4th of July 2008 Camping Trip @ Mammoth Lakes

[nfpgasmask]

OK, so July 4th is looking good. 3-day weekend. Drive down to Mammoth on Thursday after work, setup camp, and spend the weekend out there.

Linda and I are down. Who else?

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

James, can we rely on you to get a campsite together on Thursday and provide directions? If we leave Reno around 5:30-6, we will probably get there around 8-9pm.

Let me know, otherwise it might just be easier to leave Friday morning.

I am thinking of hauling the canoe also.

Bart

[Ascinder]

I probably can't leave until friday morning(graveyard most likely thurs. night) Also, any Mtn. bike trails out there James?

[nfpgasmask]

I probably can't leave until friday morning(graveyard most likely thurs. night) Also, any Mtn. bike trails out there James?

That's cool, you can just meet us there if we decide to leave Thursday afternoon.

Bart

[snowtrooper1966]

Campsite, no problem.
Bring the boat, lots of lakes, fishing, hiking and some very good mountain bike trails. The mountain will also be open for mountain biking as well, and I will have some free passes...
Best,

[nfpgasmask]

Sweeeeet. I can't wait.

Bart

[CrnCnn]

So, are we planning on any wheeling? My front end is getting louder so I may be 2x

[snowtrooper1966]

There are plenty of 4x4 options. Moderate trails to rock crawling.
What is the group consensus?
Best,

[nfpgasmask]

There are plenty of 4x4 options. Moderate trails to rock crawling.
What is the group consensus?
Best,

I am game for whatever, but if Clint's VX isn't running well on the front end, we don't have to. Personally, I am mostly interested in hanging out, drinking and eating like a pig, hiking and hopefully canoeing.

I guess the main question should be, what is the campsite like you have in mind, James? Can you let us know the options? Like, is a community campsite with showers and bathrooms, or is it more primitive with only an outhouse? Or is it totally primative, let us know bro! I will also have my dog, so if there is any issue there, let me know.

Thanks,

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

Here are some of the campsites I found, James, which ones are good, do you know?

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreat....shtml#mammoth

Bart

PS - Good means, not crowded, pretty views, etc.

[nfpgasmask]

Also, it looks like most of these campsites require reservations.

So lets get the campsite plans hammered out asap so we can make reservations. Its a holiday weekend, so I don't want to get screwed.

Bart

[snowtrooper1966]

I am thinking Shady Rest or Lake Mary.
I know Shady has toilets. I can't remember if there are showers. I will check it out today and get back to you.
Best,

[nfpgasmask]

I am thinking Shady Rest or Lake Mary.

On that website I linked above, it says both of those spots are "Closed for the season"

Is that for realizies or just outdated info?

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

Well, I just got off a not-so-encouraging phone call with the Mammoth Lakes ranger office. The lady told me that she does not know if the two sites you mentioned James, will be open. She said as of now, they are not.

Also, she said that the 4th of July weekend is their busiest weekend all summer, which is to be expected, but is still not very encouraging. She said it is difficult to get a reservation down there during this time.

Therefore, if we want to make this happen, we should probably act soon.

James, as a Mammoth Lakes area resident, are you sure you don't know of any "secret local spots" that we could camp in? Maybe just somewhere in the Inyo National Forest that is not a designated campsite? Or is that not allowed? I don't know what California's laws are regarding back country camping in National Forests.

Anyway, just a thought.

Bart

[snowtrooper1966]

After looking around, I was thinking Twin Lakes campground would be the best spot, but checking online, all the reserved spots are taken. There are first come first served spots available @ Twin Lakes & Lake Mary.
I know for sure both campgrounds will be open on the 4th.
I will check around and see what I can find out about "secret spots"....
Best,