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Inyo/Agnew Meadows
Overview
Agnew Meadows offers a quintessential high-Sierra camping experience within the Inyo National Forest. Located at an elevation of approximately 8,300 feet, this seasonal campground serves as a primary gateway to the pristine Ansel Adams Wilderness. Travelers seeking a rustic retreat will find themselves surrounded by towering lodgepole pines and vibrant alpine meadows that bloom with wildflowers in early summer. The atmosphere is quiet and centered on the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra landscape, providing a serene escape from the more developed resort areas of nearby Mammoth Lakes.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated deep within the Reds Meadow Valley, accessed via a steep, winding road that descends from the Minaret Vista near Mammoth Lakes, California. The surrounding terrain is a stunning mix of lush meadowlands and the rugged peaks of the Ritter Range. The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River flows through the valley, adding a soothing soundtrack to the camping experience. Its geographic position makes it one of the most scenic basecamps in the region, offering immediate immersion into a high-altitude wilderness environment.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional Forest Service site, Agnew Meadows prioritizes a primitive experience over modern luxuries. RVers should be prepared for dry camping, as there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available at the individual sites. Each campsite is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table, a fire ring, and mandatory bear-proof food lockers to protect both campers and local wildlife. While vault toilets and potable water are available on-site, the park is best suited for self-contained rigs. Due to the narrow access road and site sizes, this location is most comfortable for small to medium-sized RVs and camper vans.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for those staying at Agnew Meadows. The campground is a major trailhead hub for the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail, making it a world-class destination for day hikers and backpackers alike. A short distance away, visitors can explore Devils Postpile National Monument, famous for its unique hexagonal basalt columns. Additionally, the trail to the majestic 101-foot Rainbow Falls is easily accessible via the local shuttle system, offering spectacular photography and sightseeing opportunities within the canyon.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for active adventurers and nature lovers who want to wake up at the doorstep of California's most famous wilderness trails. It is the perfect fit for those who prefer the quiet solitude of the forest over the amenities of a commercial RV resort. Because of the seasonal road closures and rugged setting, it is best suited for experienced RVers who enjoy boondocking and want to spend their days hiking, fishing, or simply disconnecting in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Sandy V
First off, Ralph is the absolute best camp host! Extremely helpful and friendly. The hotspring mini pool was amazing, the wild mint smelled amazing, access to the PCT, streams, lakes! What's not to love? Great campground.
Hilde Souweine
The road in is narrow but in pretty good condition. Unfortunately, the Forest Service has cut down a gazillion perfectly healthy huge old trees in preparation for widening the road. What's next? Cutting down even more big trees to make multiple parking lots?! They have a shuttle system currently so thousands of cars don't have to drive down and park. The campground used to have an amazing bathhouse by the hot spring, but the Forest Service closed it. Why?! Such a shame to let such great things rot. Cindy, the camp host, is fantastic - so helpful and friendly! Super clean vault toilets; among the best I've ever seen. No bad smells, plenty of TP. Unfortunately, her manager is less fantastic - made us move our van from its level spot for some bizarre reason, and then closed the half of the campground with the best spots so we had to move anyway (tho maybe that was not her decision and she was just following orders). Despite my complaints, it's still a gem and worth the trip, particularly for the hikes.
Jenni Walker
This is a beautiful campground waaaay out on the back side of Mammoth mountain, and very near to the pack station with a little store for backpackers. There are famous hikes (Rainbow falls- beware it is downhill there but all uphill back and you must be moderately fit to hike this!!!, and Devil’s Postpile which we didn’t hike and so I cannot comment). The bathrooms were clean, and the Camphost kindly came out to meet us as we arrived after dark. This is a very popular campground, as are the others close by, do not arrive late and expect a spot in the summer. The 4 stars is mainly because of the road, not the campground. We towed a 23 ft trailer. This campground is 8 miles of twists and turns and an often bumpy and narrow road. They will be working on it, the snow did a real number last winter, but when I’m not sure. There is quite a ways of a steep grade to get down. The uphill traffic has the right of way, and there are places where coming down you might have to back up to allow traffic as it’s nearly one lane. In some ways I’m quite glad we arrived after dark because we couldn’t see the cliff the road is built on; the drive back up was pretty terrifying with no shoulder or rails and a sheer drop off. Incredibly, there are large shuttle buses going up and down all day from the ski area up top, and we very nearly were hit by one coming around a curve. I personally would never take a class A motor home down and up that road, until they widen and guardrail it! That said, we had a sweet few days in the campground. It was lush and green late August due to summer rains, and there were some mosquitos. The forestry service is doing a lot of great work clearing underbrush and thinning trees, but I wouldn’t want to be there if a fire started…Very beautiful spot though.
zarel FamDil
We fell inlove with campsite #16. It is just a right size campsite with my family. This campground is perfect place to stay if you're planning to do hiking at Devil's postpile and Rainbow falls which we did. The vault toilet is clean. The camp host is doing a great job to keep the place clean and well, also being a responsible camper will help make this campground keep clean too. We will for sure keep coming back to this campground.
Thor Larsen
A very nice place to camp and relax. A short walk from several natural attractions.