McGee Backpacker Campground
Campground · Mammoth Lakes corridor
McGee Backpacker Campground sits at 7,894 feet in California's Sierra Nevada, nestled in the Mammoth Lakes corridor. A high-elevation base camp sheltered from the open lake winds by ridge and forest.
Wind accelerates through the afternoon as thermal circulation builds off nearby ridges. Morning calm gives way to sustained gusts by mid-day. At this elevation, temperature swings are sharp; layer aggressively. Wind funnels from the southeast and peaks by late afternoon.
Over the last 30 days, McGee has averaged 11 mph wind and a 13-point NoGo Score, with temperatures holding near 39 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will test patience on windy afternoons; head here early or plan for sheltered activities. Crowding stays light at 8 out of 10, favoring off-peak travelers.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About McGee Backpacker Campground
McGee Backpacker Campground occupies high Sierra terrain on the east slope of the Mammoth Lakes corridor, roughly 10 miles north of the town of Mammoth Lakes via Highway 395. The campground sits at 7,894 feet elevation on a bench above McGee Creek, a major drainage that cuts east out of the high Sierra toward the Owens Valley. Access is via McGee Creek Road, a rough dirt and gravel route branching east from Highway 395. The nearest paved services and fuel are in Mammoth Lakes to the south. This is a backcountry-oriented site suited to hikers, climbers, and packstock users heading into the high country.
Conditions at McGee are shaped by its elevation and exposure to afternoon thermal winds funneling down from the crest. The 30-day average wind speed is 11 mph, but afternoon gusts regularly spike; the rolling 30-day maximum gust recorded 27 mph. Temperature averages 39 degrees Fahrenheit over the last month, with a year-round low of 15 degrees and high of 56 degrees. Snow lingers into late spring; high-water season on McGee Creek runs late May through June as snowmelt accelerates. Summer mornings arrive calm; afternoons turn gusty and cold. Crowding remains sparse (8 out of 10) compared to roadside lakes, reflecting the rough access and backcountry user base.
McGee is best for experienced Sierra travelers planning multi-day treks into the high country, packstock operations, and climbers approaching peaks around Mount Darwin and Mount Humphreys. The campground lacks water, power, and formal amenities; expect a primitive basecamp. Arrive midweek or in shoulder season to avoid rare weekend compression. Head here on mornings when the 30-day average wind is lowest; skip the afternoon thermal window if you're sensitive to wind. Pack insulation for the thin air and strong nocturnal cooling; 39-degree averages mask extreme diurnal swings.
Nearby alternatives include Mammoth Lakes Basin campgrounds to the south (warmer, busier, easier access) and Inyo National Forest dispersed sites along Highway 395 northward toward Bishop. McGee compares closely to Rock Creek Lake and Convict Lake as high-elevation Sierra basecamp options, all sharing afternoon wind, thin atmosphere, and reliable solitude. The Mammoth corridor as a whole anchors weekend trips from the Bay Area and Southern California; McGee's remoteness and rough road keep it quieter than the basin proper.