In California
The area around Mammoth Lakes is rich with mining history. Special interpretive programs are available along with self-guided hikes. We recommend staying at Coldwater campground. The trailhead to an excellent interpretive hike begins from the upper end of the campground.

Bodie Ghost Town is approximately 45 miles north of Mammoth & June Lake Areas.

In Colorado
A stay in one of the five campgrounds in the Chalk Creek Drainage (Bootleg, Mt. Princeton, Chalk Lake, Cascade or Iron City) puts you within a short distance of many historical structures and locations. Too name a few, the Ghosts towns of Hancock, Romley and St. Elmo. The historic Iron City Cemetery and the Iron City Power Plant. Sections of the old railroad grade are available for hiking

A stay at Whitestar or Lakeview Campgrounds is but a short hike or drive to the Historic Village of Twin Lakes as well as the once popular summer resort for the rich and famous, Inter-Laken, built in 1879 and now a National Historic Site.

For those truly interested in History why not stay at one of the many campgrounds on Turquoise Lake, Silver Dollar (named after the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville built in 1879 and still in operation), Matchless, Molly Brown, Baby Doe, Father Dyer, Tabor, Belle of Colorado, Printer Boy or May Queen all named after legendary characters of Leadville’s past or once prominent mines in the area. A short bike ride or drive and you will find yourself within North America’s highest incorporated city, Leadville, Colorado. The elevation on the front steps of the Lake County Court House is 10,152 feet above sea level. Leadville is one of Colorado’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts encompassing about 70 square blocks. Numerous historical structures and museums can be found there. The largest the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is a “must see”.

In Texas
The Lake McClellan Recreation Area is home to a monument commemorating the freeing of hostages held by Native Americans by the U.S. Cavalry. General McClellan, namesake for the recreation area, created the McClellan saddle popularized by the U.S. Cavalry. A short 20-minute drive to Pampa will take you to the Freedom Museum USA, which highlights all military branches from the Revolutionary War to the present. They are open Tues. Sat., noon 4 p.m. Another short 20 minute drive takes you to the “Barbed Wired and Historic Route 66 Museums” at McClain.

Listed below are Rocky Mountain Recreation campgrounds located near historic sightseeing areas.