Pine Glen Campground sits at the end of the New Shady Rest loop in Mammoth Lakes, where nine group sites spread around one large loop under a thick canopy of mature Jeffrey pines. At 7,800 feet elevation, the forest feels genuinely remote—the kind of place where you’ll hear more bird calls than traffic noise. Each campsite comes with picnic tables, campfire rings, and trash bins, plus flush toilets nearby. You can buy firewood on-site, which saves a trip into town, and showers and dump stations are only a few miles away if you need them.

The real appeal here is space for larger groups. These sites accommodate 15 to 30 people comfortably, making them solid for extended family camping trips or friend groups who want to stay together. Your dog will have plenty of room to move around the camp, though keep in mind the two-pet limit per site and the requirement to keep them leashed or contained in a tent or vehicle at all times.

Wildlife is genuinely present in these mountains. Black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martens, and pikas all live here, along with healthy populations of fish and birds. That elevation and forest density create a different ecosystem than lower elevations—expect cooler nights even in summer and bring layers. The Jeffrey pine forest is thick enough to provide real shade during the day, which matters when you’re setting up camp for multiple days.

The setup works best if your group wants to base camp for a while rather than do one-night stops. The communal nature of the loop means you’ll see your camping neighbors, which can be either a bonus or something to consider depending on your group’s vibe. Arrive early to claim your preferred spot within the loop.