Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes, California (2026)

Deciding where to stay in Mammoth Lakes can make all the difference your Eastern Sierra trip. Whether you’re looking for an alpine campground near the trailheads, a central condo in The Village, or a private VRBO rental, choosing the right base camp comes down to your budget and planned activities. Based on my personal stays in Mammoth Lakes, this guide breaks down the best areas to stay, from lakeside camping to top-rated lodging, so you can minimize drive times and hit the trails faster.

TL/DR Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes

Accommodation	Best For	Booking Type
Twin Lakes Campground	Lakeside sites, paddleboarding, Panorama Dome trailhead	First-Come & Reservations
Lake George Campground	High elevation (9,000 ft), Crystal Lake trail access	First-Come, First-Served
Lake Mary Campground	Large sites, full lake access, classic Sierra camping	Reservations via Recreation.gov
Coldwater Campground	Duck Pass Trailhead access	Reservations via Recreation.gov
Mammoth Mountain RV Park	Year-round camping, RV hookups, proximity to town	Direct Booking (Year-Round)
Village & Old Mammoth	Hotels, VRBOs, walkable dining, winter/summer shuttles	Interactive Map Below

Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes

Best Campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Lakes has several great campgrounds for camping, hiking, and enjoying the area’s alpine lakes. Whether you’re looking for a quieter campsite surrounded by nature or a convenient base for kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring nearby trails, there are several options to consider.

Twin Lakes Campground

Twin Lakes Campground was where I stayed, and I had a great experience. The campground was fairly quiet, surrounded by nature, and had enough space between neighbouring sites that mine felt relatively private. The restrooms were very clean, and the campground was conveniently located near the store and water activities on Twin Lakes.

I also hiked to Panorama Dome directly from my campsite, which was a great bonus. If you visit in summer, you can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding on Twin Lakes, with beautiful views of Twin Falls nearby. There is also a network of cycling paths around the Mammoth Lakes area, making it easy to explore beyond the campground.

My Eastern Sierra Car Camping Setup

If you’re planning a trip to the Lakes Basin, having a comfortable camp setup is key for high-elevation nights. You can check out the exact tent, sleeping pad, and car camping gear I use on the trail in my Curated Outdoor Gear Shop.

I promise you that you’ll never have a better night’s sleep in a tent than on this Exped MegaMat Max sleeping pad!

Read my Exped MegaMat Max review here!

Lake George Campground

If you’re looking for a campground close to the water and hiking trails, Lake George Campground is another option to consider. Located at approximately 9,000 feet in elevation, this small campground sits along Lake George and offers access to kayaking, paddleboarding, and nearby hiking trails.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so reservations aren’t available. It’s also seasonal, generally opening during the summer months, depending on conditions. From here, you can hike to Crystal Lake, which I review below.

Camping fees:

• Single campsite: $34 per night
• Additional vehicle: $10 per vehicle per night

Check the official campground website for current fees, opening dates, and availability before your trip.

Lake Mary Campground

Lake Mary Campground is another option for campers who want easy access to hiking, fishing, and water activities. Located near Lake George Campground, it offers a convenient base for exploring the Mammoth Lakes area.

Lake Mary is the largest and one of the most developed lakes in the region, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, backpacking, and enjoying the surrounding scenery. The campground is a larger facility with amenities nearby, making it worth considering if you prefer a more developed camping area.

Unlike Lake George Campground, Lake Mary Campground accepts reservations, allowing you to plan your trip in advance.

Camping fees:

• Single campsite: $34 per night
• Additional vehicle: $10 per vehicle per night

Check Recreation.gov for current rates and reservation availability.

Coldwater Campground

Coldwater Campground is another camping option in the Mammoth Lakes area. This campground has great sites close to the duck pass trailhead and clean toilets. Check the Inyo National Forest website for current campground information, seasonal opening dates, and reservation details.

Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground

If you prefer to camp close to downtown Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground is located just off Main Street, across from the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and Ranger Station. Unlike the seasonal campgrounds in the area, the park is open year-round, making it a convenient option for both summer adventures and winter trips.

The campground offers full and partial RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, and dedicated overland sites for camper vans, truck campers, rooftop tents, and small adventure trailers. Its central location makes it easy to access local shops, restaurants, hiking trails, fishing spots, and winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Keep in mind that tent camping, cabins, and some RV sites are seasonal, so check the official website for availability and reservation details before booking.

Mammoth Lakes Hotels, VRBOs & Village Rentals

If camping isn’t your vibe, finding the right base camp in Mammoth Lakes is key to beating the crowds to the trailheads.

where you choose to stay really depends on what you’re looking to do in Mammoth, and I listed some top-rated Mammoth Lakes hotels, condo rentals, and VRBO options below.

• The Village at Mammoth: Best for walkable dining, shops, and quick access to shuttles heading up to the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Devils Postpile, or Main Lodge trailheads.

• Old Mammoth & Lakes Basin Road: Ideal for a quieter stay with fast morning drives to popular hikes like Lake George, Crystal Lake, and Duck Pass.

Tier	Property Recommendation	Target Audience	Why It Fits
Budget / Value	Mammoth Creek Inn or Moderne Hostel	Solo hikers, budget travelers	Affordable, clean, great access to Old Mammoth Road & town shuttles.
Mid-Range / Central	Outbound Mammoth or Alpenhof Lodge	Couples, friends, active outdoorsy travelers	Newly renovated boutique vibes, pet-friendly, central location.
Condo / VRBO / Groups	The Village Lodge or VRBO Village Condos	Families, groups, longer stays	Kitchenettes, walkable dining, direct access to trailhead shuttles.

Mammoth Lakes Lodging Interactive Map

Filter by dates, budget, or location on the interactive map below to pin down your ideal staying spot before hitting the Eastern Sierra trails:

Frequently Asked Questions: Staying in Mammoth Lakes

What is the best area to stay in Mammoth Lakes without a car?

The best area to stay without a car is The Village at Mammoth. It offers direct access to the free Town Trolley and mountain shuttles, placing you within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and rental gear.

How far in advance should I book campgrounds in Mammoth Lakes?

Campgrounds in the Lakes Basin, such as Twin Lakes, Lake George, and Lake Mary, typically open reservations 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov and sell out quickly for summer weekends. Book as early as possible, or look into first-come, first-served sites early on a weekday.

Is it better to stay in The Village or Old Mammoth?

• Stay in The Village if you want walkable night life, quick shuttle access, and a central resort feel.
• Choose Old Mammoth if you prefer a quieter, more budget-friendly stay with local grocery stores, quiet dining options, and easy driving access to the lakes.

What is the closest campground to town?

Mammoth Mountain RV Park sits right near the entrance of town with full hookups and amenities, while Twin Lakes Campground is the closest alpine campground located just at the base of the Lakes Basin loop.

Final Thoughts about Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes

Whether you choose to sleep under the pines at Twin Lakes or stay in a cozy Village condo, picking the right base camp comes down to how you want to spend your mornings. If your goal is alpine sunrises and beating the trailhead crowds, staying close to the Lakes Basin or near a shuttle stop makes all the difference. Book your spot early during peak summer months, pack your layers for chilly high-elevation nights, and get ready to enjoy one of the best mountain towns in the Eastern Sierra.