Pine Glen Group Campground

For California locals planning a memorable group outdoor adventure in the majestic Eastern Sierra, Pine Glen Group Campground in Mammoth Lakes offers an ideal setting. Designed to accommodate larger gatherings of family and friends, this campground provides a unique blend of spacious sites, essential amenities, and a serene atmosphere, all while being remarkably close to the vibrant town of Mammoth Lakes. It's a place where you can create lasting memories around a campfire, surrounded by towering Jeffrey pines, and still have convenient access to everything the region has to offer.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the specifics of Pine Glen Group Campground, highlighting its advantageous location, the services tailored for groups, and the distinct features that make it a top choice for collective outdoor experiences. We aim to provide a factual yet engaging overview, helping you determine if this campground is the perfect fit for your next group camping trip in California. Discover why Pine Glen Group Campground stands out as a functional, comfortable, and well-located base for your shared adventures in the Mammoth Lakes area.

Pine Glen Group Campground is conveniently located in Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA. Specifically, it is nestled within the old-growth Jeffrey pine forest, adjacent to the New Shady Rest Campground, at an elevation of 7,800 feet. This placement offers a wonderful balance: it's "close to town, but far enough away you don't get road noise." This means campers can enjoy the tranquility of a forested environment without sacrificing easy access to essential services and attractions in Mammoth Lakes.

Accessibility to Pine Glen is excellent for California residents. Mammoth Lakes is a popular destination in the Eastern Sierra, reachable via major state highways. From U.S. Highway 395, you take State Route 203, then proceed onto Old Sawmill Road, and finally into the campground, often accessed via the rear of New Shady Rest Campground. The approach roads are well-maintained, allowing for easy access for various vehicle types, including trucks and trailers.

A significant highlight of its accessibility is its walking distance to the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and various town services. This connectivity is further enhanced by access to paved paths, such as the Shady Rest Path, which connects to Shady Rest Park, the Town Loop, and other trail networks popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. This means that once you've set up camp, you can explore much of Mammoth Lakes on foot or by bike, reducing the need for driving. Phone reception is also available (T-mobile, Metro, Verizon), providing a useful link to the outside world if needed. This combination of seclusion and convenience makes Pine Glen highly accessible for groups traveling from across California.

Pine Glen Group Campground is specifically designed to cater to larger groups, offering a range of services and amenities that enhance the collective camping experience.

• Group-Specific Sites: The campground features nine group campsites, accommodating groups of up to 15 or 30 people, making it ideal for family reunions, club outings, or large gatherings of friends.
• Multiple Bear Boxes per Site: Each group site is well-equipped with three sturdy bear boxes. This ample storage is critical for safely securing food and scented items in active bear country, ensuring the safety of both campers and wildlife.
• Multiple Picnic Tables: With three picnic tables per group site, there's plenty of space for large groups to dine together, play games, or simply gather comfortably.
• Multiple Picnic Grills: Each group site also includes five picnic grills, which can be used for cooking or as additional table space, offering great flexibility for meal preparation.
• Individual Fire Rings: Each group spot has one fire ring, allowing for a central campfire experience, perfect for shared warmth, cooking, and storytelling. (Always check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.) The fire pits are described as nice, with heavy-duty grill grates that fold away.
• Water Spigots: Each group site has one water spigot, providing convenient access to potable water directly at the site, reducing trips to a central water source.
• Four Unisex Flush Bathroom Stalls: Campers share four unisex bathroom stalls with flush toilets and sinks. Reviewers found no issues with sharing, indicating they are well-maintained and sufficient.
• Wood for Sale by Ranger: A convenient service is that the ranger has firewood available for sale at a good price, eliminating the need to bring your own or source it elsewhere.
• RV Pank for Propane Refill & Showers: While showers are not available directly at the campground, an RV park across the road (a 3-minute drive) offers hot showers for an $8 fee, as well as propane tank refills. This nearby facility provides essential amenities not found on-site.

Pine Glen Group Campground boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for group camping in Mammoth Lakes.

• Spacious and Fairly Private Spots: Despite being a group campground, the individual spots are described as "big and fairly private." This is a significant advantage, as it allows groups ample room for tents, vehicles, and activities while still maintaining a sense of personal space. Site #5, for example, was 50 ft long and easily accommodated a truck and trailer.
• Accommodating to Disabled Persons: A notable highlight is the campground's apparent accommodation for disabled persons. Reviewers specifically mention a picnic table with a large cutout for a wheelchair and toilets with side supports, indicating a thoughtful approach to accessibility.
• Shady Canopy of Mature Jeffrey Pines: The campsites are located under a "shady canopy of a mature Jeffrey pine forest," providing ample natural shade and contributing to a beautiful and comfortable outdoor ambiance.
• No Traffic Noise: Campers consistently report hearing "NO traffic noise (at all)," which is a significant advantage for a campground so close to town, ensuring a peaceful and quiet environment for relaxation.
• Wildlife Sightings: Deer are known to come up to the campsites if not scared, providing opportunities for quiet wildlife observation, adding to the natural experience.
• Respectful Group Environment: While there's always a possibility of rowdy groups, reviewers noted that the large groups around them were respectful and quiet, and camp hosts actively go around to address any noise issues, contributing to a generally pleasant atmosphere.
• Close to Town with Trails: The campground's proximity to town combined with access to paved walking and bicycling trails (like Shady Rest Path, Town Loop) allows for easy exploration of Mammoth Lakes, Shady Rest Park, and extensive trail networks directly from the campsite.
• High Elevation Experience: Situated at 7,800 feet, Pine Glen offers a high-elevation camping experience, typically providing cooler temperatures, especially at night, which can be a refreshing escape during warmer months. Campers should be prepared for cold nights, especially during shoulder seasons (e.g., 22°F on Memorial Day Weekend).

For reservations, which are highly recommended for this popular group campground, and general inquiries about Pine Glen Group Campground, please use the following information. Reservations are primarily made through Recreation.gov.

Address: Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is the Recreation.gov national reservation line)

Alternative local information line: (760) 924-5500 (Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center)

Note: While the provided phone numbers in the prompt might connect to general Inyo National Forest lines, Recreation.gov is the primary booking platform for this campground.

Pine Glen Group Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for California locals, particularly those planning group outings in the Eastern Sierra. Its distinct design with large, fairly private sites and amenities tailored for groups (multiple bear boxes, tables, grills) makes it ideal for family reunions, friends' getaways, or organized trips. For Californians, the ease of access from various parts of the state combined with the campground's immediate proximity to Mammoth Lakes town is a huge advantage. You get the immersive feeling of being in a beautiful pine forest without sacrificing convenience for supplies or activities.

The tranquil atmosphere, characterized by no traffic noise and opportunities for wildlife sightings, offers a genuine escape. The inclusive features like wheelchair-accommodating picnic tables and accessible restrooms highlight a thoughtful approach to visitor experience. While pay showers are a short drive away, the overall comfort and functionality provided, coupled with helpful staff, make Pine Glen a top-tier choice. For California residents seeking a well-managed, spacious, and conveniently located group camping experience in the stunning Mammoth Lakes area, Pine Glen Group Campground offers an unparalleled blend of nature and accessibility, fostering memorable shared adventures.

Pine Glen Group Campground

Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA