Hartley Springs Campground

For Californians seeking a genuine high-country camping experience within the breathtaking Eastern Sierra, Hartley Springs Campground offers an excellent opportunity. Situated just a stone's throw from the iconic June Lake Loop, this campground provides a serene and spacious environment for both tent and RV campers. It’s a place where the majestic beauty of the Sierra Nevada truly comes alive, offering a tranquil escape from the everyday hustle and bustle while still providing convenient access to a wealth of outdoor activities.

Hartley Springs Campground is particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more traditional, "dry camping" experience, where you bring most of your own essentials, allowing for a deeper connection with nature. Despite its rustic charm, visitors consistently praise its well-maintained grounds and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Whether you're planning a fishing trip, a hiking adventure, or simply a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, Hartley Springs serves as an ideal base camp. For locals across California, from the Bay Area to Southern California, looking for an authentic and accessible Sierra camping adventure, this campground is a gem waiting to be discovered.

Hartley Springs Campground is conveniently located at June Lake, CA 93529, USA, placing it firmly within the renowned June Lake Loop area of the Inyo National Forest. This prime location means campers are minutes away from the chain of stunning glacial lakes that give the loop its name, including June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake.

To access the campground, visitors will typically drive along U.S. Highway 395 and then take the scenic June Lake Loop (Highway 158). Hartley Springs Campground is usually located off a short spur road from Highway 158, clearly marked. The roads leading to and within the campground are generally well-maintained, allowing for easy access for all types of vehicles, including large RVs, as noted by visitors.

Given its high elevation, like many Eastern Sierra campgrounds, Hartley Springs is open seasonally. Its operating period typically extends from late spring (around May or early June, depending on snowmelt) through the fall (usually late October or early November), weather permitting. It's always advisable for Californians planning a trip to check the latest opening and closing dates, as well as any specific road or campground conditions, particularly during the shoulder seasons. The campground's proximity to June Lake makes it an ideal spot for enjoying the lake's amenities and the overall charm of the June Lake Loop.

Hartley Springs Campground primarily caters to those who enjoy a "dry camping" experience, meaning it provides basic but essential amenities, allowing campers to be self-sufficient while still having access to fundamental comforts.

• Large, Spacious Campsites: Visitors consistently highlight the "very large camp sites for all sizes of RV's" and tents. These generous sites offer ample space for setup, privacy, and outdoor living.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table for dining and a fire ring with a grate, suitable for campfires (when fire restrictions allow) and outdoor cooking.
• Clean Restrooms: A significant advantage, as noted by multiple reviewers, is the provision of "clean bathrooms." These are typically vault toilets, well-maintained for camper comfort. One reviewer explicitly stated, "they do provide bathrooms that’s about it," reinforcing the "dry camping" nature.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to "definitely dry camping make sure you bring what’s needed for dry camping." This explicitly means there is no potable water available at the campground. Campers must bring all their drinking and cooking water or have a reliable filtration/purification method for natural sources.
• No RV Hookups: In line with "dry camping," there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs. RV campers must be prepared for boondocking.
• No Trash Collection: Following Leave No Trace principles, campers are responsible for packing out all their trash and recycling.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage: As this is bear country, visitors should assume that bear-resistant food storage solutions (like bear boxes, food lockers, or proper car storage) are either provided or mandatory, though not explicitly mentioned in the reviews. It is always best practice to store all food and scented items securely.
• On-Site Camp Host (seasonal): While not explicitly stated in provided reviews, most national forest campgrounds have a camp host present during the operating season, who can provide information and assistance.

Hartley Springs Campground is celebrated for its natural attributes and the immersive outdoor experience it provides, making it a favorite among those who appreciate simplicity and natural beauty.

• Spacious and Well-Maintained Grounds: Visitors consistently praise the "Excellent campgrounds" with "very large camp sites" that are "well maintained." This offers a comfortable and uncrowded camping experience.
• Proximity to June Lake Loop: Its location near June Lake is a major draw. The June Lake Loop (Highway 158) is famous for its chain of stunning lakes, offering:
  • Lake Activities: Opportunities for fishing, boating (motorized and non-motorized), kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the various lakes.
  • Scenic Drives: A beautiful drive with numerous viewpoints and access points to the lakes and surrounding wilderness.
  • Hiking Trails: Access to a multitude of hiking trails, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging climbs into the high Sierra backcountry.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its accessibility, the campground offers a "nice and quiet" environment, ideal for those seeking tranquility and a respite from urban noise.
• Beautiful Surroundings: Being "a Beautiful place near to June lake," the campground is enveloped by picturesque mountain scenery, towering pine trees (though shade may vary), and the fresh, crisp air of the high Sierra.
• Good for All Rig Sizes: The "very large camp sites for all sizes of RV's" make it a versatile choice for a wide range of campers, from tent minimalists to those with larger recreational vehicles.
• Potential for Wind: It's important to be prepared for the elements. As one recent reviewer noted, "The wind is crazy strong right now July 3. 2025 @ 9:20 pm. Has been Breezy for the last two days. We'll see how tomorrow goes wind wise." Campers should secure their tents and gear properly.
• Close to Services: While dry camping, the nearby town of June Lake offers general stores, restaurants, and other basic services, providing convenient access for supplies or a meal out.

For reservations and inquiries about Hartley Springs Campground, please use the following general contact details for the Inyo National Forest/June Lake Loop area, as specific campground phone numbers are rare for federal campgrounds:

Address: June Lake, CA 93529, USA (This general address places it accurately within the June Lake Loop region.)

Phone: (760) 924-5500 (This is the general information line for the Mammoth Lakes area of the Inyo National Forest, which often manages campgrounds in the June Lake Loop.)

Mobile Phone: +1 760-924-5500 (Same as above, providing an international format.)

Reservations for campgrounds within the Inyo National Forest, including Hartley Springs, are typically made via www.recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak summer months, as these popular Sierra campgrounds fill up quickly. For the most current information regarding opening/closing dates, fire restrictions, and specific campground conditions (like wind advisories), contacting the local Inyo National Forest ranger station or visitor center in the Mammoth Lakes or Mono Lake area is always a good idea.

Hartley Springs Campground is an outstanding choice for Californians seeking an authentic and unpretentious camping experience in one of the state's most visually stunning regions. For residents across California, particularly those in the Central Valley, Los Angeles, or the Bay Area, it offers a relatively accessible yet deeply immersive foray into the high Sierra. Its strong emphasis on "dry camping" makes it ideal for those who value self-sufficiency and a minimalist approach to outdoor living, without sacrificing the comfort of "clean bathrooms" and "very large camp sites."

The suitability for locals also stems from its strategic location. Being "near to June lake" means campers have immediate access to the world-renowned June Lake Loop, with its myriad of recreational opportunities—from superb fishing and boating to endless hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. While acknowledging the potential for "crazy strong wind," as one reviewer noted, this is part of the raw, untamed beauty of the Sierra, and being prepared for such conditions is part of the authentic experience that many local outdoor enthusiasts appreciate.

Hartley Springs Campground is not about glamping or abundant amenities; it's about connecting with nature in a spacious, quiet, and well-maintained environment. It's a place where you can enjoy the vastness of the Eastern Sierra, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and return to a comfortable, uncrowded campsite after a day of adventure. For Californians who cherish peace, quiet, spacious sites, and direct access to world-class outdoor recreation, Hartley Springs Campground truly offers an "Excellent campground" experience.

Hartley Springs Campground

June Lake, CA 93529, USA