Inyo National Forest's Sherwin Creek campground sits about two miles from the grocery stores and restaurants of Mammoth Lakes along a paved road that transitions to gravel before reaching the sites. That short stretch of rough access is easy enough to navigate, and the payoff is a forested setting along Sherwin Creek where the sound of running water carries through camp at night. Sites are spread out rather than packed together, and several reviewers note that neighbors on only one side is the norm rather than the exception.
Each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, BBQ grill, bear locker, and water spigot. Bear activity is consistent here, and camp hosts actively notify campers of nearby sightings, so the lockers are not optional. Firewood is available on an honor system for $7. The campground accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs up to 60 feet, with no electrical hookups. Cell service reaches two bars at most sites. Ashley C. notes the campground "is protected by hills along side it," which makes a difference during the thunderstorms that roll through on summer afternoons.
OHV use is part of the campground's character. Dirt bikes and side-by-sides pass through, which can add noise during the day, particularly on holiday weekends. That said, multiple reviewers describe evenings as notably quiet. The Sherwin Lake trailhead is close by, offering a roughly two-mile hike to a lake with fishing and meadow access. Twin Lakes and Convict Lake are both a short drive from camp as well. Dogs are welcome on leash at the campground and on many nearby trails. Campers traveling with pets can also find dog-friendly camping around Inyo National Forest across the broader region.
Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov, and there is no cash payment option on site. The season runs from late April through mid-September. Vault toilets are on site, and cleanliness varies; at least one reviewer reported significant fly issues inside the facilities during a late-summer visit. New Shady Rest Campground is one nearby alternative for campers who want a different layout or more proximity to town amenities.
Description
Overview
Sherwin Creek Campground is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains within 2 miles of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. Popular among anglers, hikers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts and photographers, the campground is near some of the most spectacular wilderness and outdoor recreation areas in the Sierras.
Recreation
With a motocross track and trails, Sherwin Creek is a hot spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are also a draw for hikers. The Valentine Lake Trail and additional trailheads provide access to the John Muir Wilderness. The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can try for rainbow trout in the creek.
Facilities
This large campground has campsites organized into three loops, all within walking distance of the creek. Several tent-only, walk-to sites make up another loop in a secluded area on either side of the creek. Sites have a native surface and plenty of shade.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a shady forest of Jeffery pine, bordered by aspen-lined Sherwin Creek. The elevation is 7,600 feet. Wild roses and other flowers bring color to the landscape in spring and early summer. Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.
Nearby Attractions
For campers interested in local events, the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth annually in mid-July. Several other events and amenities are available in town. Many great day trips for sightseers are available in the area, such as Yosemite National Park, Mono Basin and Devils Postpile National Monument.
Charges & Cancellations
As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations.Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites.Change and Cancellation Policies and FeesOvernight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation.Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.Late CancellationsOvernight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival.Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge.No-ShowsCamping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date.If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund.RefundsCustomers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure.Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location.Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card.Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy.Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.Recreation.gov Billing InformationReservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777."Changes to Policies and ProceduresRecreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $10.00 per vehicle, per night and will be collected by the camp host.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSherwin Creek is located in California near Mammoth Lakes
Directions
Take U.S. Highway 395 to State Highway 203 to Mammoth Lakes. Take a left at the first traffic light in town onto Old Mammoth Road. Drive south 0.9 miles to Sherwin Creek Road. Turn left and proceed 1.5 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
37.628937 N
118.937878 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/1/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 48 min from Merced, CA
- 4 hrs 38 min from Fresno, CA
- 5 hrs 2 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 9 min from Hanford, CA





















