Well, I just got off a not-so-encouraging phone call with the Mammoth Lakes ranger office. The lady told me that she does not know if the two sites you mentioned James, will be open. She said as of now, they are not.

Also, she said that the 4th of July weekend is their busiest weekend all summer, which is to be expected, but is still not very encouraging. She said it is difficult to get a reservation down there during this time.

Therefore, if we want to make this happen, we should probably act soon.

James, as a Mammoth Lakes area resident, are you sure you don't know of any "secret local spots" that we could camp in? Maybe just somewhere in the Inyo National Forest that is not a designated campsite? Or is that not allowed? I don't know what California's laws are regarding back country camping in National Forests.

Anyway, just a thought.

Bart