After a month of dry camping in the desert, it's sweet to be back in trees. The campground is tucked in a grove of Jeffrey Pine Trees & is easy walking distance to Mammoth Lakes.
New Shady Rest - Forest Service Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA: Site #151 (92 RV sites total) - This site has: water nearby. Campground/Notes: flush toilets • dump station available • trails from campground • trails nearby • 7,800’ elevation. May 6th - 11th. Miles driven: 37 miles (tap on mileage to see route & elevation change).
Pros:
• Walk to town.
• Non-reservable sites (on our visit all sites were non-reservable).
Cons:
• Some town road noise.Overall Experience:
Backyard of the day. Up the hill and towards the right are the bear locker and picnic table at our campsite 4 years ago. Another fun stay at New Shady Rest Campground in Mammoth Lakes CA.
Today's outing – A drive on the backroads to Bald Mountain Lookout. This former fire lookout has amazing 360 degree views. The last section of the road up the mountain was a tad iffy with melting snow & mud, but we made it.
Diana did a run from our campsite at Shady Rest Campground today. Mr. Garmin says minimum elevation 7637’, maximum 8146’.
Dusty trails reminded me of Bend trail dust.
Lookie what's a mile walk from our campsite.
On the road again. We really enjoyed Mammoth Lakes but, unfortunately, it’s time to move on. Guess where we’re heading?
Local Flavor – Area Businesses We Enjoyed & Recommend
• Black Doubt Brewing Very good beers, but they don't serve food. You can order it from two restaurants in the shopping center. The brewery is a mile walk from the campground.
Also see: Tap here to view our 2014 visit.
The New Shady Rest Campground is a popular campground located in the Inyo National Forest near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The campground is situated in a grove of Jeffrey Pine trees at an elevation of 7,800 feet.
Campsites and Environment
- The campground offers 92 campsites that are suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers.
- The campsites are well-shaded by the surrounding pine trees, providing a cool and comfortable environment for campers.
- Many of the sites are also described as being "good sized" and providing ample space.
Convenient Location
One of the key features of the New Shady Rest Campground is its convenient location. The campground is located within walking distance of the town of Mammoth Lakes, allowing campers to easily access the shops, restaurants, and other amenities of the town. There is also a bike path that runs directly through the campground, making it easy for campers to explore the surrounding area by bike.
Facilities and Amenities
In terms of on-site facilities, the campground provides flush toilets and water spigots, but does not have any hookups or showers. Campers will need to plan accordingly and bring their own camping gear and supplies. The campground also does not have a dump station, so RV campers will need to plan for disposing of their waste elsewhere.
Outdoor Activities
The New Shady Rest Campground is a popular destination for a variety of outdoor activities. The campground is well-suited for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing, with easy access to the surrounding trails and natural areas of the Inyo National Forest. The town of Mammoth Lakes also offers additional recreational opportunities, such as shopping, dining, and access to other attractions in the region.
Bear Safety
One potential drawback of the New Shady Rest Campground is the presence of bears in the area. Campers are advised to take proper precautions, such as storing food properly and keeping a clean campsite, to avoid attracting bears.
Overall, the New Shady Rest Campground offers a convenient and comfortable camping experience in a beautiful natural setting. The campground's proximity to Mammoth Lakes and its range of outdoor activities make it a popular destination for both tent and RV campers. While the lack of certain amenities, such as showers and hookups, may be a consideration for some campers, the campground's scenic location and easy access to the town and surrounding trails make it a great option for those seeking a peaceful and enjoyable camping experience in the Inyo National Forest.
