Old Shady Rest Campground

We arrived here after a long day of driving through Yosemite and over Tioga Pass. Got water at the forest service fill station while coming down the pass. When we arrived about 4pm on a Monday there were about 8 sites still available as FCFS, only two would work for our 32’ fifth wheel. We parked in site 18 which was a pretty easy back-in and could probably accommodate a larger rig pretty easily. We wanted to stay a few nights but our site was only available for the one, so we moved in the morning. Quite a few sites cleared out in the am, and we were able to scope out what would work best for us. We ended up in site 1, which had looked impossible when we arrived, but we had the patience in the morning to shoehorn into it. There were two trees that made things a little fun but we Austin Powered it in. I think 32’ would be max size for site 1. The nice thing was we were completely open on the door side of our rig so it felt pretty private.

The campground during the week had only a handful of campers, but was fully booked for the weekend so we left Friday am. Light traffic on the road to the campground that didn’t bother us at all. So many amazing hikes close by. New Shady Rest CG was closed for the season when we arrived (they closed the day before we got there 9/8/24) but dump station was open per the host. Having camped in New Shady with our cab over camper, would not recommend for large rigs at all- sites are small and close together. We actually left our reservation early in New Shady (July of 2021) because the CG was so loud and not the vibe we like when camping.

Overall I would stay in old shady again, esp during off-season. Sites 1,18,32 were the ones we noted could fit our 32’ fifth wheel. There were a few Class A in other sites, but didn’t note which ones.

Had this booked for a holiday weekend, when we arrived it there was a “campground full” sign but no concerns, our reserved space was there. On the way around the loop there was a 5th wheel taking some effort to fit in, I wasn’t in a rush to no problem, eventually they pulled out again to let us pass. Site was as expected, lots of space, decent space between sites. Went for a walk and the 5th wheel was in the last stages of parking, they made it but it was difficult, so what others say for larger vehicles seems accurate. Full 5g signal, short walk to Starbucks, shell, grocery outlet, and the free bus that does a loop of the town. Had no interaction with check in but whole waking dogs a vehicle pass and welcome guide appeared on the campsite table, 10/10 for the stealth welcome. Some people ran generators a little after the 10pm cutoff but it was quiet quiet by 11, so this seems a fairly relaxed campground.
(update) We left to get groceries in the nearby Vons around 11:30am and do some sightseeing, within 20 minutes the camp host texted us:
"Hello, this is your camp host at old Shady rest Campground. I see you have reserved site [##] through 9/1. Can you give me an update on your reservation? Have you left the area? Will you be returning to your site? Thank you Host Old Shady Redt"
EM WHAT? Got back after 8pm, we should be able to get groceries and paddle in the lakes without being checked up on by the campsite host.

this is a great campground right in the heart of Mammoth. I love that some sites back up to the hillside and trail. Makes it seem very quiet, yet you can walk or bike ride to all the restaurants in town. Old Shady Rest is smaller, quieter and better in my opinion.

Even on a semi-holiday weekend with most of the spots taken, it was a pleasure to stay here. Glad we found it. Sites are mostly large and most have a fire ring and picnic table. Camp hosts are very friendly and helpful and the place has a nice, quite vibe this weekend. Some tight turns so big rigs and long trailers check with host first.

Website says rigs of 44’ ok.,. Absolutely NOT!!! There wasn’t a camp host to check you in so we headed towards our designated site, we’re 40’ and could barely make it through the road to our site. Luckily found an RV park close that had 4 days available. Hoping we can get a refund from recreation.gov

Our family enjoyed our stay here and would love to stay here again, BUT our rig was just barely able to fit. I wanted to post this information in case there's others like me looking for information to make an assessment as to whether or not you'll fit.

We have a 2020 genesis supreme 32 CRXL . Overall trailer length is something like 38' and height is somewhere under the 14' limit, but I'd guess pretty close. We were able to get in and out of the campground without damage, but just barely. The road is narrow and trees/limbs were anxiety inducing. Our spot could fit us length-wise, but there was a tree on both sides of the parking that encroached which made it very challenging to back in. We meant to take note of other sites in the area that would be more accommodating (and there were maybe 2), but we of course thought we'd remember the spot number long enough to write it down and we did not. As a disclaimer, my wife was holding a crying baby while trying to help me back in, so it may have been more challenging than it should have been.

Overall, campground was in great shape, camp host was exceptionally friendly and helpful, and we had a very nice time. Would love to stay here again but will probably pass just given the size of our trailer. Could we do it again? Sure, definitely not impossible.

For reference, we drove through the new shady rest campground without the trailer, and I'm nearly certain we would have gotten stuck or damaged the trailer. Those roads were really, really tight, with tight turns and trees everywhere. Beautiful campground though.

We arrive at 4 pm and two places were left. The Camp Host was very friendly and helpful. Sent us to #17 which has plenty of space for our Class B plus room for another vehicle if it was needed. Far enough from roads to hear just a tiny bit of traffic. Bear box, fire pit and picnic table.

We've arrived at Mammoth with no reservation. Found this place, pretty close at the main services - (less than 1 mile). It was possible to walk at rental bike place - and ride until the lakes. Laundry, groceries, restaurants close the RV park.

There is only a comment for someone that is not usable with national parks procedures. It was not easy to understand witch place was available or not. They could make easier for first costumers.