I'm sure this is a lost cause, since there are so many campgrounds out there, the chances of you guys being to each one is very close to 0. Anyways, I can't decide between a couple campgrounds. What i'm looking for is a secluded camping trip, which will be done sometime between June and August of this year. I'm interested in the Inyo, California area because it's relatively close to my area (looks like a 4-5 hour drive).

Basically, I can't decide between the following areas, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me which would be the best choice, providing the most privacy, while having maybe trails around or something.

North Lake
Lower Grays Meadow
Mosquito Flat Trailhead

Thanks guys.

Few things are a lost cause, especially when it comes to national forest campgrounds.

Perhaps you've already been there, but if not, click on the "National Forests & Campgrounds" tab to the left and select the Inyo. By scrolling down the lookup table, you'll find in-depth descriptions of all the CGs you mentioned. We visited the CGs to survey them, but did not stay there. Of the three, I think I'd go for Mosquito Flat Trailhead. As can be seen by this picture from a campsite, the views are excellent.





As you'll see in the description of the CG, hiking is available to include access to the John Muir Wilderness.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the CGs, but I'd like to add one to your list - Saddlebag Lake CG. Check out this view from the CG:





Awesome views from almost every site, access to Yosemite NP, hiking, fishing - quite a place; check out the description as above. I guess the one downside to this CG, is privacy between sites is just on the fair side.

Maybe someone has actually camped at one of these CGs. Hope this helps . . . Fred

This is one reason why we don't rate campgrounds

The Inyo is loaded with super campground and it really depends on you.

Unlike Fred, I would suggest North Lake campground. I think it offers more hiking (it is closer to the Muir Wilderness) and good fishing. And Mosquito is more a staging campground for backpackers heading into the Wilderness but there is a delightful secluded feel to it, while North Lake cg can attract more people and be busier. My campground alternative suggestion would be Sawmill Walk-in (loved the views from some of its sites) but it is more "rustic" than the ones you are thinking about.

Well, I was really interested in North Lake, so I called... someone from the national forest in charge of that campground, and he said it's usually full when it's open. The area is beautiful though, I was able to pull up pictures on google, and read hiking reviews.

I'll check out the suggested campgrounds today. I appreciate the responses.

What about primitive camping? It might be more like what i'm looking for. I'm not a fan of waking up next to strangers

.

To avoid another call to the rangers station, does anyone know if the Inyo national forest will allow this?

Does anyone know any good spots for primitive camping, within about 100 miles of Baker, CA?

Again, sorry these questions are so localized, I realize the chances are slim.