While the lake may be saved on paper, much remains to be done. Stream and waterfowl habitat restoration efforts are underway with imput from Scenic Area and Reserve staff. The question today is not whether Mono Lake will be saved, but how it will be saved. The State Reserve is surrounded by the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, operated by the Forest Service. There are no campgrounds in the State Reserve or the Scenic Area.
Dispersed camping is permitted in most of the Scenic Area outside the exposed lake bed lands.
Campfire permits are required. Established campgrounds are located in Lundy Canyon, Lee Vining Canyon, and the June Lake Loop. All types of boating are permitted on Mono Lake, although access is restricted to Negit and Paoha Islands between April 1 and August 1 each year to protect the nesting gulls. It is advisable to stay near shore while boating, and to be alert for sudden high winds. We recommend launching canoes and kayaks at Navy Beach, on the south shore, where a parking lot is close to the water.