Old Shady Rest Campground

If you want to camp without feeling completely off the grid, Old Shady Rest Campground is your best bet. It’s located right as you pull into Mammoth Lakes near the Welcome Center. Since it sits at 7,800 feet under a canopy of Jeffrey Pines, it stays a bit warmer and more shielded than the campgrounds higher up in the lakes basin.

This is really the top choice if you need to stay connected. Unlike the more remote spots by the lakes, you’ll generally get reliable cell service here. You’re also within walking distance of the grocery store and local coffee shops, so it’s easy to check your email or grab supplies without having to drive anywhere.

Getting around is simple since the campground sits right on the Town Loop paved bike path and is an easy walk to the free town trolley and bus stops. You can head over to The Village or explore the town parks without ever having to worry about moving your car or RV.

Quick Navigation

• At a Glance
• Amenities & Rules
• Campground Map
• Fees & Reservations (2026)
• Getting Here
• Area Highlights

At a Glance

Old Shady Rest features huge trees, flat paved loops, and plenty of space between sites. It is generally easier to navigate for larger vehicles than the tighter loops up at the lakes.

• Total Sites: 46 (Suitable for tents and medium-sized RVs).
• Max RV Length: Maximum of 35 feet is recommended. Check specific site lengths on recreation.gov.
• 2026 Season: May 1, 2026 – October 24, 2026.
• Reservations: Essential. 100% of sites are reservable 6 months in advance.
• First-Come, First-Served: None. (Cancellations may be available at the kiosk, but do not rely on this).

Amenities & Rules

Campground Map

Old Shady Rest is laid out in a single large loop under a dense canopy of pine trees. Most sites are flat, making leveling an RV much easier here than up at the lakes.

Note on Map Labels: This map may label some sites as “First Come First Serve” (FF). Please ignore these labels. As of 2026, all sites are 100% reservable.

Download High-Res PDF Map

Fees & Reservations (2026 Season)

Season Dates: May 1, 2026 – October 24, 2026

When to Book

Reservations open at 7:00 AM PST on a rolling 6-month basis.

Ready to Book?
Check Availability on Recreation.gov

Getting Here

1. From Highway 395, take the Highway 203 Exit towards Mammoth Lakes.
2. Drive 2.5 miles towards town.
3. Turn RIGHT onto Sawmill Cutoff Road (just before the Welcome Center).
4. Drive 0.3 miles. The entrance to Old Shady Rest will be on your LEFT (New Shady Rest is on the right).

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Area Highlights

Old Shady Rest is the perfect launchpad for everything Mammoth has to offer. You are situated halfway between the town amenities and the mountain lakes.

• The Village at Mammoth (30-minute walk): You can walk or bike directly to The Village for festivals, dining, shopping, and gondola access to Mammoth Mountain.
• Mammoth Lakes Basin (10-minute drive): Easy access to Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, and Horseshoe Lake for world-class fishing.
• Town Loop Bike Path: The paved multi-use trail runs right past the campground entrance.
• Hiking Trails: Beyond the campground, you have easy access to the best Mammoth Lakes hiking trails leading to alpine lakes and waterfalls.