Pumice Flat Group Camp sits at 7,700 feet in lodgepole pine forest, with two creeks running nearby and the Ansel Adams Wilderness practically at your doorstep. The four group sites are spaced well apart, making this a solid choice for organized trips that want easy access to serious Sierra hiking without the chaos of individual campsites.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 37.64571, -119.07412
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The group area lives within the larger Pumice Flat Campground but maintains separation from the first-come, first-served individual sites. Each of the four group sites sits fairly close to one of two creeks that flow through the area, with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear lockers standard. The lodgepole pine forest provides decent shade at this elevation, with high mountain peaks forming the backdrop.
Getting here requires commitment — the access road is narrow and single-lane, restricting visits to summer months only. The 7,700-foot elevation means nights stay cool even in peak season.
What to Know
This is mandatory shuttle territory. A shuttle system operates to get hikers to nearby trailheads, which removes some of the vehicle juggling that typically complicates group camping logistics. The proximity to Devils Postpile National Monument means you're dealing with the same access restrictions and seasonal patterns that affect that popular destination.
Wildlife is present and active — black bear, mountain lions, and mule deer all call this area home. Food storage protocols aren't optional at this elevation and location.
Nearby
The trail network here connects directly to heavyweight Sierra destinations. Trailheads for the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail all lie within a few miles. The North Fork of the San Joaquin River and area lakes offer trout fishing for those who brought gear.
Red's Meadow Pack Station and Resort sit 2.5 miles away at the end of the road, with a general store and cafe. The Rainbow Falls trailhead also starts from Red's Meadow. Devils Postpile National Monument's distinctive basalt columns and the broader Ansel Adams Wilderness provide the kind of photographic opportunities that justify hauling camera equipment up that narrow access road.