Where is the best free camping around the Mammoth Area. I'll be heading out there in June. Looking for good spots close to climbing, suggestions on what to climb are also welcome. Interested in climbing at the Crystal Crag.

Free camping at Clark Canyon. About 7 miles north of Mammoth Lakes turn off from the 395. Short approach to climbs and tons of moderates.

mountainproject.com/v/clark-canyon/105802306

More free camping near the hotspring out the dirt road on the east side of 395 near the Mammoth airport.

Could someone help me out with more explicit directions to camping relatively near Mammoth Lakes that will be open in early-mid May? Amenities don't matter. Seclusion doesn't matter. I just want a place that won't get me in trouble that is accessible with a rental car. I have been there at that time of year before and done some stealth throwing out, but I'd like to feel a bit more legit this go around.

First guy got it right. Follow the directions to Clark Canyon and you can't miss the campground. I stayed there in August last year and there were a good amount of camp sites plus they had toilets and I believe there was a river near by. You should try to get a car with good ground clearance to actually get to Clark canyon or start walking and I'm sure someone will give you a lift the rest of the way. For reference we had a rental Rav4 and it took about 30-45 minutes to drive to Clark from the campsite

1. Purchase the green Mammoth Region road/trail map published by Sierra Maps (available in any outdoor store on the East Side).

2. Drive East from 395 on ANY forest service road.

3. Camp.

4. Don't get stuck.

Although Clark has very nice camping located in the drainage right before the climbing area there is a section of 4WD road that must be negotiated to get to in to it.