Upper Soda Springs Campground
Inyo National Forest

Devils Poatpile Meadow, Inyo National Forest, CA
Devils Poatpile Meadow, Inyo National Forest, CA

Upper Soda Springs Campground
Inyo National Forest


Upper Soda Springs Campground

Upper Soda Springs Campground serves as an overflow site for nearby Forest Service campgrounds, but with the popularity of the area, Soda Springs is often in use. Upper Soda Springs Campground has 28 sites for RVs, trailers, and tents in a lodgepole pine forest. All the sites are first come, first served.

A good number of campsites are close to the San Joaquin River where anglers often have good success. Many great hiking trails lead out from the campground.

A narrow access road leads to Upper Soda Springs Campground. While camping here, drivers may bypass the Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus, but are still required to pay a $10 entrance fee. The shuttle only operates in summer.

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Upper Soda Springs Campground Basics
Upper Soda Springs Campground Location: In Reds Meadow Valley along Minaret Summit Road near Devils Postpile National Monument
Elevation: 7,700 feet
Mileage/ Driving Times: Sacramento - 246 miles, 4:48
Reno - 179 miles, 3:39
Los Angeles - 322 miles, 5:15
Number of Campsites: 28
Camping Season: Mid-June through mid-September, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicle, 2nd vehicle $7 per night
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California Land Management for Inyo National Forest
Information -
Inyo NF,
Mammoth Lakes
(760) 924-5500

Reservations
No Reservations All campsites at Upper Soda Springs Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 36 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Favorite Campsites: #7, 9, 10, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23
Fees: $28 per night
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Upper Soda Springs Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Upper Soda Springs Campground:

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San Joaquin River,  Reds Meadow, CA

Middle Fork San Joaquin River




Upper Soda Springs Campground, Reds Meadow, CA

Upper Soda Springs Campground

Devils Postpile
Attractions and Activities

Those camped at Upper Soda Springs Campground are close to the Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow with a variety of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. Use the free shuttle to get from place to place anywhere in the Reds Meadow valley.

  • Explore the geologic wonders of Devils Postpile National Monument.
  • At Red's Meadow Resort join a trail ride to Rainbow Falls, eat at the Mule House Cafe, or just take advantage of their showers.
  • Find many wonderful day hikes in the area at Sierra Day Hikes: Mammoth Lakes.
  • Fish in the river, Sotcher Lake or Starkweather Lake.
  • Hike 5 miles into the Ansel Adams Wilderness to Garnet Lake, or hike a few miles on the famous John Muir Trail.
  • Visit beautiful Minarets Falls.
  • Stop in a Minaret Summit viewpoint for spectacular views of the Ritter Range.

Key Upper Soda Springs Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only allowed in fire rings.
  2. To avoid problems with bears, keep food in bear-proof lockers.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  4. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. No more than 2 pets are permitted per campsite.

Check Inyo National Forest - Upper Soda Springs Campground for any campground updates.


map of campground locations around Mammoth Lakes and Devils Postpile National Monument