Silver Lake Campground
June Lake, CA 93529, United States
Overview
Nestled at 7,200 feet, Silver Lake Campground is located between the picturesque June Lake and Ansel Adams Wilderness in Inyo National Forest, right at the base of Carson Peak in the June Lake Area.
Going north on the 395 from Bishop and Mammoth, look out for the June Lake turnoff (highway #158) to the west just before you get to Lee Vining. Silver Lake campground is about 7 miles southwest from the turnoff.
With 63 sites that can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs up to 40 feet, there are plenty of water facilities in addition to flush toilets and showers but there are no hookups.
There is a small store, a multitude of hiking trails, a boat ramp, and stellar fly fishing in the nearby Owens River and Rush Creek.
Pets are allowed at Silver Lake Campground but they must be leashed and attended to at all times. You’ll be in bear country, so be sure to use the bear-proof lockers to store your food.
The campground is open from April to late Octoboer or early November, weather depending.
Best Campsites at Silver Lake Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Silver Lake Campground.
Sites 18, 20, 22, 32, 38, 42
- Close to lake access
- Great views and privacy with trees
Sites 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
- Close to Silver Lake Cafe
- Close to the boat ramp
- Campsites 15 and 16 are double campsites, perfect for group camping
Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62
- Close to Rush Creek Trailhead
- Close to showers and bathrooms
- Close to Horsetail Falls * Downside - further away from the lake
Unique Experiences
- Relax to the sound of Horsetail Falls that can be heard in most of the campground
- Go boating and fishing in Silver Lake and the numerous creeks and lakes around the area.
- Rent a bike and pedal around the June Lake Loop Road with stunning views of the Eastern Sierra.
- Hike the multitude of trails in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and explore the creeks and lakes.
- Book a horse-riding tour that takes you into the Inyo National Forest.
- Go for a drive and check out the many hot springs around.
- Have a simple picnic with family and friends around your campsite and enjoy being in the tranquil surroundings.
- Go fly fishing in the nearby Owens River or Rush Creek.
Silver Lake Campground Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
40 feetMax Length of Stay
14 nightsMax People per Site
6 peopleMax Vehicles per Site
2 vehicles, first is free, second is $7Fires Allowed
YesSilver Lake Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
NoYou can make a reservation for Silver Lake Campgrounds online at www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. A night at Silver Lake will cost $28 per night for normal campsites. There’s also a $10 reservation fee, an additional $2 to $4 for weekends and holidays, and a $7 parking fee per second vehicle every night.
Reservations are available from 4 days to 6 months in advance before your arrival date. Check-in and check-out time will be at 2 PM noon, and the reservation is on a first come first served basis.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- The date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
While there are no group sites, Silver Lake has two double sites that can hold 12 people and 4 vehicles each, so you can reserve these sites as well as adjacent sites if you have a larger group. Costs are $56 for a double site.
If you’d like to book the double campsite for group camping, you can make the reservation at www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. The website will also show you whether or not the campsite is still available.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
If you decide to reschedule or cancel your stay, you will have to pay a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellation charges can also apply and if you cancel after midnight a day before your scheduled arrival, you’ll be charged your first night's stay. For group or double campsites, late cancellation fees start from midnight 14 days before your arrival.
Silver Lake Campground Campground Cost
Single Site
$28Double Site
$56Activities
Backpacking
Bike Trails
Fishing
Swimming
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Photography
Canoeing / Kayaking
Picnicking
Stargazing
Wildlife Viewing
Nature Trails
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Showers
Campfire Rings
Grills
Picnic Tables
Wood for Sale
Boat Ramp
Campground Host
Potable Water
Cell Service
Storage Lockers
Restrooms
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Silver Lake Campground
Gull Lake Campground
Gull Lake Campground is much smaller than Silver Lake, with only 11 campsites available in their area. But they have a very shaded and private campground, which is ideal for those seeking a more secluded spot.
Their rate is also the same as Silver Lake; $28 per night. Gull Lake also allows RVs but can accommodate only small RVs up to 30 feet compared to Silver Lake that has a maximum length of 40 feet.
Reversed Creek Campground
With 17 sites, Reversed Creek is also a smaller campground compared to Silver Lake’s 53 sites. They also offer lots of shaded areas and more spaces in between campsites, which is great if you want more privacy.
The cost is also the same as Silver Lake, at $28 per night. Reversed Creek can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet, while the maximum for Silver Lake is 40 feet. Both campgrounds have no hookups, and in Reversed Creek, there are no showers nor a boat ramp unlike Silver Lake.
Reversed Creek is also set a ways back from the water’s edge, while there are sites at Silver Lake campground right on the lake’s shoreline.
June Lake Campground
June Lake is smaller than Silver Lake Campground, with only 28 sites compared to the 63 at Silver Lake. June Lake is the perfect spot for families and fishing enthusiasts out there because it has closer proximity to two marinas.
It’s also much closer to amenities such as restaurants or stores. June Lake also accommodates small RVs and trailers of maximum 32 feet while Silver Lake allows up to 40 feet. The rate is the same as Silver Lake, $28 per night. While June Lake doesn’t have showers, Silver Lake does.
Oh Ridge Campground
Oh Ridge is much larger than Silver Lake, with over 140 campsites available compared to the 63 of Silver Lake. Oh Ridge also has a dump station but Silver Lake doesn’t. Both campgrounds can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet.
While Oh Ridge doesn’t have showers, the nearby Pine Cliff Resort that sells ice, firewood, and other supplies have hot showers that you can use. A site at Oh Ridge costs slightly more at $33 compared to the $28 at Silver Lake.