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Activities
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Facilities

Established Camping

Coldwater Campground

About

USDA Forest Service

Inyo National Forest

Overview

Coldwater Campground is located high in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The surrounding national forest provides many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation. Hiking, fishing, road cycling and picnicking are just some of the favorite activities available to campers.

Recreation

Coldwater offers easy access to fishing for rainbow, brook and brown trout in Lake Mary. Major trailheads lead into the backcountry. Several interesting trails offer a variety of hikes, including the 5-mile Duck Pass Trail, which climbs the forested hillside behind the campground and passes several lakes before heading over Duck Pass to join the John Muir Trail.

Facilities

Coldwater offers easy access to fishing for rainbow, brook and brown trout in Lake Mary. Major trailheads lead into the backcountry. Several interesting trails offer a variety of hikes, including the 5-mile Duck Pass Trail, which climbs the forested hillside behind the campground and passes several lakes before heading over Duck Pass to join the John Muir Trail.

Natural Features

This campground sits in a pine forest at an elevation of 8,900 feet. Large and small boulders are strewn about the campground. Coldwater and Mammoth Creeks run alongside the campsites. Crystal clear Lake Mary, one of several lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, is nearby. The Eastern Sierras are abundant with wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain. Hiking and horseback riding trails are abundant.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

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Location

Coldwater Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Coldwater Campground is 320 miles north of Los Angeles and 180 miles south of Reno. Follow U.S. Highway 395 to the junction of State Highway 203. Turn west on 203 and drive 7 miles through the town of Mammoth Lakes. Highway 203 becomes Main Street, then Lake Mary Road, which will lead to the Lakes Basin. Continue on Lake Mary Road to the Coldwater Campground cutoff on the left.

Coordinates

37.599495 N
118.996669 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Coldwater Campground?

Camping at Coldwater Campground can cost between $32.00 and $34.00 depending on the site.

What is the max vehicle length at Coldwater Campground?

Coldwater Campground allows vehicles up to 43 feet.

Are fires allowed at Coldwater Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Coldwater Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Coldwater Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Coldwater Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Coldwater Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is poor.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Coldwater Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Coldwater Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Coldwater Campground, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Coldwater Campground?

There are 74 campsites at Coldwater Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts