Crooked Meadows CG
Campground · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Crooked Meadows CG sits at 8,839 feet in the high Sierra east of Mammoth Lakes. A sparse, wind-exposed campground in the Mammoth corridor, it offers direct access to high-elevation backcountry with minimal crowds.
Wind dominates here. The 30-day average wind is 13 mph, with afternoon gusts common as thermal circulation draws air up the eastern slope. Morning calm is reliable only in early daylight hours. Exposure to open sky means temperatures drop sharply after sunset; expect 30 to 40 degree swings from afternoon to night.
Over the last 30 days, the 30-day average wind of 13 mph and NoGo Score of 13.0 reflect typical spring conditions for this elevation. The 7-day forecast ahead shows what to expect based on seasonal patterns: wind likely peaks by mid-afternoon, and crowding remains light except during holiday weekends. Use the rolling 30-day average as your baseline for planning.
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About Crooked Meadows CG
Crooked Meadows CG anchors the eastside approach to the Mammoth Lakes corridor. The campground sits on the slope above McGee Creek drainage, roughly 10 miles southeast of the town of Mammoth Lakes via Highway 395 and Forest Service roads. Access is straightforward: drive Highway 395 south from Mammoth Lakes to the McGee Creek turnoff, then follow the forest road upslope. The site occupies open, rolling high-Sierra terrain with scattered whitebark pine and sagebrush. Elevation at 8,839 feet places it above the lake itself, making it a staging point for hikers and stock users heading into the high country rather than a lakeside destination.
Spring and early summer bring wind and variable temperatures typical of high-elevation Sierra passes. The 30-day average temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit reflects late-April conditions; by July, daytime highs reach the low 60s, but nighttime still dips into the 30s. Wind averages 13 mph but gusts to 31 mph are common, particularly in afternoons. The maximum 30-day wind recorded was 31 mph. Late September and October offer calmer afternoons and fewer mosquitoes as thermal circulation weakens with shorter days. November through March brings snow; the site closes seasonally when roads become impassable. Crowding remains light year-round due to low base popularity (0.3); traffic spikes only around holiday weekends.
This campground suits backcountry users, stock parties, and climbers targeting the high peaks. Day-hikers launching early morning summit attempts find the elevation and access convenient. Expect primitive facilities and no water or services once snow falls. Afternoon wind makes this place marginal for sitting camp; head out at dawn, return by mid-afternoon, or plan to hunker down indoors. The sparse tree cover offers little shelter. Parking fills slowly except during busy weekends. Smoke from eastern Nevada fires can degrade visibility in summer and fall; check conditions before committing.
Nearby Lake Mamie and Convict Lake, both lower and more sheltered, offer alternatives when afternoon wind peaks. Mammoth Mountain's eastern base sits 8 to 10 miles northwest, accessible via Highway 395 and Minaret Road. The Mammoth Lakes basin itself (lakes Mary, Mamie, Horseshoe) provides easier access, lower wind exposure, and better amenities. Crooked Meadows works best as a staging point for multi-day backcountry trips into the Ritter Range or Minarets, not as a destination for car camping comfort.