If you’re searching for a place to go on your next adventure, look no further! Lee Vining is the perfect destination for everyone who wants to relax, unwind, and become one with nature! Why? Let’s find out!
Where is Lee Vining?
Lee Vining is a census-designated place in Mono County, California. It is situated near the southwest shore of Mono Lake and about 21 miles south-southeast from Bridgeport. The town has an elevation of 6781 feet, giving it a nice, cool climate for the majority of the year.
The town was originally a mining camp, founded by Leroy Vining in 1852. It used to be called Lakeview. However, it was later on learned that there was another town in California that has that name. The name Lee Vining was a homage to its founder.
What makes Lee Vining a good camping spot?
What makes a place a good camping spot? Well, there are many factors to consider. But Lee Vining is definitely one of the best places you can go to for a great camping experience.
There are many great locations you can visit that are close to Lee Vining. Mono Lake, a beautiful and mysterious land-locked saltwater lake, is just a short car ride north of Lee Vining. Its high salinity makes swimming in the lake a unique experience. You can also have guided or self-guided walking and kayaking tours that are surely worth trying.
However, if you want to go fishing, you should check out Lundy Lake or Virginia Lakes instead. These lakes are pristine spots for fishing and hiking alike.
Or you can visit the Bodie Ghost Town, which was the real Wild West back in the 1800s. The town has preserved many of its original buildings, and you can even walk inside some of them. If you plan to go to Bodie, just bring your own lunch since there are no services available.
Another one is the Tioga Pass, which is the gateway to Yosemite National Park. This route is lined with the most beautiful cliffs, rocks, wildflowers, and lakes. You can take a few stops and discover them yourself.
What activities can you do while camping in Lee Vining?
Camping in Lee Vining will never get boring. You can try many different activities that are available on most campsites. You can go fishing in the creeks or nearby lakes such as the Lundy and Virginia Lakes. Avid hunters can also enjoy hunting in the vicinity of the campsites.
If you’re one of the more adventurous types, waterskiing, kayaking, hiking, and rock-climbing are available for you. For those who want to take a stroll while enjoying the view and fresh air, you can go mountain biking or horseback riding. But if you prefer just to sit back, relax, and indulge at the moment, you can go picnicking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing too.
You can do a lot in Lee Vining. If you aren’t sure what you want, try them out, and you’ll enjoy them for sure.
Top RV camping spots in Lee Vining
If you’re bringing your RV and looking for a place to settle, these are the best spots to go to in Lee Vining:
Crowley Lake RV Park
Located near Crowley Lake, California, this park offers full hookup campsites that are big rig friendly and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. Amenities include a general store, picnic tables, grills, and fire circles. Laundry and hot showers are available too. Biking, hiking, boating, and fishing are some of the activities you can do during your stay.
Golden Pine RV Park
Located in June Lake, California, just off HWY 158, the park has 26 sites with water, power, and sewer hookups for your RV. Guests have access to picnic tables, fire circles, restrooms, laundry, and fish cleaning facilities. There are many activities you can do in the park, including kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, off-roading, rock climbing, and stargazing. Their staff is very friendly and accommodating. You can also bring your pets inside the park.
Lower Lee Vining Campground
The camp has 52 sites along the Lee Vining Creek. Campsites are large and well-shaded by the trees. Drinking water and vault toilets are available. Firewood is for sale. The campsites can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers, and each has a table, food storage locker, and a fire ring. Activities include hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. But the camp is well-known for the great fishing experience on the creek.
Big Bend Campground
This camp is set deep into the Lee Vining Canyon, also along the Lee Vining Creek. It has an elevation of 7,700 feet. Each site can accommodate up to 6 people, including children, and a group can stay there for up to 14 days. Campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. The maximum length for RVs and trailers is 30 feet. There are no hookups and showers. Vault toilets and tap water are available.
Moraine Campground
Moraine Campground is situated in Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. The camp has 121 campsites that can accommodate tents and RVs, and trailers up to 30 feet. Each site has a picnic table, a bear-resistant food locker, and a fire ring. Guests have access to flush toilets and tap water. The camp is near the Cedar Grove Village, where guests can shower and do laundry. The village also has a lodge, a restaurant, and a store. You can enjoy fishing in the Kings River, hiking the trail to Mist Falls and Canyon View, biking on the local bike path, and swimming in the lake. Dogs are also allowed but must be kept on leash except for service dogs.
A Final Word About Camping In and Around Lee Vining
Lee Vining is in the heart of nature. With only less than 100 people living in the town, you will get to experience a true step back from the city’s buzz. You can appreciate all nature has to offer without any distraction. You can choose from many different picturesque sites and exciting activities. Spend several days in Lee Vining and still have lots of interesting things to do and places to check out.
