Inyo National Forest's Lake Basin area holds Coldwater Campground at roughly 9,000 feet elevation, where Coldwater Creek and Mammoth Creek run along opposite sides of the 77-site layout. The campgrounds around Inyo National Forest range widely in character, but Coldwater draws repeat visitors for its water access and direct trailhead connections. Sites vary considerably in privacy and proximity to the creeks, and those closest to the water fill quickly on summer weekends.
Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with a sliding cook grate, and a double-door bear locker. Bear activity is active and frequent here. Reviewers describe bears approaching campsites and boats at nearby Lake Mary without hesitation, and one recent visitor lost food to a bear despite being present. Use the bear boxes for everything, including items that might carry a scent. There are no showers on-site, though the Twin Lakes Campground Store reportedly rents shower access for $7 per person. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground.
Trailheads at the back of the campground lead up toward the upper lakes, Duck Pass, and destinations like Arrowhead and Hart Lakes. Lake George Campground sits less than a mile west for those considering nearby alternatives. Pine City Campground is another close option in the same basin. Mountain biking is well-supported in the area, with paved multi-use paths and extensive singletrack. Fishing access to several alpine lakes is within hiking distance, though the routes to Hart Lake in particular are described as rigorous.
Summer nights drop sharply, with temperatures in the 50s even in August and down into the 20s in early June. The campground is seasonal, so confirming it's open before arriving in spring is worth the call. Reservations are available and advisable for summer weekends, when neighboring campgrounds in the basin tend to fill faster. The town of Mammoth Lakes is a short drive for resupply, restaurants, and gear rentals. Campers with dogs will find pet-friendly camping near Inyo National Forest is well-represented in this region. Book early for creek-adjacent sites, and pack layers regardless of the forecast.
Description
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
Campsites are organized into two loops, with sites fairly close together and near either creek. Pressurized water spigots and flush toilets are provided throughout the facility, and there are picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers at each campsite.
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.
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 & DirectionsColdwater Campground is located in California near Mammoth Lakes
Public CampgroundDirections
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/12/26
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/12/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/12/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 5 hrs 31 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 39 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 54 min from Merced, CA
- 6 hrs 1 min from Fresno, CA
