Convict Lake Campground

We came to enjoy the Fall colors of the Eastern Sierra. Convict Lake is near Mammoth Lakes and on the South Eastern side of Yosemite National Park. We enjoyed ourselves here. The campsites are well spaced and private feeling. The only wildlife we came across was a few squirrels and deer that freely roam through the campground. The general store is fun. The restaurant looked inviting but we didn’t eat there on our first visit to Convict Lake.
During October it cools down quickly once the sun sets. 1st night was 28°, with a very comfortable 67° during the day. Both nights were very windy. Windy enough to rock our camper van all night. On our last day the wind was so strong that my tripod was blowing over even with 20 lbs attached trying to hold it stable.
Don’t expect cell service at the campground. We have a cellular router with a powerful antenna but very intermittent service. Once you drive about 4 miles towards hwy 395 you’ll get a strong Verizon signal.
We live in Central California and came home the back way through Yosemite National Park. A really fun experience. You’ll enjoy it too I’m sure.

As we drove in on a Sunday we knew this was not the place for us. The area was congested with day visitors. We drove through the camp site. There were spaces, many to small to accommodate our 27 foot trailer. I estimate the campground was 70% full. The Lake was beautiful. The Campsites looked clean. If you want to be next to a Resort and don’t mind a large day crowd it would fit your fare. Another positive is the free dump and potable water. We decided to look for a Boondocking site.

We camped here from 6/16 - 6/19/23. The campground is easy to get to from the 395 and is well paved. Cell service once onsite is poor. Clean bathrooms and sites, friendly camp hosts, wood for sale, bear boxes at each site, walking distance to convict lake. Most if not all the sites are set up to view the mountains, only a few in the front also have a slight view of the lake. The lake gets very crowded on the weekend.

Campsites are spacious have nice tent pads. They have views of the mountain and only a couple sites allow views of the lake. No hookups. Bathrooms are flush and meticulously clean. Great hiking in the area. Oh and dont forget your cash or check for the iron ranger. No apple pay here. If you need wifi walk over to the lodge. You can also get showers and do laundry there.

We explored this CG for a future date. Friends come here once a year and recommended it. Close to the lake with lots of room between sites. Spotted lots of open first come first served sites. The lake was packed, but still had lots of room for more. Lake is adequate for kayaking. Also packed with folks fishing. The geology is spectacular and looks like hiking is good. Hope to be back to stay.

This is a beautiful area very close to 395 and would be a convenient stop. Some sites are reservable, others first come. We booked 38 online and it was noted that 38 shared a driveway with 37 and were called buddy spots. We couldn't really tell what this meant from Google Maps or from the site pictures. We thought the driveway would start together then veer off. When we arrived, these sites are like a double site. The driveway was only just wide enough for 2 vehicles so you are parking right next to each other. One picnic table is at the back, the other on the side. We asked a camp host if we could move and he was pleasant and instructed us to fill out our original reservation info and pick an empty spot. Another camp host would come around and process it. Many sites could barely fit a sedan, others are large. There is quite a variety. There are speed bumps all around the campground so cruising around was bumpy. However, we found #7 which had a great view of the mountains. As people mentioned, you can't see the lake from the campground. The exception might be #2 at the entrance but your view is mostly of the camp host in #1.

The camp hosts were very visible, friendly and kept the bathrooms and grounds very tidy. The bathrooms are flush toilets, plenty of water spigots. There are recycle containers for plastic and aluminum. We don't see glass recycling in campgrounds anymore.

There are resident deer who come out in the early morning and evenings. We walked right by them feeding and they hardly gave us any notice.

The hike around the lake is quite nice and accessible from the campground. There is a boardwalk at the end where all the water comes into the lake. Beautiful views. Very popular with fishermen early and late. The mountain irises are especially lovely.

The dump station is located near the resort, has 2 dumps, is free, clean and a lot of room to navigate. There is also potable water away from the dump.

Some of these spots are reservable on the internet, some are not. If you don’t have a reservation, you best get here by 1 ( check out time ) or you will be s.o.l! Especially when it’s prime time. (We were here mid June). No hook up but there is water for fill up and a dump station with the most beautiful view!. Oddly enough I heard NO generators!! It was great.

Most of the sites are pretty accessible. They accommodate up to 40’. Some of the sites, especially up on the hill are not meant for anything other than tents or minivans. The campground doesn’t’ give you a view of the lake but there is an unmatched view of the mountain. We were in site #14 which was pretty level and had a really nice yard. It was on the main road but the trees and vegetation thick was fine for privacy. The sites are located in a few loops. The sites on the south edge are up on a hill, the ones to the way back ate pretty exposed with no trees. None a have a view from the lake

The 3 mile trail around the lake was really great. Single track with some slight incline and rocks but totally walkable. It was beautiful. I’m going to leave something for the imagination, but it was a gorgeous hour and half. Fishing seems to be the draw with families and day visitors. You can rent a fishing boat, etc. There is a resort in there , too with cabins, etc. No reliable cell service, so enjoy and take the day off!

You may have visitors - deer - stop by. Hopefully no bears because there was a siting last night! I'd come here again in a heartbeat.