*Note: You must have Covid vaccination to attend*
Agnew Meadows Group Campground (We have sites 1, 2, & 3) is located in the Reds Meadow Valley section of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, just west of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. This beautiful campground provides access to some of the most spectacular wilderness in the Sierras and many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking and photography and a pack station with horseback riding tours and supplies is just down the road. Within a few miles, campers will find the High Trail, Shadow Creek Trail and River Trail, all open to hiking and horseback riding. Fishing enthusiasts can try for trout in the many area lakes or the North Fork of the San Joaquin River. The campground sits in a lodgepole pine forest surrounded by high mountain peaks, adjacent to creeks and a small lake. The elevation is 8,400 feet. Spring and early summer wildflower displays bring even more color to the landscape. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds. Nearby Attractions: The area is close to Devils Postpile National Monument, Minaret Falls and the spectacular Rainbow Falls. This area offers unparalleled photographic opportunities and are great day trips. Reds Meadow Valley is also home to Reds Meadow Resort, a favorite spot for hikers and campers. The resort not only rents cabins, but also houses a shower facility open to the public. Their general store is a great place to stock up on necessities. Mammoth is also just a short drive away for supplies.
Historically, there has been a high level of bear activity at Agnew Meadows Campground. A bear-proof locker is located at each site at Agnew Meadows Campground. All food and scented items must be stored in the lockers. All trash must be disposed of in the bear proof trash receptacles. Do not store food, trash or scented items in your vehicle.
Visitor guide: Visitor Guide
Directions:
From U.S. Highway 395, take Highway 203 west through the town of Mammoth Lakes. Pass Mammoth Mountain Ski Area to Minaret Vista. Continue on Red's Meadow Road to the Agnew Meadows turnoff, about 2.5 miles. GPS: 37.682728, -119.085738
There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle at Minaret Vista before entering Red’s Meadow Valley, and interagency passes are accepted. Within the valley, there is a free inter-valley shuttle that runs between Agnew Meadows and Red’s Meadow Resort with stops at a couple of lakes, the Devil’s Postpile, and Rainbow Falls.
**NEW CARPOOL SYSTEM**
Carpooling is highly suggested for this adventure. Participants may now offer or request to carpool by clicking on this link. Add your vehicle to offer to drive, or sign up to carpool with someone near you. If you do not see anything when you check, keep checking back...and add yourself to the WAITLIST:
http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/spf329
Campground amenities & Information:
Potable water, vault toilets, picnic benches, fire pits, bear proof food storage and trash receptacles. Showers are nearby at Red’s Meadow Resort.
The campground is located at 8400 feet elevation, so take elevation change precautions if you’re sensitive (drink lots of water, and avoid/limit alcohol on the night before and after arrival). Many of the sights are fairly easy hikes for Friday. Save the more difficult hikes for Saturday after some acclimation time. Some advise available at https://www.bcm.edu/news/tips-for-preventing-altitude-sickness
This time of year is also prone to mosquitos, so be prepared with repellents or other deterrents.
This newsletter gives more information about Mammoth and Reds Meadow Valley.. Pages 7 & 8. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd904026.pdf
Things to bring:
The 10 essentials (click here), camp chair, sunscreen, mosquito deterrents, a hat, a bundle of firewood. Even though it’s July, it can be cold at night, so think clothing in layers.
Schedule:
Thursday:
- Arrive after 2pm
- Meet-N-Greet at 6pm - more details to follow
- Campfire
Friday:
- Freeform Daytime activities - fairly easy local hikes (Rainbow Falls, Devil's Postpile)
- Potluck at 6pm - please bring main and side dishes. Great Outdoors will provide desserts.
- Campfire
Saturday:
- Freeform Daytime activities - longer, more difficult hikes, see sites you missed Friday
- Campfire
Sunday:
Cancellation:
A full refund will be issued if you cancel by July 10th. Afterward, a refund may be issued if the vacancy can be filled from the waitlist. Contact Wes at fwsj69@gmail.com if you need to cancel.
