The Eastern Sierra is a van lifer’s dream. We follow US 395 from Mono Lake to Lone Pine and give you everything you need to know about where to park for the night, where to eat, what to do, and more.
The Eastern Sierra is a van lifer’s dream, where attractions such as Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, and Mount Whitney meet plentiful public land and one of the most scenic interstates in the country. We will follow US 395 from Mono Lake to Lone Pine and give you everything you need to know about where to park for the night, where to eat, what to do, and more. To take your experience to the next level, combine this travel guide with our Lake Tahoe travel guide for the most epic van tour of the Sierra.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Public land and dispersed camping are plentiful in the Eastern Sierra. You are never far from free campsites when you’re traveling along the 395 corridor. Below are a few of our favorite spots to camp in each region. If none of our picks strike your fancy, check out FreeCampsites.net and iOverlander for additional options.
MONO LAKE AREA
Bodie BLM Land – There is BLM land on the road leading to Bodie State Historic Park, a gold-mining ghost town just north of Mono Lake. Claim one of the many pull outs and side roads for the night. Make sure not to go past the State Park boundary, where dispersed camping is not permitted.
Travertine Hot Springs – Located just a few drivable dirt miles off of 395, Travertine Hot Springs is not only a must visit in the Bridgeport area but is also surrounded by Forest Service land, meaning you can camp for free for up to 14 days.
Virginia Lakes Road – This Forest Service road runs from 395 to the Virginia Lakes Trailhead. The primitive campgrounds at upper and lower Virginia Creek are creekside sites managed by the Forest Service that offer vault toilet access. Trumbull Lake Campground at the end of the road is a paid campground with sites starting at $23 / night.
Highway 120 East Dispersed Camping – There is public land surrounding CA 120 to the east of 395 with several dispersed areas that are frequented by van lifers including a large gravel pull out overlooking Mono Lake, Mono Mills, and Sagehen Meadows.
MAMMOTH LAKES AREA
June Lake – This dispersed site is located above June Lake on USDA Forest Service land and offers stunning 360 degree views. The road surface can be loose but is generally van accessible.
Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping – There are several dispersed campgrounds within the Inyo National Forest between June Lake and Mammoth Lakes including Big Springs, Glass Creek, and Hartley Springs. These campgrounds offer vault toilets.
Mammoth Scenic Loop – Described by one reviewer as “a boondocker’s buffet,” the Mammoth Scenic Loop offers dozens of pullouts and campsites perfect for dispersed van camping. The road conveniently connects to the town of Mammoth.
Crowley Area Hot Springs – Just south of Mammoth near Crowley Lake there are several hot springs with dispersed camping opportunities nearby. If you’re looking for a soak, check out Wild Willy’s, Pulkey’s, Crab Cooker, and Shepherd Hot Springs.
BISHOP TO LONE PINE
Pine Creek Road – Located to the northwest of Bishop, this Forest Service road offers primitive and dispersed camping that is conveniently located near a popular sport climbing area. Some sites in this area have access to a pit toilet.
The Buttermilks – A well-known bouldering mecca, The Buttermilks offer world class climbing problems and plentiful dispersed camping opportunities. Avoid camping at the Peabody and Birthday Boulders parking and opt for one of the numerous sites before and after the Buttermilks main area.
Volcanic Table Lands – Located in due north of Bishop, the Volcanic Table Lands are, you guessed it, another popular climbing area. This area also offers excellent dispersed camping with unbeatable stargazing.
Alabama Hills – A popular filming location for movies and TV, the Alabama Hills are a must visit for any big screen buff. The Alabama Hills are nestled within view of the tallest peak in the lower 48, Mt. Whitney. There are a number of dirt roads running through the area that offer countless opportunities for dispersed camping.
WHAT TO DO
The Eastern Sierra is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. Whatever your preferred mode of recreation, from climbing and mountaineering to running and mountain biking, you can find it along the 395 corridor. Below are our favorite activities by region.
MONO LAKE AREA
Drive Tioga Pass Road to hike in Tuolumne Meadows
Take the road less traveled into Yosemite National Park and hike the Pacific Crest / John Muir Trail towards Donohue Pass. This section of trail will take you through the high alpine meadows of Lyell Canyon below glacially polished peaks, giving you the essence of Yosemite National Park without fighting the crowds in Yosemite Valley. The hike is an out and back and the grade is mellow until you start to climb Donohue Pass.
Fuel up at the Whoa Nellie Deli
When you live on the road, it’s easy to become a little too familiar with gas station cuisine. This Mobil Mart, however, is truly gourmet. Whoa Nellie Deli has a gift shop, full kitchen, bar, and gas station, and it is the only place in the country we would whole heartedly recommend ordering gas station fish tacos. Trust us on this one.
Visit the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Tufa towers are formed when freshwater springs and alkaline lake water mix, creating calcium carbonate deposits that grow into spires and knobs along the lake shore. Visible from many locations around Mono Lake, this unique geologic formation is worth the stop.
MAMMOTH LAKES AREA
Drive the June Lake Loop and visit June Lake Brewing
Need a pit stop on your way from Mono Lake to Mammoth Lakes? June Lake is the place and June Lake Brewing is the stop. The team at JLB offers world-class beer with views to match. Grab a pint and a bite from one of the two local food trucks, Ohanas395 and La Parrilla Grill and Tacos.
Mountain Bike at Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
Mammoth is a well-known mountain biking hub. The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has something for every rider, from trail and cross country to enduro and full-tilt downhill. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Mammoth Mountain is a must visit for any two-wheeled enthusiast.
Hike Mammoth Pass to Red’s Meadow
Red’s Meadow is a resort and pack station on the PCT / JMT that is a popular stopping point for through hikers and long distance backpackers. While you’re there make sure to visit Devil’s Postpile National Monument, a columnar basalt formation just a short walk north from Red’s Meadow.
BISHOP TO LONE PINE
As one of the birthplaces of bouldering, Buttermilk Country has a rich history in the climbing community. This collection of giant glacial erratics features some of the biggest bouldering lines in the country.
No matter what you’re in the mood to eat, Schat’s Bakkery has got you covered. It’s the perfect stop to carb up for whatever adventure you have planned for the day. In addition to a plethora of baked goods, Schat’s also has a deli with amazing sandwiches. We recommend their pullaways for an easy bite on the go.
Hike to Lone Pine Lake via the Mount Whitney Trail
Drive to Whitney Portal and head up the hill to take a dip in Lone Pine Lake. You’ll be walking the same trail used to climb the tallest peak in the lower 48, so you may meet some peak baggers along the way. If you’re feeling ambitious and willing to plan ahead, you can hike Mount Whitney in a day from Whitney Portal, but you’ll need a permit.
The Alabama Hills are a collection of large boulders and natural arches in the shadow of Mount Whitney. The main road through Alabama Hills is called Movie Road. The other-worldly scenery has made the Alabama Hills a popular shooting location for the film and television industry. The area was featured in Django Unchained, Iron Man, several Star Trek movies and episodes, and countless old westerns.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Showers
Whitmore Pool, South of Mammoth Lakes
Whitney Portal Hostel, Lone Pine
Laundry
Carson Peak Laundromat, June Lake
Water
Gem Lake Trailhead, June Lake Loop