Pumice Flat Group Camp

Overview

Pumice Flat Group Camp is located in the Red's Meadows and Devils Postpile section of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, just west of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California.

This group camping facility provides access to some of the most spectacular wilderness in the Sierras and many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, photography and geologic study of the dramatic landscape. Devils Postpile National Monument and the famous Ansel Adams Wilderness are nearby for campers to explore.

Recreation

This campground is a great base camp for hiking the area's many trails. Within a few miles, campers will find trailheads to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trails. There is a mandatory shuttle that takes hikers to nearby trailheads.

Fishing enthusiasts can try for trout in the lake or the North Fork of the San Joaquin River.

Facilities

The group camp is within the main Pumice Flat Campground, which offers first-come, first-served individual sites. The group area consists of four group campsites, spaced well apart and located fairly close to either creek. Picnic tables, campfire rings and food storage lockers are provided.

The road to the facility is narrow, single-lane and only accessible in summer.

Natural Features

The campground sits in a lodgepole pine forest surrounded by high mountain peaks and adjacent to two creeks. The elevation is 7,700 feet.

The area boasts some very interesting geologic features, including numerous lakes and rugged mountains, which lend themselves well to photography.

Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika, fish and birds.

Nearby Attractions

The Red's Meadow Pack Station and Resort are about 2.5 miles away at the end of Red's Meadow Road. A general store and cafe are available. The trailhead for Rainbow Falls also begins here.

The area is very close to Devils Postpile National Monument and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Both areas have numerous trails and unparalleled photographic opportunities.

Devils Postpile National Monument

Ansel Adams Wilderness

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Camp site features

Across 4 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: all 4 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 4 sites
  • Group sites: all 4 sites
  • Longest rig: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 50 people

Directions

From U.S. Highway 395, take Highway 203 west through the town of Mammoth Lakes. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Minaret (203). Pass the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Minaret Vista. Continue a few miles on Red's Meadow Road to the campground turnoff.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

6 reviews
5 stars
4
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
Mark C
Loop:Flt2
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Make sure you check out Devil's Post Pile and the hike to Rainbow Falls when you are there.
Kailan N
Loop:Pumi
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Amazing camp ground
Ana R
Loop:Pumi
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
We had a great time. I highly recommend it. The bathrooms very clean. Awesome place to stay.
tuong c
Loop:Flt2
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
Beautiful wooden surroundings with the cleanest restrooms ever seen.
Terri P
Loop:Flt2
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
Group Site #2 should be designated tents only. We had 2 vehicles w 2 trailers, and very little space to park. 8 picnic tables and 2 bear boxes and fire ring are crammed together in small clearing in trees…. But very little specific space for tents or vehicles. Camp hosts are great and pit toilets bathrooms very clean. Great place, but I would choose group site #3 for small group (3 vehicles) and #1 or #4 for larger groups 5-6 vehicles. The Mtn biking in mammoth is awesome - 15 minutes away.
Jeff S
Loop:Flt2
Site:
Reviewed 7 years ago
We really enjoy Pumice Flat Group campground. Even though it is set up for large groups, the four camp spots are designed to have a lot of space between them, so you get a bit of privacy. The recent addition of two restroom facilities has been certainly welcomed. The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River is an easy stroll across the road from the campground, great for fly fishing, or just kicking back and enjoying the beauty of the Sierras.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Moderate

Busiest in August, when about 58% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 9 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds