California
BLM Glass Mountain Dispersed Area
Dispersed Camping
Glass Mountain rises from sagebrush flats as a massive dome of volcanic obsidian and rhyolite, creating one of the Sierra’s most otherworldly camping experiences. Dispersed sites scatter across the base slopes where ancient volcanic flows meet desert scrub. Most spots accommodate any size rig on relatively level volcanic soil. No facilities or water — pack everything in. Fire restrictions often apply during dry months.
Access via Glass Mountain Road from Highway 120, passable to any vehicle but becomes washboarded after winter weather. The area offers spectacular night skies with minimal light pollution. Best visited spring through fall — winter brings snow and road closures above 7,000 feet.
Volcanic glass camping under Sierra desert skies
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Lee Vining, California |
| Miles from pavement | 12.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 15 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-November |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |