California Highway 395. Your thoughts...

[StreaminGeo]

Two views of our setup at Keough's

[FarFetched]

A couple of years ago, pre-Airstream, we took a road trip and stayed near Lake Mary, about 2 miles SW of Mammoth Lakes. There are three campgrounds there and I think they're all boondocking sites, but not sure. Anyhow, though we stayed in a cabin then, walking around those campgrounds were part of what pushed our "someday" dreams of owning an Airstream into reality. Stunning views of the backside of Mammoth, and four lakes to paddle around. We'll definitely go back there, this time with the Airstream.

And, as an aside, the cabins and lodge at Tamarack were dreamy. It could have been 70 years ago, or today. Except with Aveda toiletries.

[leap-baby]

We have stayed at Brown's Town Campground about one mile south of Bishop. They have RV and tent sites. Electric & water only. They do have bathrooms with showers. http://www.brownscampgrounds.com/browns.html

Another place we enjoyed is Convict Lake not too far south of Mammoth. The campground there is National Forest, no hookups. There is a small resort there with cabins and a restaurant. Fishing and hiking are great. Reservations are recommended, as it is a popular place. You can look it up on recreation.gov for more information.

Others have mentioned favorite places: Bodie, Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite. I would avoid Yosemite Valley like the plague during the summer months. It is super crowded - a zoo! A really pleasant hike is the trail to Glen Aulin that starts at Tuolumne Meadows. The first half is relatively flat, following the Tuolumne River through the meadow. It's spectacularly beautiful. If you are up for more strenuous hiking, go all the way to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp.

Finally I have to put in a plug for the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, east out of Big Pine. There is a National Forest Visitor Center in Big Pine and one at the Schulman Grove at around 10,000 ft elevation. The views from there are spectacular, as you can look across the Owens Valley to the Sierra Nevada stretched out before you. The trees are fascinating with their stunted, gnarled beauty. It's hard to realize you are seeing the oldest living single organism in the world. Some are 5000 years old.

[leap-baby]

I almost forgot. The bakery in Bishop that you don't want to miss is Schat's.
http://schatsbakery.com/

[sac1gaa]

Out of Lone Pine there is a hike with a view. 14,494 feet Only 11 miles one way. Good news all down hill the second 11. You don't have to go ALL the way to the top, no rock climbing, just a trail. There are all sorts of small camping sites west of 395. Pick up a camping map from AAA look for the little green tent symbol. They restock the creeks with trout at different times. Pole, hooks and some salmon eggs. What else does a 10 yr. old need? I alway hope for No Signal it helps cure that addiction. Have Fun!

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by VaTravelers

I know cell phones are important conveniences, we don't turn ours on when we're camping. We also have not really figured out the two TVs and DVD player in our 28' Serenity. We've rediscovered board games, cribbage and books. We can't wait for it to warm up again so we can get back to real relaxation. JMHO.

I'm envious.....cell phones are a necessity for some of us.

[obytheway]

Check out Whitney Portal Road west of Lone Pine. among other movies it was in the Lucile Ball movie Long, Long Trailer

http://www.dangerousroads.org/north-...-road-usa.html

[57Wanderer]

If you like to boondock, the area just outside of Lone Pine called the Alabama Hills is lovely. You don't have to go very far off the road to find a nice spot. We did it with our 30 foot 2016. My husband bought some nice trout in Lone Pine Creek. We at them for dinner.

Big Pine: don't forget to stop at the Copper Pot for some of the best ribs I've ever had.

Its fun to go up to Whitney Portal and watch the Mt Whitney hikers start or finish the hike..... at 22 miles round trip and straight up hill with an elevation gain of over 6,000 ft, its a bucket list item for a lot of people.

We once stayed at a campground in Mammoth Lakes that was run by the SoCAL DWP (I know, sounds crazy). It was lovely there and just outside town. Not sure if its still there now. We watched the fireworks on the 4th of July from Crowley Lake, I think.

[1936RoadWarrior]

I live in Reno and I highly recommend Grover Hot Springs, CA.
heading no on 395 around Minden NV you turn westerly toward Tahoe. In about 6 or 10 miles ( who knows) there is a left turn toward MARKLEEVILLE. Go more or less 15 miles to Markleeville and just as you come into this cute little burg, turn right and drive 10 minutes to Grover Hot Springs. They have a great swimming pool, and right next to it is a huge, cement hot springs. GET RESERVATIONS

[pt.reyesfan]

Originally Posted by SanAndVin

In June we are going to be spending three weeks in the Bambi along 395 between Lake Tahoe and Big Pine. Got any ideas? The funkier the better for our 10-year-old boy.

My top spots on 395:
* Mono Lake tufa formations
* Obsidian Dome
* Crater Mountain (by Mono Lake)
* Walker River camping
* Devils Postpile
* Turkey sandwiches at Schats bakery in Bishop
* Alabama Hills
* Bristlecone pines (and White Mountain hike)
* Manzanar
* Film museum in Lone Pine
* Bishop Mule Days
* Dinner At Tuolumne Meadows Camp
* Tenaya Lake
* Mono Lake Committee Information Center

[Photobum]

All great ideas about HWY 395. I am currently in the Alabama Hills for a few weeks.

One thing no one has mentioned is Green Creek. Great boon docking at seven thousand feet...there is a campground with two group sites (reservation only) and ten very private camp sites (first come first serve). I am the host and have been for the past three years. One bear in three years. Three mountain lions. Birders will love this place as will hikers. My web page has pictures (Eastern Sierra).

I have been on the road for the past five years, traveling all over the country and Mexico. 395 is my favorite part of the world...

[sac1gaa]

There is an awesome campground further north for another trip. Lava Beds, self guided tours of the lava tubes. Kids love it and really safe.

[Photobum]

Discovered a new boon docking location east of Lone Pine this week. Enjoying the view of the Sierra Nevada...and the pups are enjoying the open desert...

[Julie-Bob]

. Some of the views along 395. We are doing it again this summer. Great highway.

[Shikiah]

First time RV travel from Oregon Coast to Tucson. Would love opinions regarding safe routes for 98 Land Yacht Motorhome. How is 395 going south to Hwy 40?

[SanAndVin]

Simply stated, a route in your rig down I-395 through highway 40 will not be a problem. Highway 40 can get narrow in some places, no pull-overs, but it is maintained well enough. We traveled on 40 a couple months ago and had no problems pulling the Bambi. Your rig is much longer, but you will do fine. As for I-395, the road is an easy drive with wide shoulders. Have a great time getting to Tucson.

[Shikiah]

Sure do appreciate all the input regarding 395 and 40. Thank you for spending the time to help us feel more confident driving our rig.