Agnew Meadows Campground sits in the Reds Meadow Valley, just west of Mammoth Lakes, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll wake up to serious Sierra views. The drive in—US 395 to State Highway 203, heading west through town and up toward Minaret Vista—gets increasingly scenic as you gain elevation past Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge.

This is a summer-only operation, which means it’s built for peak season adventures. The campground handles everything from standard tent sites to equestrian spots if you’re bringing horses, plus large group areas for extended family trips. That flexibility is part of why it draws bigger groups looking to actually spend time outdoors together rather than just sleeping in the same parking lot.

Access to the wilderness here is genuinely impressive. You’re positioned for horseback riding, fishing in alpine waters, serious hiking into the Reds Meadow area, and photography that’ll make your phone storage weep. The location puts you among some of the most dramatic high country California has to offer.

Here’s the important thing to know before you go: Reds Meadow Road is narrow and single-lane in places. The campground explicitly doesn’t recommend trailers or RVs because of the width constraints. If you’re towing anything substantial, this isn’t your spot. But if you’re comfortable with a regular vehicle or are thinking tent camping anyway, the tight road is a small price for being this close to legitimate wilderness.

The elevation and summer-only schedule mean you’re looking at a specific window of opportunity—late spring through early fall, essentially. Water can be cold, nights drop fast even in summer, and you’re far enough up that weather changes quickly. Come prepared for actual mountain camping conditions, not resort living. That’s part of the appeal if you’re after an authentic high-country experience without the development.