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 dense canopy of Jeffrey Pines, it stays a bit warmer and more shielded than the campgrounds higher up in the lakes basin.

This is a top choice for connectivity, but there is a catch. You are close to town towers for strong LTE/5G signals (Verizon/AT&T), making it great for hotspots. Digital Nomad Warning: The pine canopy here is extremely dense. If you rely on Starlink, you will likely struggle to find a clear northern sky view for a stable connection.

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
• Fees & Reservations (2026)
• Campground Map
• Amenities & Rules
• 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: 35 feet recommended.
• Site Selection Tip: If you want a “nature” feel, avoid sites in the #20–#39 range. These sites back up to a fence line near a residential area/condos, meaning you might hear neighborhood noise rather than the forest.
• 2026 Season: May 1, 2026 – October 24, 2026.
• Reservations: Essential. 100% of sites are reservable 6 months in advance.
• First-Come, First-Served: None.

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

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

Amenities & Rules

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).

Open in Google Maps

Area Highlights

Old Shady Rest is the perfect launchpad because you don’t need a car to access the best parts of town.

• Knolls Loop Trail (Direct Access): You don’t need to drive to hike. The trailhead for this 10-mile scenic loop, great for mountain biking or trail running, starts directly across Sawmill Cutoff Road from the campground entrance.
• Fishing Strategy: While there is no water on-site, you are only a 10-minute drive to the Twin Lakes or Lake Mary basins. Pro Tip: Since this is a dry campground in active bear country, do not clean fish at your campsite. Clean them at the lake, or designated fish cleaning stations (Twin Lakes), before returning to camp.
• The Village at Mammoth (30-minute walk): You can walk or bike the paved Town Loop path directly to The Village for festivals, dining, and the gondola.
• Town Trolley Access: The free town trolley stops just a short walk away at the Welcome Center, connecting you to the Lakes Basin and trailheads without parking headaches.