Inyo National Forest Extends Closure of Developed Recreation Sites Thru June 30

Most developed recreation sites will remain closed through June 30.

The Inyo National Forest announced today that most developed recreation sites will remain closed through June 30. The closure can be rescinded as needed.

The order does not close trails, trailheads, and general forest areas, which remain open for public use.

The forest closure includes visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, and day use areas and their facilities (restrooms, water and trash services). While trailheads remain open, restrooms, water, and trash services will not be available.

South Tufa (Mono Lake), Convict Lake, Hot Creek, and June Beach Day Use areas are closed. 

The value of nature to promote mental and physical health comes at a time when access is vital to the American public. We are working diligently to reopen developed recreation areas for full access and ask that visitors be patient during this transition period. Be prepared for other options if your developed recreation area is closed, and whenever possible, recreate locally.

If you do plan on visiting the Inyo National Forest, please be aware that:No trash removal is currently offered – please pack out all trash and waste

  • All toilet facilities are currently closed – please plan accordingly
  • Avoid high-risk activities – law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited
  • If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location

The safety of our employees and the public will continue to be our number one priority as we closely monitor the situation and implement changes accordingly.

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Frank
Frank
3 years ago

Anyone know if Tuff Campground will be open this weekend, starting on June 19th? I know Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding area will be fully open by then so just wondering about Tuff Campground. I can’t find anything regarding it’s planned reopening date and the forest service and camp host… Read more »

Charles James
3 years ago
Reply to  Frank

Campgrounds closed: Holiday, McGee Creek, Tuff, French Camp, …
from our post June 11 State of Inyo Roads and Campgrounds: What’s Open? Closed?
We are anticipating an update today or tomorrow. Keep checking our website. We agree…it’s frustrating.

Reg
Reg
3 years ago

I understand that trying to meet the regulations set by different governmental agencies about the covid-19 virus can be confusing. However, the regulations affecting outdoor areas are in my opinion ridiculous. Study after study are showing that passing the virus outdoors is rare to impossible. Hikers that have been on… Read more »

David Dennison
David Dennison
3 years ago
Reply to  Reg

Reg Kind of a mute point with it looking like things opening up soon,but I don’t think it’s so much the outdoor areas being and staying closed being the problem. I have to agree,it seems safer to be outside,fishing camping in the wilderness and forests with not much concern of… Read more »

mdieckmeyer@gmail.com
3 years ago

Such stupidity. And there are some who want the government to control even more of our lives.

JKB
JKB
3 years ago

The Sierra is home for all Californians Dennison and Indygal, and the majority do abide by the rules.

blob
blob
3 years ago

I’m 100% behind you Matt, Don’t carry anything that won’t bio-degrade or you want to pack out. Oh, one more thought, carry a shovel so no one has to look at your sh*t or tp, bury it.

Matt Farnsworth
Matt Farnsworth
3 years ago

Sounds like the forest service is making an effort to open some of the smaller campgrounds starting 6/1. No reason for these to remain closed if everyone is capable of being responsible. Pack in pack out. Leave these areas better then you found them so we all can continue enjoying… Read more »

Charles O. Jones
Charles O. Jones
3 years ago

I hope INF is working towards getting the word out down south. With fishing supposedly opening June 1, this creates conflicting messages to potential visitors. Haven’t seen anything yet in the SoCal press outlining these extended closures. A little extra effort communicating now could help minimize the problems later.

Sean
Sean
3 years ago

So lame – stop this fear hysteria, we need to open up N all us be responsible, if you’re fearful stay home, if you have a med condition stay home or wear a mask, if you dont wear a mask thats fine too, the point hear is lets all of… Read more »

Tinner
Tinner
3 years ago

Not a good idea INF, people are still going to travel here to vacation, they’re just going to camp in other areas with no restrooms, no bear proof containers, no garbage cans, no fire pits and no maintained grounds to minimize the chances of a campfire or cooking stove from… Read more »

RobS
RobS
3 years ago

Campgrounds are open – https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232241?q=Tuff%20Campground IMHO, National Forrest Service has it right, opened the individual sites June 1 but the group ones are still closed.

Backpacking John
Backpacking John
3 years ago

It absolutely makes no sense to open trails and 6/1 trout season and not provide basic services ie restrooms, water, campgrounds, trash, enforcement. What are they thinking? Shame on the forest service for poor implementation and planning. That is embarrassing…….

David Dennison
David Dennison
3 years ago

indygal 100 % agree with you on that. Without enforcement,they know they can avoid the rules WE living up here are following. And if you check other blog sites,they don’t care.many of them saying “We’re coming anyway,and going to do as we please,including camping and fishing,whether the season is opened… Read more »

indygal
indygal
3 years ago

I am beyond enraged! The reason I live here is to camp and go to the back country. I respect my local authorities and understand that we are in a crisis and will abide by the rules, but when I do my “allowed” day hike, and there are people camping… Read more »

Matthew Waite
Matthew Waite
3 years ago

Hoping this doesn’t apply to private parks such as Browns Town etc.

David Dennison
David Dennison
3 years ago

…and where are all these tourists going to camp and stay ? I know… They’ll use dispersed areas,leaving trash,waste and poop for others to clean up and pick up,even more than usual. They’ll still park and camp in the closed areas if there’s not strict enforcement not to. They’ll park… Read more »

Marie
Marie
3 years ago

So you can fish at Convict Lake on June 1 but you can’t park or sit in the day use area and you can’t use a bathroom?

Steven Weingartner
Steven Weingartner
3 years ago
Reply to  Marie

Hello everybody I had a question I plan on going up there the week of the 4th of July with a few of my family members will we be able to camp at any of the campsites we usually go to intake 2