One of the most beautiful and serene places I have been. We were working in mammoth for a week, which meant we could only explore after 5pm. So we needed a short hike that we could fit in before sunset. We arrive around 6:15 and hiked around the entire lake, stopping a bit to take it in, and back to our car by 7:45. This was the perfect short evening hike. We also so about a dozen vintage Honda 110 bikes scattered around and figure they must be rented out somewhere. If anyone knows how/where to get them, please reply!! read more

Gorgeous lake! Definitely a place to walk and hike and fish. Campgrounds and bathrooms available. Plenty of parking.There didn't seem to be too much sand, so if your kiddos are looking to build castles in the sand, they're going to be disappointed. June lake is way better for that.Way too many rocks at convict lake! But the lake is gorgeous and I'm glad we went! read more

Loved my stay here. We stayed in a two person cabin and when we made the reservations we debated on bring our boat and we are glad we did. The boat launch is a little so so and they could really work on that. However the camp grounds and the little cabins are awesome. The staff was amazing and the fishing was great! We weren't prepared for the wildlife, but we are in there home so just be prepared! read more

Are you kidding me! If you're in the area and you miss this lake, shame on you. Spectacular.

I have been going to Convict Lake (Lake Monte Diablo) since 1954, when my folks and I used to be able to rent a Shasta trailer from Mammoth and have it 'placed' on the west side of the lake. To me, it is the most beautiful lake that I have ever seen. My two oldest kids have been to Switzerland twice and before they saw Convict, they thought that Switzerland had the most beautiful lakes. I am so passionate about Convict that I told my kids to bury or scatter my ashes at Mt. Morrison Cemetery, just down from Convict. read more

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The lake for Convicts as it were, is a place for camping, fishing and even hiking. I came to the lake to try the trail that goes around it, which when I came was very deserted. The trailhead starts in a parking lot that is off to the side way before you even reach the lake. The lot leads up to a trail that meets up to the main lake loop. The loop is about two miles and half in my opinion, even though the official site says two miles. The hike is considered very easy in my book, hardly any hills or grade at all. Path is cleared all the way around and even turns into pavement when you get towards the front of the lake near the campground area. On this hike you'll get to enjoy views of the lake from all around, lots of shady spots and cliff edges down to the lake. Lots of awesome spots to take some food and have a quiet picnic or read a book. This trail would make a good spot to go trail running since it's mostly flat around. Once I got around to the front, I even had a chance to see a deer just chilling out eating some tree leaves. He looked confused when he saw me walking by. Overall a neat little easy trail that doesn't take too long, just south of Mammoth Lakes off the 395. read more

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Beautiful lake, very mountainous surroundings and a loop trail that should not be missed. The scenery is very unique. Trail is approximately 2.5 miles total. Please be careful and respectful of this marvel nature created. Leave the area the way you found it. read more

So we go to the general store to restock the cabin ~ we used all the shampoo, lotion and pretty much everything the cabin with. Not much toilet paper was on hand and considering my nose was running the moment we got above 4,000 feet I had used almost all of it blowing my nose when we headed to the general store (this is where you pay for your cabin and get your fishing license or rent a boat). We had also went up there to pay the balance of what we owed for our end of the season package we purchased. My husband asked Dennis, the so called manager for a restock for the cabin ~ we just paid a total of over $300 for 2 nights and weren't even going to use the boat rental that was part of the package. And Dennis says,"JEEZ!" Like we were asking for the moon or something! What the heck?? JEEZ? Really? Those little samples don't cost you but pennies and it's not like you have to pay maids to come and clean our room or something. Jeez? What's your problem Dennis? Do the room amenities come out of YOUR pocket? Is EVERYONE there asking for this stuff? I have never, ever in all my years have had a manager tell me Jeez right after I paid my bill. I still can't get over it. What a poor excuse for a manager you turned out to be. My husband was so pissed he wanted to go back in and pay for what little bit you seemed to grudgingly handed over. I told him NO WAY...we just won't be back. We didn't ask for anything that a normal hotel/motel/RESORT doesn't provide to their guests. We won't be back and I certainly don't think you should call yourself a "resort". read more

Just returned from 4 days at Convict Lake. It's still as beautiful as it always was, but the campground is as barren as a desert. Way too many sites out in the open, no shade, etc. $75.00 for a 1/2 day of boat rental is a good deal. Make sure to head over to the inlet (you can hike around either side of the lake to get there) The resort offers horseback riding that looks fun! We didn't dine at the famous restaurant there, but headed into Mammoth (5 miles north of Convict Lake) for a couple of breakfasts and one dinner. read more

I just love this get away. We take our travel trailer and the view out our window was breathtaking. The local store carried most anything we could need. The camp hosts were friendly and the local restaurants and showers were available. We opted to barbecue, read and hike with the digs around the lake. The campsites and restrooms were clean. We even drove a bit down the road and soaked in the hot springs with privacy. read more

What a gorgeous setting. Our cabin was clean & comfortable. Very limited on walking space in cabin but that is because there was a nice big king size bed. So thankful dogs are allowed. Great home base to explore all the beauty in the Eastern Sierras. Can't wait to come back. Dennis & Tim in the General store were very nice. Got extra blankets & a late checkout. read more

Worth the detour off the 395. Pretty views but a little too 'settled' for my taste. In other words probably a great destination for families or the elderly. We did not do the hike around the lake but looked to be a nice walk. Lots of built in barbecue pits and picnic tables. Flush toilets along the paved road. read more

Beautiful campsite. Very clean and private. Camp managers were extremely friendly. Beautiful lake and mountains. Pops was craving restaurant food and the lodge there had pizza which was very good. Entrees were expensive but I bet they were worth it. Very pet and kid friendly camp site. Only 2 showers but who's showers daily while camping. Definitely coming back to this beautiful campsite. read more

The lake and stars at night are beautiful. It's nice to be close to the resort for showers, pizza, and/or breakfast burritos. The area offers great activities like hiking around the lake, renting a boat, and soaking in the hot springs on the other side of 395. Bring your own shade as most campsites are pretty exposed. Beware of deer and raccoons in the campground. They are not scared of people at all and will come very close to try to get your food. read more

Be careful when renting the boats because they will try to charge you extra even when you've followed their policy. I have rented the pontoon boat plenty of times but was disappointed on my most recent visit due to the fact that my party attempted to return the boat on time and were told to wait while they let out some other boats. We waited and radioed in again and once again we're told that they would be ready for us momentarily. By the time they told us they were ready to dock us, 30 minutes had passed and although not our fault for the delay, we were told we were going to be charged and extra fee because we didn't return the boat in on time. I would understand the charge if we purposely stayed out on the lake, but that was not the case. I asked one of the employees for the managers numbers I discuss the issue, and she told me to leave my number and the manager would call me later that day. Never got that call and still waiting. read more

This is a beautiful spot to camp! From the friendly staff in the well-stocked store at the entrance to the knowledgable hosts at the campground, the folks running this place are fantastic. The grounds are gorgeous and the view does not disappoint. Clean restrooms and no trash in the area show how well everything is maintained, and the lake itself is a pristine clear blue. Everything about this spot was excellent and we will definitely be coming back! read more

Super fun going out on Convict Lake and renting SUP for half day. Not crowded and beautiful and relaxing scenery. We absolutely loved this lake. read more

First time visiting Convict Lake and I have to say it was beautiful...especially at sunset! My family and I fished off the shore and caught 3 fish. We went around 4pm and left around 7:30pm. Depending on where you decide to fish, plan on hiking on a fairly level dirt trail. The short climb up and down from the trail to the shore can be steep but well worth it. We will definitely be back and plan on doing more hiking around the lake next time. We stayed at Mammoth Mountain RV park which is only about 10-15 minutes from Convict Lake. read more

This place is amazing! Including staff and cabin rentals. Have been coming here for 4 years and couldn't have had an amazing time every year. This past week we were snowed in and the management was very nice and let us stay another night due to the highways being shut down. An absolute awesome view of the mountains and a gorgeous lake near by. Definitely a must stay. read more

We took a trail ride with Jorge as the guide. The horses were well suited to each member of our group, the trail was great and the views were spectacular. We enjoyed Jorge's quiet demeanor and expert knowledge of the trails. This was an excellent adventure for our group of five riders of various abilities on horseback. Highly recommended. read more

Well kept. Managers all around, helpful and cordial. Water is clear and lake is well stocked. A good time all around!!!

We stayed in cabin Brown # 9 and absolutely loved it, it was well stocked with everything including extra toilet paper! Dennis was very nice and treated us with respect, we stayed 3 nights, did some fishing and had some for dinner. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax....this is the place, and if you don't mind spending some money for comfort get a cabin it was worth every penny to us, all we brought was our clothes some food and everything we needed was available in the cabin, from dish soap to a toaster,coffee machine,utensils, kitchen towels they even had cake pans!! We will definitely go back next summer!! read more

Beautiful place!!! We parked and walked down to the water where my kids enjoyed wading around and catching minnows. We then rented a kayak and canoe and went out in the water. It was a gorgeous day. The kids loved it and the views are breathtaking. The wind picked up as we paddled back but a little extra resistance is just more cardio read more

The camp hosts are amazing! They are super nice, helpful and friendly. I didn't get both of their names, but one is called April. The campsites are nice. In the central part of the camp loop, some of the spaces are little tight, but they have a lot of vegetation for privacy. Some of the other sights are near the stream and others back up to a good size meadow. Camp sites come with a tent pad, picnic benches (which could use some maintenance), near-proof storage containers, and a fire ring with an adjustable grille. There are flush toilets, and although there are no showers in the campground per se, there are showers a short walk away at the Convict Lake resort. The lake is beautiful and there is a new accessible trail around part of it, including an accessible fishing platform. For the more adventurous hikes, the canyon trail up the creek to some alpine lakes is nice, but a little bit scary and has a creek crossing which could be challenging. Be sure to check with the Rangers before venturing up for the latest conditions. It seems like the forest service is making the majority of the sites reservation only, so you take a chance on getting a free space one the weekends if you don't book one in advance. Also: the fees have gone up a lot. read more

First off, it's location and scenery are 5+ stars, no doubt! I've traveled quite a few miles in the Eastern Sierra, and this lake is as beautiful a location as I've encountered anywhere along 395. It can be a tough lake to fish at times,it's crystal clear, and much of it's shoreline has a very shallow gradient into deeper waters, so you need a long cast to reach deeper waters along most of the shore. First time I fished it, I did manage to land a 4-3/4 lb Rainbow, but otherwise I've only caught a few in the lake itself. This year I managed to get several fish in the creek right below the outlet. Fishing gets about 3 stars. This year, September in fact I chose to take a 2 hour horseback ride out of the Convict Lake Stables on a Saturday. On a warm sunny day, I was the only rider who went out! The guide( Jorge, I believe?) was great, a really nice young guy, we talked about fishing, horseback riding, guns. The horse, a rather large( I'm guessing 17h) Paint Gelding named "Chester" was smooth, solid and sure footed, and the scenery alongside the trail paralleling the lake was spectacular. To those complaining about crowds, lack of trees and shelter in the campground, and noisy campers, annoying children tossing rocks in th water while your fishing etcetera, keep a few things in perspective! Elevation and brutal winters mean your above the heavy cover of trees that one finds at lower altitudes.....crowds, noisy campers, and annoying brats come with the territory, it's a scenic place, people like scenic! Blame the people who have blaring music, and who don't discipline there children, not the resort operators! To the resort management, keep this young guy who leads the horseback rides! He is really good at his job, and he appears to genuinely care about the horses as well! read more