Overview
Old Shady Rest Campground is a large facility convenient to numerous outdoor activities and attractions in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, and within walking distance of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes. The campground is popular for hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing and hitting the town for shopping and dining. The facility best accommodates tents and small to medium-sized RVs.
Recreation
The Mammoth Lakes area has much to keep campers busy. The majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Skiing is a major winter pastime in this area.
The eastern Sierras are known for their exceptional trout fishing, and several creeks and lakes are within a short drive from the campground.
Families enjoy learning more at the visitor center down the street, or taking a paved walking and biking trail to two nearby campgrounds, a town park with a playing field and skate park, or Mammoth Lakes.
Facilities
The campground is organized into one large loop, adjacent to New Shady Rest and Pine Glen Campgrounds and a short walk to Mammoth Lakes. Several amenities are provided, including restrooms with flush toilets, campfire rings and picnic tables, and many more are within a few miles. Showers are not located in the campground but are nearby.
Bear-proof lockers are available for food storage, and firewood can be purchased on-site.
Natural Features
The campsites are located under the shady canopy of a mature Jeffery pine forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet.
Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.
Nearby Attractions
For campers interested in local events, the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July. Several other events and amenities are available in town.
Many great day trips for sightseers are available in the area, such as Yosemite National Park, Mono Basin and Devils Postpile National Monument.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area