Camp at Mono Lake
Details
Added by Gregg Boydston
Pick your beach-front camping spot at this lesser known area. Spend the day enjoying the lake with an SUP or Kayak.
Many people visit Mono Lake for a quick photo opportunity of the South Tufa. When I discovered camping was allowed on the North side of the lake, I knew I had to experience it and share.
You head East on Cemetery Rd. just North of Lee Vining. This road turns into a dirt road, which will require you to stay right on a fork. You will see a sign directing you to Black Point, which will require a right turn (kind of hidden by sage brush). Head a little further down the road and you come to a dead end with a kiosk. This is where you will park your vehicle. There are some guidelines to camping on the beach and I hope that anyone who decides to will follow them. They ask that you keep a certain distance from the water (wildlife purposes) and that you stay within a certain distance along the water. This lake has a lot going on with animals and plants which is why they ask us to respect these guidelines.
We simply walked about 50 yards from the car and set up camp there. There is plenty of space to play some games or fetch with the pups. We had a few games of Bocce Ball going along with some frisbee.
THINGS I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT:
- The wind can get bad
- There are quite a bit of coyotes in the area in the evening
- The lake can smell
- Mono Cone in Lee Vining is a great food stop (seasonal)
- Black Point Fissures are a 40 minute hike away
- Please respect the area
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This spot looks stunning, Greg - thanks for sharing!
It's a bit chilly, but totally worth kicking off your shoes and layers for a dip in the lake. The high salinity helps to make you float:) Also, I always head up the road 25 minutes Southbound 395 towards Mammoth and take a left after the airport at the little Green church into Benton Crossing Rd to relax in Wild Willie's Hot Spring...it's the best way to see the stars of the Long Valley Caldera
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You can encounter all kinds of weather here in a single day. Definitely bring layers.
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