Map showing campground location near Toms Place, California

Camper submitted image from Tuff Campground

Tuff Campground

Anglers can cast lines directly from their campsite at Tuff Campground, where Lower Rock Creek flows through the grounds. This US Forest Service campground sits in a small ravine about 200 yards from Highway 395, with the natural depression blocking most road noise despite the proximity to the main route.

The creek runs thigh-deep through the campground, providing both fishing opportunities and a natural soundtrack. Campers report catching trout in the flowing water, while others enjoy short hikes along the creek banks or scrambling over nearby rock formations. Sites range from shaded spots under mature trees to more open terrain, accommodating RVs up to 45 feet. The campground maintains clean vault toilets and provides drinking water, though no showers are available.

"Just past the drive is a nicely flowing riverish creek," notes Kuo G., describing the water access that draws many visitors. Cell service works well for AT&T users, while Sprint users may experience roaming. The location serves as a convenient base for exploring Lake Crowley just a few miles up the road or accessing camping areas around Inyo National Forest.

Firewood sells for $7 on-site, and the campground often has availability when other area spots fill up during busy weekends.

Description

Overview

Tuff Campground is situated along Rock Creek in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is convenient to Tom's Place and U.S. Highway 395. At an elevation of 7,000 ft., it is lower than many of the region's campgrounds and thus frequently one of the first campgrounds to open in the spring. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and viewing the area's volcanic rock formations. Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather. The campground usually opens the last weekend in April to coincide with the first day of fishing in the Sierras.

Recreation

Rock Creek and nearby Rock Creek Lake and Crawley Lake are hot spots for trout fishing. A catch from the creek may including brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers.

Facilities

This moderate-sized facility is well spread out over three loops. Some campsites sit in the shade along Rock Creek, and those at the foot of the Tuff rock formations receive more sun. There is space for small trailers and RVs, as well as some very nice level sites for tents. The campground has gravel roads. Firewood is available on-site for purchase, and Tom's Place has other supplies and fee showers within a short drive.

Natural Features

This campground is named for the Tuff rock formations that lie in and around it. Most campsites are situated in an open sagebrush landscape, with aspens, cottonwood and Jeffrey pine trees surrounding the area. The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek runs alongside the campsites, offering a relaxing sound for campers. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Nearby Attractions

For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in nearby Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July.

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There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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Map & DirectionsTuff Campground is located in California near Toms Place

Public Campground

Directions

From Mammoth Lakes or Bishop, California: Take U.S. Highway 395 to the Owens Gorge Road exit at Tom's Place (25 miles north of Bishop and 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes). Drive 200 yards east to the gravel road and continue north a short distance to the campground along Rock Creek. Follow signs.

Address

INYO
CA

Coordinates

37.5625 N
118.6641667 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/17/26
VerizonLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 11 users
Last on 5/17/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 40 users
Last on 5/17/26

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Presented by

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/17/26
VerizonLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 11 users
Last on 5/17/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 40 users
Last on 5/17/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

4 hrs 1 min from Merced, CA
4 hrs 49 min from Visalia, CA
4 hrs 51 min from Fresno, CA
4 hrs 57 min from Hanford, CA

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Tuff Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers appreciated this well-maintained campground's natural setting and creek access, with clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere. Host experiences vary significantly between helpful managers and overly strict enforcement.

Candice M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2022

Short getaway

Really enjoyed this campsite, it’s near rock creek lake, Crowley lake and mammoth. I stayed in site # 27 which was in the back corner. There’s a creek ( lower rock creek) that runs through the campground. Some people were fishing and we took a small hike on the rock formals east of the creek. It was quiet however it’s near the highway so you do hear the occasional traffic that runs up the 395. The camp host seemed nice but I didn’t really talk to him much. They do have pit toilets but we’re really clean.

Site27

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Nana N.

Scout

Reviewed May. 31, 2022

Hidden Gem

This is one of those campsites I keep on the downlow because so many do not know about it. It has saved our butts during last minute trips. Came this memorial and everywhere was full on a Tuesday, but not here.

Right between bishop and mammoth, perfect little base camp. In a little gorge type area so it blocks some of the wind and right next to a creek which sometimes has small trout and hiking trails. Host is very friendly, if it is the older gentlemen, he’s been around the forest for a while so if you’re new to stuff feel free to ask him and I’m sure he would love to help you. He is very nice and friendly.

Site14

Month of VisitMay

Marcia M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2021

Love it here

Right by the creek with nice trails along it and if you’re brave a little rock scrambling you can go upward. David the ground manager is the best and so helpful.

Site22

Month of VisitJune

Jayson S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2021

Great scenery, Good location

Very serene bare bones campground. Good location right off the highway, great for a stopover. Has a creek that runs along the campground. Great cell service and toilets available. No hookups

Site31

Month of VisitJune

(4) View All

Berton M.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2020

Hidden 100yrds from US Route 395

Tuffs is a great little campground located about 200 yards from Route 395. It's located in a small ravine so you don't hear any traffic noise. There are a variety of spot that include non-shade and shaded. The best feature of the park is the little stream that runs thru it. I saw a few people fishing but don't know if there's any fish in it. Tuffs makes a great stop over on your way to Lake Tahoe or Mammoth. Lake Crowley is also a few miles up the road.

Water is available along with pit toilets. There are no showers. Firewood is available for $7.

Cell: Good AT&T

Sprint: Roaming

Site21

Month of VisitAugust

Kuo G.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2017

A fun park-ish kinda camp

actually just got back from this campsite, which is pretty well maintained. Has a good nature feel to it. Lots of greens surrounding the area. Good for groups.. if you get neighboring sites. all campers around here were very respectful. Although the camp host lady seemed to be having a bad day and was yellong at quite a bit of people including myself. So apparently the speedlimit is 10mph and is well posted infront of the camp entrance. There is also a little bright yellow stick figure of a kid with a cap holding a flag to the left the drive entering the campgrounds. As i entered the campsite in my car at 10mph, the camp host in her campsite, yelled at me to slow down, and hand aignaled me to slow down. Sure i did.. and moved along to my campsite. Apparently she felt i did not get the message. Down the drive way from her camp, we noticed her speeding down the roads through camp to our camp to talk to us about the speed. Long story short it ended friendly.. and she got back in her golf cart and sped away at a good 20mph, while yelling at a couple of 10 year olds to stop fishing in the creek next to campgrounds in the dark. And the camp hosts says she has a really really good eye for judging speed of vehicles coming through the campsites. Also, your not suppose to fish in the dark. We also learned that the smell of our vanilla scented candles that was left in the vault toilet restroom makes her puke. So she removed the candles from the vaulted toilets next to our site. The campgrounds itself was nice. Campgrounds 14, 15, 16. Just past the drive is a nicely flowing riverish creek. It was about thigh deep and comfortably chilly. Greatfor fishing. We caught a total of about 6 trouts in one day. The near by lake crowely has some amazing formations. The lake was about 20 minutes away from camp via 4x4. Excellent campgrounds, the camp host, I'm pretty sure is a nice person.

Site14,15,16

Month of VisitJuly

(6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are visitors saying in reviews about Tuff Campground?

Tuff Campground receives consistently positive feedback as a serene, well-maintained site with a natural feel. Campers appreciate the small stream running through the property, which adds to its charm and provides fishing opportunities. The location between Bishop and Mammoth makes it a perfect base camp for exploring the area. Many visitors value the peaceful setting, describing it as a hidden gem that sometimes has availability when other nearby campgrounds are full. The camp host has been noted as helpful, and fellow campers are generally respectful of one another.

Is there a detailed map available for Tuff Campground?

While there isn't specific information about an official detailed map for Tuff Campground, the campground is well-organized with numbered sites (including site #27 mentioned as being in a back corner). The campground is located about 200 yards from Route 395 in a small ravine, with Lower Rock Creek running through it. For the most current and detailed maps, check with the managing agency (likely USFS) or ask the on-site camp host upon arrival.

What is the typical weather like at Tuff Campground?

The weather at Tuff Campground likely follows typical Eastern Sierra patterns, though specific seasonal details aren't provided. Given its location between Bishop and Mammoth, expect warm to hot summer days with cool evenings. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures with potentially chilly nights. Winter would likely see snow and cold temperatures at this elevation. The campground's position in a small ravine may provide some wind protection. For the most accurate current and seasonal weather information, check weather forecasts for the Bishop/Mammoth area before your trip.

What do the camping facilities look like at Tuff Campground?

Tuff Campground offers basic, bare-bones facilities with both shaded and non-shaded sites. Toilets are available, but there are no hookups for RVs. The most distinctive feature is the creek (Lower Rock Creek) that runs through the campground, creating a picturesque setting. There are nice trails along the creek, and some areas allow for rock scrambling. The campground is nestled in a small gorge or ravine area, surrounded by greenery, creating a natural, secluded atmosphere despite being relatively close to Highway 395.

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