Lake Mary is the biggest and most developed of the 11 lakes in the Mammoth Lakes basin, and the campground here spreads across generous, well-maintained grounds with plenty of room for RVs and tent campers alike. You’ll find solid amenities throughout—the kind of infrastructure that makes a multi-day stay actually comfortable rather than an exercise in roughing it.

The lake itself is the main draw. Fishing is popular year-round for those who want to bring a rod, and the hiking trails branching out from here are excellent. There are waterfalls within reasonable distance, and the Eastern Sierra scenery is exactly what you’re hoping for when you drive out to Mono County. The campground’s location gives you easy access to explore without having to pack up and move each day.

Dogs are welcome at Lake Mary Campground, which means your dog can come along on the whole trip. The expansive grounds give them room to move around without feeling cramped, and there’s plenty of mountain air and open space—the kind of place where you can actually relax instead of worrying about keeping them on a tight leash the entire time. The elevation here is around 8,700 feet, so the temperature stays comfortable even in summer, and the cooler nights are nice if you’re coming from hotter parts of California.

The campground fills up predictably during peak season, especially weekends, so planning ahead helps. It’s the kind of place where families and groups tend to camp together, so expect a fairly social atmosphere during busy periods. If you’re looking to fish or hike extensively while camping, this is a solid base with enough amenities that you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing too much comfort.