When temperatures rise, many people head straight for the coast. Others, however, trade the salt air for something sharper and quieter, preferring the crisp, alpine breeze. One of the most popular escapes is June Lake, where the longtime favorite campground Pine Cliff could be on the verge of returning to life.
Formerly known as Pine Cliff Resort, the campground is located along the June Lake Loop. According to a recent message shared in the June Lake Loop Facebook group, campers received an email describing a phased reopening plan, pending approval from the U.S. Forest Service.
The email outlines a gradual return in three stages:
- Phase 1: bring back the general store and showers.
- Phase 2: allow dry camping only, meaning no hookups for water, sewer, or electricity.
- Phase 3: restore full hook-up RV sites.
The timeline for each phase has not been finalized, with the operators noting that approvals are still required and more updates are expected in the coming weeks.
Why Pine Cliff Campground closed?
This beloved campground has been closed for roughly three years, following a period of operational change and uncertainty tied to management and permitting within the Inyo National Forest system.
During that time, the site remained in a kind of standby mode rather than a full abandonment, with updates suggesting that reopening would depend on coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and completion of required steps before campers could return.
Lake June, California’s little Switzerland
Thanks to its majestic mountains, clear waters, and endless collection of trees, June Lake has earned the nickname “California’s Little Switzerland.” And just a quick look at it explains why… Framed by the towering 10,909-foot Carson Peak, this glacier-carved valley delivers crystal-clear lakes, granite peaks, and classic High Sierra scenery.
In summer, the June Lake Loop becomes an easygoing outdoor circuit where visitors hop between June, Gull, Silver, and Grant Lake. Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and simple lakeside picnics are the main draw, along with short hikes like Parker Lake Trail and scenic pullouts along the road.
Fall paints the lakeside aspen groves in brilliant golds, making Silver Lake a paradise for photographers. Winter brings an average of 250 inches of snow, opening June Mountain for family-friendly skiing and snowboarding. Finally, spring melts the snow away as wildflowers bloom.
