New Shady Rest Campground

We recently stayed here for a long weekend. Originally booked 2 nights, liked it so much we decided to stay for 2 more! We live full time in our travel trailer and while we love being in nature, it was a welcome change being so close to town. That said, all the sites have large trees and are spaced out. You still get the camping feel even though you’re right across the street from Starbucks. Only drawback was it’s a bit pricey for no hookups and no showers.

This was a great spot for anyone starting to boondock like us. You definitely feel like in the woods. Plenty of trees to hide the nearby roads but comfortable knowing that if you forgot something you can almost walk to go buy it. There is potable water at the entrance and a dump so need to travel with full tanks anywhere. The one drawback is the technical driving/parking in the campground if you have a longer rig. Ours is 29’ and we’re able to get in but you will have to plan most every turn and position right to maneuver around the bends and to park. I’ll definitely be coming back.

We love boondocking, however this is a great spot to dry camp if you'll be in town a lot or have work to do and need wifi. There are a ton of coffee shops nearby and a Starbucks right across the street (5 min walk from most sites). If you head up the rec path along the campground, you'll hit Shady Rest Park, which is perfect if you have dogs or kids. Lots of trees and sites are spaced enough apart so you feel like you have some privacy.

One thing to keep in mind if you have a bigger rig- this campground is tight! Our 31 foot trailer made it, but I wouldn't take anything bigger than that through here... roads are narrow and the angles make spots difficult to get into.

Staff was super friendly and helpful, camp host Eric swung by to greet us while we were setting up. Warned about bears being more aggressive lately just before hibernation, but we didn't spot any. Campground has lots of tall trees, plenty of options on tent placement. It was very quiet, only about 20% full on a Wednesday night in late October (10/28/2020). Mix of small RVs, towed trailers, and tent/car campers.

The restrooms closest to our site were closed for remodeling, they had Porta-Johns set up instead, but that meant no showers or sink access. It's possible there were other functional restrooms elsewhere in the campground (map shows 5 others), but we didn't check. It was our first night on a road trip and we got an early start in the morning so didn't miss it too much.

Cell service - I have Google Fi, which switches between T-Mobile and Sprint. Had no issues here, probably 3 bars 3G on average. Paid $33 with fees to reserve, which we almost cancelled due to air quality issues from the Creek Fire, but we wound up arriving during a rare run of good air. Would definitely stay here again (stayed across the street at Old Shady Rest a decade ago and enjoyed that as well).

...but no hot showers

This campground is gorgeous, nestled into the mountains with tall trees everywhere. There is a Ike path that borders the campground that will take you into Mammoth or into a recreational park not too far away. No campfires allowed when I was there, and extensive bear warning signs everywhere, from the tables to check in paperwork. Completely dark and let night, very little to no ambient light outside which is good and bad.

Paved roads and pads for your rig, although my site was at a slight angle which made things a bit difficult but manageable, other sites were more even.

Good cell reception on Verizon, I was able to stream videos without any issues, no WIFi.

We have stayed here a number of times on our way up & down 395. This is a large FS CG and there are a number of sites that will fit larger MH & Trailers, but not all of them are level or easy to get into, due to the number of trees right next to the road. Backing can be a challenge. Due to the record snowfall in 2017, this CG became FCFS and the only sites reserved in early June were for people moved from other FS CGs that had flooded. Old Shady Rest was taking reservations, but it is a much older park and doesn't seem nearly as nice or well maintained. Both Old & New Shady Rest are in walking distance to town & the Visitor Center. I would recommend unhooking your toad in the VC parking lot & then taking it into the CGs to find your spot first, then bring your MH or RV in as the roads can be narrow and it can get crowded in the summer, especially on weekends. We paid $11.50 per night using Senior Pass.