
Grant Lake
A jewel of the June Lake Loop, Grant Lake offers crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain vistas, and free dispersed camping. A photographer's paradise...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors

Grant Lake
Best Time
Peak fall colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A jewel of the June Lake Loop, Grant Lake offers crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain vistas, and free dispersed camping. A photographer's paradise, especially in fall.
"Absolutely beautiful lake with very clear water. My family like to go dry camping there around the beginning of August."

🎣 Fishing Hotspot
Grant Lake is known for great fishing opportunities. Bring your gear for a chance to catch some trout!
🚗 Road Trip Essential
Perfect stop on a Highway 395 road trip for stunning scenery and outdoor activities.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 111 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Fall Colors
June Lake Loop
Witness breathtaking autumn foliage painting the landscape in hues of gold, yellow, and green. A must-see for photographers!

Crystal Clear Waters
Grant Lake Shoreline
Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and boating in the incredibly clear, refreshing waters of Grant Lake.

Dispersed Camping
Designated areas around the lake
Experience free, rustic camping with stunning lake views. Perfect for RVs and tents, offering a true outdoor adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Fall Colors
Dispersed Camping & RVs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 Fishing Hotspot
Grant Lake is known for great fishing opportunities. Bring your gear for a chance to catch some trout!
🚗 Road Trip Essential
Perfect stop on a Highway 395 road trip for stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
🛶 Water Sports Galore
Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and boating on the lake's clear waters.
🐍 Local Legends
Ask locals about the rumored 'Grant Lake snake monster' for a bit of local folklore fun!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Fishing Hotspot
Grant Lake is known for great fishing opportunities. Bring your gear for a chance to catch some trout!
🚗 Road Trip Essential
Perfect stop on a Highway 395 road trip for stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
🛶 Water Sports Galore
Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and boating on the lake's clear waters.
🐍 Local Legends
Ask locals about the rumored 'Grant Lake snake monster' for a bit of local folklore fun!
🏕️ Free Camping
Take advantage of free dispersed camping, but be prepared for no amenities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Grant Lake for its breathtaking beauty, clear waters, and excellent opportunities for dispersed camping and outdoor recreation. Many highlight the stunning fall colors and the peaceful, natural setting. Some note the lack of amenities in dispersed camping areas and the potential for large RVs to find parking challenging.
"Absolutely beautiful lake with very clear water. My family like to go dry camping there around the beginning of August. My kids enjoy swimming, paddle boarding and exploring around the lake. This lake also allows boating."
Fawn Szueber
"I loved there Tony camp host really nice camp ground clean and very helpful can't wait to go back"
juliie Asti
"Beautiful lake with great views, fishing, off-roading and dispersed camping opportunities. Also pretty good sailing if you are chazy enough to bring your own.
Fun aside, we think we saw a rather large black snake like object in one of the coves at the south end of the lake. We'll have to ask locals about a possible 'Grant Lake snake monster' next time we come through the area!"
Justin Metz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grant Lake is conveniently located just a short drive south of Mammoth Lakes, approximately 20-30 minutes. It's easily accessible via Highway 158 as part of the scenic June Lake Loop.
Yes, Grant Lake is accessible by car via Highway 158. The road is generally well-maintained, especially during the warmer months.
While Mammoth Lakes gets snow, Grant Lake and the June Lake Loop are typically accessible in winter, though road conditions can vary. Check local advisories before traveling.
Driving the June Lake Loop is highly recommended, with Grant Lake being one of its gems. Stop at various viewpoints and lakes along the way for the full experience.
Dispersed camping areas are generally found around the lake. Look for established spots that don't require reservations and remember to practice Leave No Trace principles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Grant Lake does not have an entrance fee, especially for dispersed camping areas. This makes it a very budget-friendly destination.
Typically, no permit is required for dispersed camping at Grant Lake, but it's always wise to check with the Inyo National Forest for any current regulations or fire restrictions.
Grant Lake is an natural outdoor area and is generally accessible year-round, though specific facilities like campgrounds may have seasonal operating hours.
Boating is allowed at Grant Lake, and it's a popular spot for sailing. Ensure your vessel meets any local regulations and safety requirements.
The lakes in the June Lake Loop, including Grant Lake, can begin to freeze over in late fall or early winter, typically around November or December, depending on the year's weather.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, sailing, and dispersed camping. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Yes, Grant Lake is known for its crystal clear and refreshing waters, making it excellent for swimming, especially during the summer months.
Grant Lake is a popular spot for trout fishing. Anglers often report success catching various trout species.
For dispersed camping areas, there are typically no restrooms or facilities. If you are looking for amenities, consider the nearby June Lake Campground.
While not explicitly stated for Grant Lake itself, many natural areas in Mammoth Lakes are dog-friendly, especially for hiking and outdoor activities. Always keep pets leashed and clean up after them.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow on the lake and surrounding mountains. The fall colors in October are also spectacular.
The shoreline offers stunning reflections, especially during calm mornings. The June Lake Loop itself provides numerous viewpoints with Grant Lake as a prominent feature.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially within national forests. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.
Expect to capture majestic mountain backdrops, serene lake reflections, vibrant fall foliage (in season), and expansive Sierra Nevada vistas.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, the unique geological features of the Eastern Sierra, and the changing moods of the lake and sky. The rumored 'Grant Lake snake monster' could be a fun, albeit elusive, photographic subject!








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit