridgeport, California. Twin Lakes Resort. https://twinlakeresort.com