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Established Camping

Rock Creek Lake

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from October 2, 2024 through May 19, 2025.

Rock Creek Lake, near Bishop, California, is a stunning destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground is perched at a high elevation, providing breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere that many visitors cherish.

The area is known for its excellent fishing and hiking opportunities. Campers rave about the nearby Little Lakes Valley trail, which offers a day of exploration with incredible scenery. As one reviewer put it, “You can hike Little Lakes Valley in one day, and it is a site to see.”

Rock Creek Lake is a clean and well-maintained spot, with amenities like drinking water and bear boxes to keep your food safe from wildlife. Visitors appreciate the peaceful environment, making it a perfect retreat for those who want to escape the noise of everyday life. One camper fondly recalled, “When I come here, I feel nostalgia from camping here growing up.”

For those who enjoy a bit of comfort, the nearby Rock Creek Lakes Resort offers boat rentals and hot showers for a small fee, which can be a nice treat after a few nights in the wild. With its beautiful surroundings and a variety of outdoor activities, Rock Creek Lake is a fantastic choice for your next camping adventure.

Description

National Forest

Inyo National Forest

Recreation

Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the lake may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers may be treated to golden trout in the backcountry. Power boats on the lake are limited to electric motors only. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are a draw for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The Tamarack Trail begins in the campground and wanders up to several high-elevation, glacially-carved alpine lakes and ponds.

Natural Features

The campsites at Rock Creek Lake sit on a low hill with scattered aspen and lodgepole pine trees overlooking the lake's crystal blue waters. At an elevation of 9,600 feet, the facility affords visitors excellent mountain views. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 935-4121.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors have convenient access the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches for 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain, and offers extensive hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.

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Location

Rock Creek Lake is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Mammoth Lakes, California, drive south on Highway 395 for approximately 13 miles. Take the Tom's Place exit and proceed west up the canyon for about 10 miles. At the lake, follow the signs to the family campground.

Coordinates

37.4538222 N
118.7390139 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 14, 2021

Wonderful and Amazing destination

We have been coming here since the mid 1990s... my Father-in-law came up here back in the 1940s... it hasn't changed.

If you are a camper that likes to party and play loud music, this is NOT the place for you. This pristine environment is a place to re-join with nature, and enjoy the fresh air. It is one of the highest campsites you can visit. At 10,000 feet above sea level, you need to acclimate before you start hiking.

Fishing: Wonderful

Camping: Wonderful

Hiking: Wonderful... you can hike Little Lakes Valley in one day, and it is a site to see.

Spotting Bears: well... this is just what happens in the high country. There are bear boxes provided (do NOT leave food in tents or cars).

SiteAny
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Tim S., October 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Tim S., October 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Tim S., October 14, 2021
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2021

Eastern Sierra Bliss

One of the highest campgrounds you can drive to in CA! Some of the sites are small and difficult to fit two larger tents, but the campground is clean, quiet, and well cared for. Lots of bear activity when we visited - be vigilant about keeping everything in the bear bins! Nearby Rock Creek Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, restaurant and hot showers for$5 (great after a few nights in the backcountry!) Fantastic hiking, fishing, backpacking, and legendary mountain scenery a short drive up to the end of Rock Creek Road and Little Lakes Valley trailhead.

Site18
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Dustin W., June 24, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2018

Beautiful

I love this area! This is one of my favorite places to camp. When I come here I feel nostalgia from camping here growing up. This campground is near the lake and it is gorgeous! Trees everywhere. There are also some really great hikes nearby and a little general store that has some of the best pie! The campground is beautiful, clean and the stars are brilliant at nighttime.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Rock Creek Lake?

    Camping at Rock Creek Lake can cost between $29.00 and $33.00 depending on the site.

  • Are fires allowed at Rock Creek Lake?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rock Creek Lake?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Rock Creek Lake?

    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 Rock Creek Lake. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Rock Creek Lake, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Rock Creek Lake?

    There are 26 campsites at Rock Creek Lake and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts