CAMP
LIKE a
PRO
in the Eastern Sierra
DOWNLOAD THE CAMP LIKE A PRO APP
(CAN BE USED OFFLINE)
How to...
CAMP LIKE A PRO
Staying in an established campground...
is the best way to protect our public lands from fires, trash, and trampling.
However, if campgrounds are full and you are considering Dispersed Camping...
(the term used for camping outside of a developed camp ground), follow these DO IT RIGHT camping rules to keep our cherished public lands, wildlife, nearby communities and YOU safe.
Please use the Interactive Map provided...
on this page (if you're viewing via mobile device just scroll down) to plan ahead and know where you can and CANNOT DISPERSED CAMP. Abide by local stay limits and closures, and respect private property boundaries.
The policies outlined here are strictly enforced.
PROS PREPARE.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.
Facilities, availability and conditions vary.
Know where you can and can't camp. Be prepared for extreme weather and emergencies – help may be a long way off, whether for a flat tire or a twisted ankle.
PACK IT IN. PACK IT OUT.
The best way to reduce your impact while camping is to not create waste to pack out. Choose sustainable and reuseable items when possible. Here’s a fun example – did you know that there is a refillable option for the propane canisters we use to fuel our lanterns and camp stoves?
Bring your own trash bags and take out ALL waste, including toilet paper, food scraps and pet waste. Pros choose sustainable items and leave their site better than they found it!
PRO
CAMPSITE
SELECTION
Established Campgrounds – With over 160 developed campgrounds in Inyo and Mono counties, this is your best bet for a great camping experience that also preserves our pristine environment. Reserve your campsite at recreation.gov or reserveamerica.com
Dispersed Camping – Venturing beyond established campgrounds (aka "boondocking") means taking your camping responsibility to the next level.
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Choose an already-disturbed area at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, wetlands and other natural water sources.
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Store food (and trash!) in bear-proof food containers. Never leave food in your tent.
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Do not feed or approach wild animals. No selfie is worth it.
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Be kind to other campers. Give everyone their space.
PRO
CAMPFIRE
SKILLS
There’s nothing between a campfire and a wildfire except YOUR SKILLS. Don’t be the camping amateur that starts the big one.
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Get your mandatory California Campfire Permit at readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/. Always check local fire restrictions.
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Prepare the area, have a 5-gallon water bucket and shovel at the ready.
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Tend your fire like a boss. If you are not watching it, douse it.
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KNOW HOW TO PUT YOUR FIRE COMPLETELY OUT— cold enough for you to stick your hand in the ashes.
(Be careful testing it!)
POO
LIKE A
PRO
Your number 2 is a number one problem. Here’s how to do-do it right at a dispersed campsite.
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GO FAR. Set up your Pro Poo Zone at least 200 feet from your campsite and any water source.
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GO DEEP. Bury your waste at least 6 inches down. Always pack out your soiled toilet paper!
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GO PRO. Use ‘wag bags’ or a portable toilet.
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Remember to clean up after your pets, too.
EASTERN SIERRA CAMPING MAP
Please click on this interactive map for more details
Please click anywhere on this interactive map for more details on land
ownership, current policy/restrictions, trails & roads, and other useful information
This map provides a visual representation of current, historic, and existing land management policy – no codification or revision to existing policy is implied, endorsed or represented by this product.
Some handy...
RESOURCES
For Maps &
Information
FOREST CLOSURES & FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
AIR QUALITY & SMOKE INFORMATION
ALPINE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
3 Webster St, Markleeville, CA 96120 * 530-694-2475
EASTERN SIERRA INTER-AGENCY VISITOR CENTER
US- 395 & CA-136, Lone Pine, CA 93545 * 760-876-6200
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20698
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Bishop Field Office
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100, Bishop, CA 93514 * 760-872-5000
https://www.blm.gov/office/bishop-field-office
BISHOP AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER
690 N. Main St., Bishop, CA 93514 * 760-873-8405
https://www.bishopvisitor.com/
INYO NATIONAL FOREST:
White Mountain Ranger District
798 N. Main St., Bishop, CA 93514 * 760-873-2500 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20230
Mammoth Lakes Ranger District /Mono Basin District:
Mammoth Lakes California Welcome Center
2510 Main St., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 * 760-924-5500 https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5403315
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center
Lee Vining Creek Trail, Lee Vining, CA 93541 * 760-647-3044
MONO LAKE COMMITTEE INFORMATION CENTER & BOOKSTORE
US-395 at 3rd St., Lee Vining, CA 93541 * 760-647-6595
https://www.monolake.org/
HUMBOLDT-TOIYABE NATIONAL FOREST
Bridgeport Ranger District, US 395 south of Bridgeport, CA 93517 * 760-932-7070
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/htnf/about-forest/districts/?cid=fseprd754240
MAMMOTH LAKES TOURISM
2520 Main St., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 * 888-466-2666
https://www.visitmammoth.com/
MONO COUNTY TOURISM
Mono County * 800-845-7922
https://www.monocounty.org/
REFUEL YOUR FUN !
Refillable propane canisters FREE for Mono County residents courtesy of CalRecycle while supplies last!
reFUEL YOUR FUN
REFUEL YOUR FUN with refillable propane canisters!
Thanks to a grant from CalRecycle, refillable propane canisters are FREE* for Mono County residents while supplies last! (*limit one per household)
Refillable canisters can be claimed at the Mono County Public Works offices in Bridgeport (above the library) and at the Mono County offices in Mammoth Lakes. If picking up in Mammoth, call Marcella 760-616-4953 or Val Vega 760-616-4189 to arrange pick up or drop off.
Once you've used all the propane in your canister, simply take the canister to the Mammoth Lakes Chevron (3236 Main St, Mammoth Lakes) and for ~$15 either exchange your canister for a full one, or get it refilled on site.
Or, if you're camping on the road, check out refuelyourfun.org for more refill or exchange locations.
