Camping at Silver Lake Campground

Camping at Silver Lake Campground – June Lake, CA

Quick Facts

  • Location: June Lake Loop, Eastern Sierra Nevada, California
  • Campground: Silver Lake Campground (USFS-operated)
  • Elevation: ~7,200 ft
  • Season: Typically late May through early October (weather dependent)
  • Reservable? Yes, through Recreation.gov
  • Amenities: Drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms (vault toilets)
  • Pets: Allowed (on leash)

Why Silver Lake Campground?

Nestled along the scenic June Lake Loop (Hwy 158), Silver Lake Campground offers the perfect basecamp for mountain adventures, lake activities, and exploring the breathtaking Eastern Sierra. With Silver Lake just steps from your campsite, you can fish, paddle board, swim, or simply enjoy the alpine views.

This campground is especially popular for:

  • Scenic backdrop of Carson Peak
  • Easy access to day hikes into the Ansel Adams Wilderness
  • Lakeside recreation (SUP, canoeing, kayaking)
  • Excellent trout fishing
  • Convenient location between June Lake and Mammoth Lakes

Day Hikes from Silver Lake Campground

One of the best parts of staying here is the direct access to trailheads:

1. Rush Creek Trail to Agnew Lake and Gem Lake

  • Distance: ~7 miles roundtrip to Gem Lake (longer if continuing)
  • Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
  • Highlights: Waterfalls, granite cliffs, alpine lakes
  • Trailhead: Steps from the campground
    • This trail starts right across from the campground and climbs steadily along Rush Creek, passing waterfalls and leading to stunning high-country lakes.

2. Parker Lake Trail (short drive)

  • Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip
  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
  • Highlights: Aspen groves, fall colors, glacier-carved lake with mountain backdrop

3. Fern Lake Trail (steep but rewarding)

  • Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Highlights: Small alpine lake perfect for a picnic

On-the-Water Activities

Silver Lake is small enough for relaxed paddling but big enough to explore:

  • Paddle Boarding – Calm mornings are best; bring your own SUP or rent nearby in June Lake.
  • Canoeing/Kayaking – Smooth waters and amazing reflections of Carson Peak.
  • Fishing – Stocked with rainbow trout; also home to brown trout. Try fishing from shore, a float tube, or a small boat.

Fishing Licenses: Required for anyone 16+ in California. Buy online via CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.

Things to Note

  • Altitude: At over 7,000 ft, acclimate before big hikes.
  • Wildlife: Bears are active; use bear-proof lockers for all food and scented items.
  • Weather: Nights can be cold even in summer; bring warm layers.
  • Mosquitoes: Common in early summer near the lake and creek; bring repellent.
  • No Hookups: This is a rustic campground — no RV hookups.

Best Time to Go

  • Late Spring to Early Summer: Snow-capped peaks, rushing waterfalls, good fishing.
  • Mid-Summer: Warm days for paddling, cool nights, wildflowers.
  • Fall: Stunning aspen colors (late September–early October) along June Lake Loop.
    💡 Fall is quieter and offers some of the best photography opportunities.

How to Book

  • Reservations are available on Recreation.gov – Silver Lake Campground
  • Booking Window: Up to 6 months in advance.
  • Sites go quickly, especially weekends in summer and during fall color season — book early.

Other Fun Things to Do Nearby

  • June Lake Village – Small town charm, cafés, and a brewery.
  • Other June Lake Loop Lakes – Gull Lake, June Lake, and Grant Lake are all within minutes.
  • Mammoth Lakes – Just 20 minutes south; hot springs, mountain biking, gondola rides.
  • Scenic Drives – Tioga Pass (Hwy 120) into Yosemite (seasonal, usually late May–Oct).

Final Thoughts

Silver Lake Campground is the kind of place where mornings start with alpine sunrises over still water and evenings end with campfires under star-filled skies. Whether you’re here for fishing, paddling, hiking, or just unwinding in nature, it’s a perfect Eastern Sierra basecamp with easy access to endless adventures.

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