PALISADES GROUP CAMPGROUND
Campground · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Palisades Group Campground sits at 9,052 feet in the Mammoth Lakes corridor, a high-Sierra staging ground for group trips and early-season access before surrounding peaks fully open.
Wind accelerates upslope through midday and peaks in afternoon, driven by the basin's elevation and exposure. The 30-day average wind of 10 mph understates the afternoon gusts that can spike to 33 mph. Morning calm is your window; expect sustained wind by 2 p.m.
The past 30 days have averaged a NoGo Score of 15 with temperatures holding near 30 degrees Fahrenheit and wind at 10 mph, typical for spring at this elevation. The week ahead will track those patterns: watch for afternoon wind surges and brief warm spells that soften snowpack. Plan group outings for early morning departure.
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About PALISADES GROUP CAMPGROUND
Palisades Group Campground occupies a high-elevation staging area in the Mammoth Lakes corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, 9,052 feet above sea level. The site sits roughly 15 miles northwest of the town of Mammoth Lakes via Highway 203 and local roads, making it a natural base for groups coordinating access to backcountry zones, fishing, and early-season exploration of the high basin. The location's popularity score of 0.3 reflects its role as a utilitarian group hub rather than a recreation destination in its own right; it anchors logistics for larger parties.
Spring and early summer dominate the usable season. The 30-day average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit and rolling winds of 10 mph are typical of April and May, when snowpack lingers and afternoon thermals are strong. By late June, temperatures climb above the 44-degree seasonal maximum and the site transitions to shoulder season; wind remains steady, with documented maxima of 33 mph during high-pressure systems. Crowding averages 8 on the 30-day rolling window, meaning group reservations can fill midweek in peak months. Late September and early October bring calmer conditions and lower pressure on sites once Labor Day passes.
Group camping is the primary use. The site suits parties of 15 to 30 people planning coordinated backcountry entry, fishing, or pack stock staging. Experienced visitors reserve well ahead, arrive by mid-morning to secure parking, and plan all major activities for the window before 2 p.m., when afternoon wind and temperature swings become pronounced. The elevation and exposure demand attention to cold nights (temperatures drop to 13 degrees Fahrenheit in depth of winter) and rapid weather change. No shelter is guaranteed; bring insulation and wind protection as standard.
Nearby alternatives include the smaller dispersed sites along Highway 203 between Mammoth and the campground, and the developed campgrounds closer to Mammoth Lakes proper, which offer more services but less privacy for large groups. Visitors pairing Palisades Group with a backcountry trip often use it as a shakedown and supply hub rather than a destination camp. The high elevation and group-oriented design make it less suited to individual or small-family camping than to logistics-heavy parties.