When my friend Sean suggested a summer camping trip to Mammoth Lakes, I was intrigued by the chance to see this stunning area in a completely different light. Instead of the usual winter activities, we’d be trading in our snowboards for hiking boots and snow gear for swimsuits. This time, it wasn’t about rushing to catch the first chairlift but rather slowing down to enjoy the sunshine, explore alpine trails, and sleep under a blanket of stars. The idea of pitching a tent in the middle of Mammoth’s breathtaking summer landscape sounded like the perfect way to experience a new side of this place I thought I knew so well.
It was time to pack up the car, grab the camping gear, and hit the road for a summer adventure in the Eastern Sierra.
To Get There
From Los Angeles, take I-5 N to I-14 N, then merge onto US-395 N and drive for about 180 miles. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road after Tom’s Place and continue for 7 miles to reach East Fork Campground, a roughly 5.5 to 6-hour drive to Mammoth Lakes.
Where to Stay
After a scenic drive up the 395, we turned onto the winding Rock Creek Road, arriving at East Fork Campground where our friends had snagged a first-come, first-served spot. The landscape was stunning, with the forest greenery contrasting against the sunlit, snowy mountain peaks. We reached the campsite just before sunset, setting up under tall trees near a rushing river. That evening, we enjoyed dinner, sipped whiskey by the campfire, and marveled at the stars overhead.
Location: East Fork Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Hike to Rock Creek Lake
The next morning, we eased into the day, slowly rising from our tents as the sunlight started to filter through the trees at East Fork Campground. We took our time, savoring hot cups of coffee and filling our bellies with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a hike to Rock Creek Lake.
Even early in the day, the heat was already making its presence known—it was hot, hot, hot! But as we began our trek along the river, we were met with the surprising sight of patches of snow still clinging to the shaded areas, remnants of the late snowmelt. The ground was muddy in places, a reminder of the seasonal transition and the power of nature waking up from winter.
Location: Rock Creek Lake, CA
Camp Dinner
We drove to town (Mammoth) after our hike to grab groceries for dinner. Back at camp, we grilled up some fajitas and roasted corn on the fire pit. I took a night stroll to lie on the bridge over the rushing river and view the stars. The stars here are amazing, there were so many pulsing in the dark sky, alive and vibrating, full of energy.
The next morning we decided to go for a hike. We started up the steep mountain trail in the blasting heat, no shade. This didn’t work out so well, about three quarters of a mile in we turned around for fear of heat exhaustion.
Paddle Boarding on Convict Lake
After our failed hiking attempt, we hopped back in the cars and headed over to Convict Lake. As soon as we arrived, I was blown away by the scenery. The lake’s striking turquoise waters were framed by towering, snow-capped mountains—it was absolutely breathtaking.
While some of our friends opted to hike along the shoreline, Jenna and I decided to take advantage of the perfect weather and paddleboard instead. The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze skimmed across the surface of the lake, making it an ideal day to be out on the water. We paddled slowly, taking in the incredible views around us, but were careful to maintain our balance—one dip of our toes in the icy, snowmelt-fed water was enough to remind us just how cold it was. As tempting as it looked in the heat, a fall into that frigid lake would have been a real shock! It was one of those magical days where everything came together perfectly: beautiful scenery, great company, and an unforgettable summer adventure in the Eastern Sierra.
Location: Convict Lake, CA
Spending summer in Mammoth Lakes offers a whole new perspective on this incredible slice of the Eastern Sierra. While it’s known as a winter wonderland for skiing and snowboarding, the warmer months reveal a different kind of adventure. The snow melts away to uncover miles of hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, and stunning alpine views that rival any winter scene. You can start your day with a peaceful hike along rushing rivers, paddle on turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks, or even dip your toes into a freezing lake, all under a sun-soaked sky.
Every trip to Mammoth Lakes offers something new, a chance to explore, and a reason to keep coming back, season after season.
If you want to make the road trip more enjoyable, check out my post Make Your Road Trip on Highway 395 into an Epic Journey. There are so many fun places to stop along the way.
Watch The Video
A Weekend Camping at Mammoth Lakes 2017 from Chrissi Hernandez on Vimeo.
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2 Responses
Love this post! I will have to try this itinerary soon myself!
Thanks Catalina! Convict Lake was stunning and you could hike around it, kayak, or paddle board. Alabama Hills was also a fave to stop in to see, it’s so stunning and a quick stop off the 395!