Best Campgrounds near Toms Place, CA

Several camping areas surround Tom's Place in California's Eastern Sierra, with June Lake Campground sitting 26 miles away where campers can find good-sized sites near the quiet waters of June Lake. East Fork Campground is much closer, just 6 miles from Tom's Place, and has clean facilities with easy access to Inyo National Forest. Both places come with the basics - picnic tables and fire pits that make camping comfortable. Some sites give you more privacy than others, depending on where you set up. Trees throughout both campgrounds provide decent shade for most sites. Since wildlife is common in this area, you'll need to store your food properly to keep bears away. It's smart to book ahead, particularly in summer when these campgrounds fill up quickly. Spring and fall are the best times to visit when the weather is mild and the landscape looks great. Pack warm clothes for nighttime since temperatures drop significantly at this elevation, even during summer months. If you like fishing, head to Convict Lake near Tom's Place for some good rainbow trout fishing. There are many hiking trails in the area with views of mountains and lakes. Tom's Place works well as a starting point for trips in the Eastern Sierra, whether you're staying for a weekend or longer.

Best Camping Sites Near Toms Place, California (274)

    1. Convict Lake Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5771

    $35 / night

    "It’s just a short drive from the highway and Mammoth Airport. The campground is very popular with a mix of reserved and non reserved sites."

    "We recently stayed for 3 nights in July at convict lake. The lake is gorgeous and offers fishing, no wake boating sports, mountain biking and hiking trails."

    2. East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (CA)

    13 Reviews
    Swall Meadows, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 935-4825

    $35 / night

    "Near Toms Place, Hwy 395, Bishop, Mammoth, Rock Creek Lake and Mosquito Flats trailhead. Sites along Rock Creek. Sites numbered in the 100’s closest to the creek."

    "The bathrooms are very clean and probably the nicest I've seen in California (in the Eastern Sierra). Our site was a short walk to the river and it was very quiet."

    3. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "Views on the other are rolling fields / foothills with lots of cutie vocal Moo Moos and Alkali Lake! You can see other hot springs in the distance. No shade. Lots of flies and red ants."

    "Needless to say we had the hot springs to ourselves the majority of the trip, parking at the edge of the dirt road with only one other car in sight , which I was told was super lucky."

    4. Browns Owens River Campground

    9 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 920-0975

    $33 / night

    "As I walked in to the head office, that situated in the entry of the camping grounds. I Lady greeted me with the biggest smile. I paid $36 for the cover. I got to choose wherever I wanted to camp."

    "If you enjoy beautiful views, a campsite near the Owens river and fishing then this will be a paradise for you."

    5. Tuff Campground

    6 Reviews
    Toms Place, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (760) 935-4026

    $33 / night

    "Lots of greens surrounding the area. Good for groups.. if you get neighboring sites. all campers around here were very respectful."

    "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."

    6. Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 934-3822

    $35 - $80 / night

    "Walking distance to town. Great walking paths. Choose to camp under the shade of the pines on a dirt pad or in the clean, parking lot style section.

    This place never lets us down."

    "This was during the California wildfires. I would recommend this RV park/campground they have ample space for both. Every site has a bear box."

    7. Pleasant Valley Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-5577

    $14 - $108 / night

    "There is Pleasant Valley Campground, and if you cross the street and drive a little bit in you can get to Pleasant Valley Pit. This place has no shade, no trees, but amazing view of the Sierras."

    "Very quiet night for sleeping with the sound of a creek running behind our camper."

    8. French Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Toms Place, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (760) 935-4825

    $35 / night

    "Very nice campsite with around 70 sites and three ranger campsites so plenty of help. Went on a rainy day but there was plenty of tree cover and we stayed in our tent briefly."

    "Awesome fishing up the road at Rock Creek Lake"

    9. Sherwin Creek

    12 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "Every August my family and friends meet at Sherwin Creek Campground around the time of the Perseids meteor shower."

    "This campground is just outside the main part of Mammoth Lakes, CA. You have to go on a paved then gravel road to get there."

    10. Mcgee Creek

    4 Reviews
    Toms Place, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 935-4213

    $35 / night

    "This campground was open when convict lake and local rv parks were at maximum capacity. It’s a short drive to near by attractions, and a good base camp to enjoy mammoth lake and near by trails."

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Recent Reviews near Toms Place, CA

1085 Reviews of 274 Toms Place Campgrounds


  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Camp Edison

    Most beautifull place

    This campground was the most beautifull place I have ever seen of all my trips around the world! During our stay we were almost alone at our campsite area. The friendly ladies at the entrance gave us the perfect site very close to the lake - thanks for that!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Awesome site

    Hung iut here for a few weeks. Awesome views. Quiet with only occasional road noise. Conveniences (gas, groceries, dump station, restaurant, etc.) within 10 miles. Excellent Verizon signal (for data).

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Magical place!

    Easy to drive in but don’t pass that sign that says “4 wheeled only” with an RV. We have a 24ft and had a perfectly leveled spot underneath a large tree. You can see the lake from there. We took a bicycle ride in to the “south Tufa” which is only 2 miles away. Watched the sunset there, magical!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking

    So beautiful

    It was just so nice, I don’t know if it was dispersed camping cause the location takes you to Virginia creek and there is a long road with lots of space like it’s a legit campground but no one there to check and no signs that you had to pay. I went there on Labor Day weekend so it was busy everywhere, this place had a ton of spots open though. No one bothered us. Each spot had a bear food containers and access to a little creek. So you heard water running while you go to sleep. Loved it so much so peaceful.

  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake George Campground

    Love Lake George!

    Lake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Remote, dispersed campsite offers solitude, lake views, and wildlife.

    I spent a week here, making it worthwhile to unload the electric pop-up camper (w/ electric jacks) from my truck.  My canopy @rear (facing west) was very welcome, as the dead scrub offers absolutely NO shade.  It was charred from a recent burn, making for excellent campfires!  The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat!  I brought two additional tanks of water, allowing for refreshing showers in this arid desert environment.  

    From Navy Beach Rd, I drove 3/4 miles east on FS-1N54, until I crossed into Inyo NF territory, @ a juncture.  After another 1/2 mile on E Shore Rd, I found a clearing suitable for my camper, @1/2 mile from the shore.  In another 3 miles, there is a very nice cul-de-sac turn-around, which, @50' x 100', looks large enough to accommodate a half-dozen vehicles.  In another 5 miles, you cross from USFS into a local tract of land.  While BLM territory surrounds the entire lake, it is more than 1 mile away from shore.  Beware of very soft sand I encountered beyond my campsite.  Some sections were like 'quicksand', forcing me to air-down to 15 PSI.  It challenged my 'Limited Slip' Tundra, so an AWD car could get in serious trouble.  The only people I saw were in two jeeps that passed-by my camp, backtracking out 1/2 hour later.  From my bed, I heard (but did not see - new moon) several animal visitors.  They only come out at night...  

    In spite of the seclusion, my camp was actually quite close to main roads, so I spent a lot of time out sight-seeing.  I was also close enough to Navy Beach to launch my kayak @sunrise, when the water is dead-calm.  Ocean-type squalls can flare up with no warning, because of the wide-open desert terrain.  I got a permit to camp on Phoe Island from a Ranger @Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center.  However, after he showed me photos of squalls & told of numerous drowned kayakers, I thought better of it...

  • J
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Rock Tub Hot Springs

    Cattle

    Cattle have been in the springs, fresh cow pies all over. They have trampled the pipe that fills the rock tub. Don’t camp here expecting a hot springs.

  • J
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Hot Creek Dispersed

    Near hot spring, secluded

    Great location near all the hot springs but private enough. Only small group would fit here. I would not bring a trailer not this road, no real turn around point. Road to get here is short and easy. Great views into Hot Creek. You can walk to Sheep hot spring from here. Amazing views to wake up to. Some left several rolls of carpet and padding here :( otherwise pretty clean.


Guide to Toms Place

Camping near Toms Place, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or simply relax by a lake, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, including those leading to beautiful lakes. One camper mentioned, "The hike up to the lakes (lakes 1-5) is gorgeous. There are 2 beautiful waterfalls on the hike," highlighting the scenic beauty of the area.
  • Fishing: Convict Lake is a popular spot for anglers. A reviewer noted, "Fantastic fishing. The fall colors were outstanding," making it a great place to cast a line and enjoy the scenery.
  • Exploring Local Breweries: If you’re in the mood for a local brew, June Lake Campground is just a short walk from June Lake Brewing. One camper said, "Great camp host. Walk to June Lake Brewing!" which adds a fun twist to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers rave about the views. A visitor at Silver Lake Campground at June Lake said, "Spacious sites, beautifully scenery, close to stream/lake," emphasizing the natural beauty surrounding the campgrounds.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the area. A reviewer from Grandview Campground shared, "It is so quiet and peaceful here and the night skies and sunsets are beautiful."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at Big Pine Creek Campground mentioned, "The camp host was friendly and had firewood on site available for purchase."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like June Lake Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "NO drinking_water, NO electric_hookups," so be sure to bring your own supplies.
  • Wildlife Caution: Campers should be aware of wildlife, especially bears. One visitor at Coldwater Campground advised, "USE. THE. BEAR BOXES," after witnessing a neighbor lose food to curious critters.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Grandview Campground mentioned, "It got busy on a Saturday night," so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Sherwin Creek said, "Very nice sites with dense forest. Lots of shade and hammock trees," which is perfect for kids to play.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family enjoyed their stay at Big Pine Creek Campground and said, "The creek is really pretty," which is great for kids to splash around.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand is essential. A camper at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Staff was pretty accommodating," which can help if you need anything during your stay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow or winding roads. A reviewer at Grandview Campground noted, "It’s a bit difficult to get to," so be prepared for the drive.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Many campgrounds, like East Fork Campground, do not have water hookups. A camper advised, "Bring your own water (none there)," to avoid any issues.
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially during busy times, arriving early is key. A visitor at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground suggested, "Leave early" to avoid traffic at the dump station.

Camping near Toms Place, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Toms Place?

Toms Place offers several camping options in the surrounding area. East Fork Campground is located near Toms Place along Highway 395, providing sites along Rock Creek with the 100-series sites positioned closest to the water. For those seeking alternatives, French Camp Campground is nearby and serves as a convenient base for exploring Rock Creek and Mammoth areas. The Rock Creek area features numerous small campgrounds with varying elevations and seasonal availability. Lower elevation sites like French Camp tend to stay open longer throughout the year, while higher elevation options offer cooler temperatures during summer months.

Where is Toms Place Campground located in California?

Toms Place is located in the Eastern Sierra region of California along Highway 395, positioned between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. The area serves as a gateway to several popular outdoor destinations. Pine Grove Campground and other camping options are situated along Rock Creek Road, which branches off Highway 395 at Toms Place. This location provides convenient access to Rock Creek Lake and the Mosquito Flats trailhead. Convict Lake Campground, another nearby option, is just a short drive from the highway and Mammoth Airport, making Toms Place an excellent base for exploring the Eastern Sierra Mountains.

How much does it cost to camp at Toms Place?

Camping costs near Toms Place vary by campground and amenities. Brown's Millpond Campground offers spaces for travel trailers and motor homes with options for electricity and water hookups at different price points, as well as more affordable tent camping spaces. For those seeking budget-friendly options, Upper Billy Creek Campground provides a more rustic experience with typically lower fees. Most campgrounds in the Toms Place area require payment through self-registration stations. Prices generally range from approximately $20-25 per night for basic sites to $30-40 for sites with hookups, though rates may change seasonally or annually.