Oh Ridge Campground

For Californians dreaming of a camping experience where every glance feels like a postcard, Oh Ridge Campground on the spectacular June Lake Loop is your destination. Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the brilliant blue waters of June Lake, this campground lives up to its name, inspiring repeated exclamations of "it must be a painting!" It offers campers unparalleled panoramic views of the lake and the majestic surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Oh Ridge Campground strikes a wonderful balance, providing a prime location for exploring the famous June Lake Loop while offering a slightly different ambiance compared to some of its more compact counterparts. It’s a place where you can easily access fantastic hiking, enjoy world-class fishing, or simply "chill by or in the lake," all within minutes of your campsite. Whether you're a family seeking a memorable vacation or a solo adventurer looking for a serene basecamp, Oh Ridge promises a quintessential Eastern Sierra experience. For locals across California, from the bustling Southern regions to the serene Northern stretches, this campground represents an accessible and deeply rewarding opportunity to immerse themselves in the state's magnificent natural beauty.

Oh Ridge Campground is ideally situated directly on the iconic June Lake Loop (Highway 158), with its address listed as June Lake, CA 93529, USA. This prime location places it within the heart of the Inyo National Forest, offering breathtaking views and convenient access to the string of picturesque glacial lakes that define the June Lake Loop, including June Lake itself, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake.

Accessing the campground is very straightforward for those traveling along U.S. Highway 395. Visitors will take the clearly marked exit for the June Lake Loop (Highway 158). Oh Ridge Campground is typically one of the first campgrounds encountered when entering the loop from the south (coming from Mammoth Lakes direction) or easily found when traversing the loop from the north (coming from Lee Vining/Mono Lake direction). The roads leading to and within the campground are paved and generally well-maintained, ensuring easy access for all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers, during its operating season.

Due to its elevation (approximately 7,600 feet), Oh Ridge Campground operates seasonally, like most Eastern Sierra campgrounds. It typically opens in late spring (around late April or May, depending on snowmelt) and closes in the late fall (usually late October or early November), contingent on weather conditions. 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 if considering a visit during the shoulder seasons. The campground's "excellent location to explore June Lake and the Mammoth area" makes it a highly desirable spot.

Oh Ridge Campground provides a range of essential services to facilitate a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, though it's important to note some potential variations in amenities.

• Individual Campsites: The campground offers numerous individual campsites suitable for both tents and RVs. While some sites might feel "a bit tight but doable," many offer ample space, providing a comfortable base for your stay.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for campfires (when fire restrictions allow) and outdoor cooking.
• Potable Water: Access to potable drinking water is available within the campground, a crucial convenience that reduces the need for campers to carry in all their water.
• Flush Toilets: The campground provides restroom facilities, often with flush toilets, which are a significant comfort for campers.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): Located in active bear country, mandatory bear-proof food storage lockers are provided at or near campsites. Campers are required to store all food and scented items securely in these lockers to ensure safety for both humans and wildlife.
• On-Site Camp Host: While not explicitly mentioned in provided reviews, most popular national forest campgrounds like Oh Ridge typically have a camp host present during the operating season, who can provide information, assistance, and ensure adherence to campground rules.
• Limited Showers: As noted by a customer, "Only downside is showers were out during our stay." This indicates that while showers may sometimes be available (perhaps seasonally or through a third-party concessionaire), their availability is not guaranteed, and campers should be prepared to "rough it" or seek facilities in nearby towns.
• No Trash Collection: Following Leave No Trace principles, campers are typically responsible for packing out all of their trash and recycling.

Oh Ridge Campground is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and its prime position for accessing a wealth of recreational activities.

• Panoramic Lake Views: The most prominent feature is the "gorgeous" panoramic views of June Lake and the surrounding mountains. Campers will find themselves "thinking 'it must be a painting!'" due to the sheer beauty. Some sites offer direct lake views, making for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.
• Direct Access to June Lake: The campground’s location on the June Lake Loop means immediate access to June Lake itself. This allows for:
  • Fishing: World-class trout fishing in the clear waters of June Lake and other nearby lakes in the loop. "Fishing" is consistently highlighted as a great activity.
  • Boating and Water Sports: Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and motorized boating (with regulations) on June Lake.
  • Relaxation: Simply "chill by or in the lake," enjoying the serene atmosphere and refreshing waters.
• Abundant Hiking Opportunities: There are "many gorgeous hikes of various difficulties within 15-30 minutes drive." These range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging trails leading into the high Sierra backcountry and other alpine lakes.
• Family-Friendly and Solo Camper Approved: The campground is "highly recommend for families and solo campers," indicating its versatility and appeal to a broad range of visitors.
• Less Compact, More Picturesque: One reviewer noted it's "Less compact if less picturesque than the other campground, a trade off I prefer." This suggests a more open layout, potentially offering a greater sense of space and less crowding compared to some other campgrounds in the area, even if some individual sites might be "a bit tight."
• Proximity to June Lake Town: While offering a wilderness feel, the campground is close to the small, charming town of June Lake, providing convenient access to general stores, restaurants, and other basic services.
• Gateway to Eastern Sierra Exploration: Its location on the loop makes it an excellent base for exploring beyond June Lake, including day trips to Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, and Yosemite National Park (seasonal access via Tioga Pass).

For reservations and inquiries about Oh Ridge Campground, please use the following contact details, which are general for the Inyo National Forest and June Lake Loop area:

Address: June Lake Loop, June Lake, CA 93529, USA (This specific address clearly places it within the famous loop.)

Phone: (760) 873-2400 (This is often the main information line for the Inyo National Forest, which manages campgrounds in the June Lake area.)

Mobile Phone: +1 760-873-2400 (Same as above, providing an international format.)

Reservations for campgrounds within the Inyo National Forest, including Oh Ridge, 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, specific campground conditions (such as shower availability), or fire restrictions, contacting the local Inyo National Forest office or the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (which shares a similar phone number) can provide valuable real-time updates.

Oh Ridge Campground is an exceptional choice for Californians seeking an immersive and visually stunning outdoor experience in the Eastern Sierra. For residents across the state, its prime location on the June Lake Loop makes it an accessible yet deeply rewarding destination for a mountain getaway. The consistent praise for its "gorgeous" views and the feeling of being in a "painting" alone makes it a must-visit for anyone who cherishes natural beauty.

What truly makes it suitable for locals is its versatility and the quintessential California outdoor experience it offers. Whether you're a seasoned angler, an avid hiker, or simply looking to relax by a beautiful lake, Oh Ridge delivers. Its recommendation for both "families and solo campers" highlights its broad appeal. While some sites might be "a bit tight," the trade-off for the unparalleled views and access to the June Lake Loop's bounty of activities is well worth it. The minor inconvenience of "showers were out during our stay" is often a small price to pay for the raw beauty and tranquility of the Sierra, a sentiment many experienced California campers understand and embrace.

Oh Ridge Campground offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, all set against a backdrop of some of California's most breathtaking scenery. It’s a place where locals can truly disconnect from urban life, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and reconnect with nature in a profound way. For those seeking a memorable and visually spectacular camping adventure that combines relaxation with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, Oh Ridge Campground is undoubtedly a top choice in our magnificent home state.

Oh Ridge Campground

June Lake Loop, June Lake, CA 93529, USA