Diaz Lake

For California residents seeking an accessible and affordable outdoor escape with breathtaking scenery, Diaz Lake Campground in Lone Pine presents an ideal destination. Strategically located just off Highway 395, this Inyo County Park offers a unique blend of lakeside recreation and stunning mountain views, making it a perfect stop for road-trippers or a peaceful basecamp for exploring the majestic Eastern Sierra. Whether you're looking to cool off in refreshing waters, cast a line, or simply relax under the vast California sky, Diaz Lake provides a convenient and memorable camping experience that combines natural beauty with practical amenities.

Diaz Lake Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant recreational area centered around an 80-acre lake. It caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from families looking for a swimming spot with a playground to anglers seeking their next catch, and those who enjoy water sports like boating and water skiing. The campground embraces a rustic charm, providing basic facilities that encourage a genuine connection with the outdoors, rather than relying on extensive commercial amenities. This focus on natural recreation at an affordable price point makes it particularly appealing to many Californians.

The essence of Diaz Lake lies in its welcoming simplicity and its spectacular natural setting. Imagine waking up to the sun illuminating the jagged peaks of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, with Mount Whitney standing proudly in the distance. The convenience of being right on the lake means immediate access to cooling waters, a true blessing during warm California days, as one satisfied customer enthusiastically shared: "We all put on our bathing suits and jumped in! The water was perfect. It cooled us down so we weren't all grumpy any more!" This direct access to water-based activities distinguishes it from many other desert-edge campgrounds.

For California locals, Diaz Lake Campground offers an excellent opportunity for a spontaneous getaway or a planned adventure that won't break the bank. Its year-round operation, combined with its prime location off a major highway, makes it a flexible option for short overnight stays or longer family vacations. It's a testament to the diverse recreational opportunities available in the Golden State, providing a welcoming spot where the beauty of the high desert meets the refreshment of a clear mountain lake.

Diaz Lake Campground is conveniently located at US-395, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA. This address places it approximately three miles south of the charming town of Lone Pine, directly alongside U.S. Highway 395. This major north-south artery through the Owens Valley makes Diaz Lake exceptionally accessible for travelers and locals alike, whether they are driving from Southern California or venturing south from destinations like Mammoth Lakes or Bishop.

The campground's direct frontage on US-395 means easy entry and exit, a significant convenience, particularly for RVs. While it's just off a main highway, the design of the campground and its lake setting still provide a sense of natural escape. Its proximity to Lone Pine is a major advantage, as the town offers essential services such as gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and outdoor gear shops, ensuring campers have access to everything they might need during their stay. This convenience allows visitors to enjoy a rustic camping experience without being completely isolated from modern conveniences.

Beyond the immediate vicinity, the location is a gateway to some of California's most iconic natural attractions. Just a short drive away are the Alabama Hills, a unique geological formation famous for its distinctive rock formations and as a backdrop for countless Hollywood films. Further up the road lies the gateway to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, offering unparalleled hiking and climbing opportunities. This strategic position makes Diaz Lake an excellent basecamp for exploring the vast recreational opportunities of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains and the Owens Valley.

For California locals, the combination of excellent accessibility, proximity to essential services in Lone Pine, and direct access to both water recreation and world-renowned mountain attractions makes Diaz Lake Campground a highly desirable and practical choice for their outdoor adventures.

Diaz Lake Campground, managed by Inyo County Parks & Recreation, offers a range of services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, emphasizing natural recreation. While it operates on a more rustic model than some commercial parks, it provides essential facilities for campers:

• Campsites: Approximately 100 sites are available for both RV (no hookups) and tent camping. Sites are generally spacious, and some are waterfront, providing direct lake access. There are also specific tent-only campsites and group sites (Sites 44, 45, and 46 can accommodate up to 15 people).
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals and gathering.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Each site includes a built-in metal fire ring with a grill grate, allowing for campfires (when permitted by fire regulations) and outdoor cooking. Campers should always check for current fire restrictions.
• Vault Toilets: Basic, non-flush vault toilets (pit toilets) are available throughout the campground for restroom facilities. Reviews generally indicate they are kept clean.
• Water Spigots: Limited water spigots are available throughout the campground, providing access to piped water for drinking and other needs, though it's advised to confirm potable status or filter water. Potable water is generally available from March 1 to October 31.
• Swimming Beach: A small, designated swimming beach provides safe access to the lake for cooling off, a highlight for many visitors, especially during warmer months.
• Playground: A children's playground is available, making the campground family-friendly and providing entertainment for younger visitors.
• Boat Launch Ramp: A boat launch ramp provides easy access to Diaz Lake for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Motorized watercraft require a daily fee and must undergo quagga mussel inspection before launching.
• Fishing Deck: An ADA-accessible fishing deck is located near the boat launch ramp, providing easy access for anglers.
• Automated Pay Stations: Convenient automated pay stations accept credit cards and cash for camping fees ($14 per site/vehicle per night, with an additional vehicle fee of $5.00).
• Trash Pickup: While not explicitly stated as curbside, general trash pickup or designated dumpsters are usually available, though "pack it in, pack it out" is always a good practice.

Diaz Lake Campground offers several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts in California:

• Lakeside Camping & Water Recreation: The primary highlight is direct access to the 80-acre Diaz Lake. This allows for swimming, fishing (shore fishing allowed year-round with license), water skiing (seasonal, limited capacity), and boating with both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. It’s a perfect oasis for cooling down, as one reviewer gratefully noted after a long, hot drive.
• Affordable Rates: At $14 per night per vehicle, Diaz Lake offers a very budget-friendly camping option, especially compared to private campgrounds with full hookups in the region. This affordability makes it accessible for a wider range of Californian campers.
• Convenient Location off US-395: Its immediate proximity to Highway 395 makes it incredibly convenient for an overnight stop on a longer road trip to destinations like Lake Tahoe or for easy access when exploring the Eastern Sierra region. "Very convenient location, off 395" is a common sentiment.
• Stunning Eastern Sierra Views: Campers are treated to spectacular panoramic views of the towering Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, including Mount Whitney, creating a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for their stay.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a small swimming beach and a playground, Diaz Lake is well-suited for families with children, providing built-in entertainment and safe areas for play.
• Spacious Campsites: Reviews suggest the campground offers "plenty of space" between sites, ensuring a sense of privacy even when the campground is busy. Sites can accommodate large RVs (without hookups) as well as tents.
• Year-Round Operation: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Diaz Lake is open year-round, offering flexibility for off-season adventures, though some water activities may be seasonal.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The campground is just three miles from Lone Pine, offering easy access to town amenities. It's also a gateway to the iconic Alabama Hills (a popular filming location) and a direct route to the Mount Whitney Portal.
• Natural Environment: Despite its accessibility, the campground maintains a natural feel, with sites often offering sun cover from trees and a peaceful lakeside ambiance, allowing campers to truly disconnect.

For more information, reservations, or inquiries about Diaz Lake Campground, please use the following contact details. It is always recommended to check current conditions, especially regarding watercraft inspections (quagga mussels), water availability, and fire restrictions.

Address: US-395, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA

Phone: (760) 876-5656 (This is the primary contact number for Inyo County Parks & Recreation, which manages Diaz Lake Campground. They can provide the most current information regarding camping, fees, boat regulations, and any alerts.)

Mobile Phone: +1 760-876-5656

For boat launch reservations (for motorized watercraft, limited to 5 per day) or further inquiries, you can also try (760) 873-5577, which is another contact for Inyo County Parks & Recreation.

Online Reservations: While some sites are first-come, first-served, reservations for certain sites and motorized boat launches can sometimes be made via ReserveAmerica.com (search for Diaz Lake Campground).

Diaz Lake Campground is an excellent choice for California locals, offering an accessible, affordable, and multifaceted outdoor experience in the stunning Eastern Sierra. For residents looking for a quick and convenient escape, its location directly off US-395 makes it an ideal overnight stop or a comfortable basecamp without requiring a long detour. The blend of a serene 80-acre lake for swimming, fishing, and boating, combined with robust RV and tent sites (though without hookups), provides a versatile environment for various types of campers. As customers highlight, the ability to cool down in the lake on a hot day is invaluable, and the presence of amenities like picnic benches and a playground makes it particularly suitable for families. Furthermore, the unparalleled views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, including Mount Whitney, offer a truly Californian scenic backdrop. For those who appreciate outdoor recreation without breaking the bank and enjoy the ease of a well-located county park, Diaz Lake Campground offers a quintessential, memorable, and highly suitable experience that truly captures the essence of California's diverse landscapes.

Diaz Lake

US-395, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA