June Lake is in east-central California's Mono County, and is literally surrounded by Inyo National Forest. It is one of four lakes that are reached by the June Lake Loop, a road that serves as a popular access highway for hikers, campers and anglers. While June Lake's private campgrounds cater to RVs, Inyo National Forest maintains a trio of public campgrounds by the lake for tent campers in search of outdoor adventure. All of these campgrounds are in bear country. As they are part of a national forest, there is a 14-day maximum stay and "leave no trace" standards are in force.
June Lake Campground
June Lake Campground is just off the June Lake Loop, less than a half mile from U.S. 395. Nestled on the shores of June Lake, the campground has 28 sites set in a forest of aspen and pine. The campground is serviced by water taps and a centrally-located flush toilet. Some sites are open to RVs, but none have hookups. Leashed pets are welcome, and national forest hiking trails pass through the area. June Lake Campground is within walking distance of a number of local services, such as the restaurants and shops of the town of June Lake, as well as the local marina. It is the only one of the three public campgrounds immediately around June Lake that accepts advance reservations.
June Lake Campground
June Lake, CA 93529
(760) 873-2400
fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreation/camping/june-lake.shtml
Gull Lake Campground
Gull Lake Campground is a smaller, 11-site camping area. While located in a relatively isolated area, it is still only half a mile's walk from a complex of lodges and hotels that sits between Gull Lake and June Lake, and only one and a half miles from the main part of the town of June Lake. The result is a smaller and quieter campground in a forested, lakeside area that still enjoys convenient access to surrounding stores and restaurants. Gull Lake has water taps, access to hiking trails and shore fishing, and welcomes pets that are kept on a leash.
Gull Lake Campground
June Lake, CA 93529
(760) 873-2400
fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreation/camping/gull-lake.shtml
Reversed Creek Campground
Set on its namesake creek, this campground is set roughly one third of a mile to the southwest of Gull Lake. Set back from either Gull or June Lake, it is the most isolated of the area's public, tent-friendly campgrounds. It has 17 forested camping sites, water taps and access to the area's hiking trails.
Reversed Creek Campground
June Lake, CA 93529
(760) 873-2400
fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreation/camping/reversed-creek.shtml
About The Author
Richard Thomas has been writing since earning his M.A. in international affairs in 1997, frequently writes about hiking and scuba diving for Trails.com, and also works as the Budget Travel topic manager for eHow and the senior travel editor for Associated Content. His 2009 work on Portuguese hiking and artisanal cheeses has also appeared in print.
