Best Campgrounds near Swall Meadows, CA

The Eastern Sierra region surrounding Swall Meadows, California provides access to diverse camping options from developed sites to remote backcountry areas. Established campgrounds like East Fork, Convict Lake, and Tuff Campground offer both tent and RV accommodations within Inyo National Forest. Several sites operate seasonally, generally from late spring through mid-fall, with Convict Lake Campground (open June through October) and Tuff Campground (April through October) being particularly popular for their scenic settings. Volcanic Tableland BLM dispersed camping area provides free, primitive camping opportunities for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Many campgrounds in the area require advance planning during peak summer months. Elevations ranging from 7,000 to nearly 10,000 feet mean temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in summer. "The area is surrounded by mountains so the sun sets early and it is cooler at the higher elevation," noted one camper about the alpine environment. Most developed sites offer basic amenities including drinking water, vault toilets, and fire rings, though hookups are limited throughout the region. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near larger communities like Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, and little to no service in more remote camping areas.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with Convict Lake Campground earning praise for its mountain views and proximity to fishing. A visitor described it as "one of the most beautiful places in the Eastern Sierra Mountains," noting its accessibility just a short drive from the highway. Several campgrounds provide direct lake access, including Rock Creek Lake and French Camp, while others feature proximity to creeks and streams. During summer weekends, the more accessible campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with reservable sites. Campers seeking solitude might prefer dispersed camping options or visiting during shoulder seasons when temperatures are cooler but crowds are thinner.

Best Camping Sites Near Swall Meadows, California (269)

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

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

    $35 / night

    "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."

    "It was neatly tucked away and was very peaceful."

    2. Pleasant Valley Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    10 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."

    3. Convict Lake Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    13 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."

    4. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "Access to trails. Wonderful views. Sites are spaced apart to where it feels like you’re the only one in the area."

    "We wanted something near Bishop. Hardly anyone around, but other vans helped us know we were in the right place. A bit windy and cold though!"

    5. Tuff Campground

    6 Reviews
    Toms Place, CA
    4 miles
    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."

    "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."

    6. French Camp Campground

    6 Reviews
    Toms Place, CA
    4 miles
    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"

    7. Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Straight forward camp sites right outside of bishop, easy access for climbing at Owens river gorge, or saying for skiing at mammoth below the snow line. Only $5 a night"

    "Great for meeting other climbers and super cheap, but be prepared for people driving around late at night, and a line to use the bathroom."

    8. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Inyo National Forest, CA
    14 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."

    9. Pine Grove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Swall Meadows, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2500

    "There was also a store, a short walk, for more supplies which was great. Tons of nearby trails. We hiked from our camp to the lake and back. Host was pleasant."

    "The area around this camp ground is very relaxing. Rock Creek runs right along side. There are a few camping spots along the main road. The lake has boats available to rent."

    10. Rock Creek Lake

    4 Reviews
    Swall Meadows, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2500

    $35 / night

    "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."

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Swall Meadows, CA

985 Reviews of 269 Swall Meadows Campgrounds


  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping

    Few spots with fire rings

    The road in is very rutted. I noticed a few campsites that had fire rings but those were taken. I kept driving until I found a pull off. I’m only staying overnight.

  • April B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Glass Creek

    Crabby Host

    The campground itself is very nice and clean.

    The host basically demanded that we pay the ten dollar donation (which we had planned to do), so it's not a free place to camp. Then he complained because we were in a double site. There wasn't any indication that it was a double site, and the campground was basically empty, so we weren't keeping anyone from the site. We gladly would have moved if someone wanted it!

  • Laura The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Mill Creek National Forest

    Beautiful and quiet spot close to Mono Lake

    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first. GPS took me to the wrong (dirt) road, it was getting dark and stormy... Eventually stormed passed and I got a clear moonlight and could hear the gurgle of the river a few meters away. Best reward was in the morning... Wow! ♥️ A nice spot for those just leaving Yosemite or about to go into it.

    The road is not great, drive slowly

    PS: I found a tote bag (see pic) where I was, if it's yours hit me up!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Big Trees Campground

    Secluded clean

    Worth the road in,paved roads narrow in spots plenty of pull outs to let people by , on the creek camping clean and flat rv sights can handle big rigs

  • Sandie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    McGee Creek

    Good spot but crowded

    Seemed like everyone came to tuck into this spot and I got here very late so it was not fun. Beautiful spot with beautiful views

  • Rhonda S.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    French Camp Campground

    Great natural area

    Very weather dependent area. Nice breeze and most sites have full sun. Sites are paved, no hook ups at all, you can use a generator in 2 of the 3 loops. Bath houses are just cold water but clean.

  • 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!


Guide to Swall Meadows

Camping spots near Swall Meadows, California sit at the transition zone between the Great Basin Desert and Sierra Nevada mountains, creating distinct microclimates within short distances. Most camping areas around Swall Meadows experience dramatic temperature fluctuations with overnight lows frequently dropping 30-40°F below daytime highs, even during summer months. This elevation gradient means visitors may encounter snow at higher campgrounds through June while lower elevation sites remain accessible year-round.

What to do

Fishing Rock Creek: Access prime trout fishing at Rock Creek Lake Campground where one camper noted, "Stop by Pie In The Sky Cafe to get wonderful fresh fruit pie! Hike up to Heart Lake and Gem Lakes." The creek is stocked regularly during summer months.

Hot spring soaking: At Crab Cooker Hotsprings, visitors can enjoy natural thermal pools with mountain views. A reviewer shared, "Woke up to the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life. The moon was bright but still being able to sit back and watch the stars in a hot spring in the middle of the night was unreal."

Rock climbing: The volcanic formations near Pleasant Valley Pit attract climbers year-round. As one visitor explained, "Great for meeting other climbers and super cheap, but be prepared for people driving around late at night, and a line to use the bathroom."

Hiking trail access: Many campgrounds connect to trail networks. At French Camp Campground, one camper highlighted the practical benefits: "Good campground with plenty of spots. Flush toilets and wood are on premises. Definitely would come back."

What campers like

Creek-side sites: At East Fork Campground, campers appreciate waterfront locations. One visitor reported, "I had site 61. It was right off the road but next the creek. It was neatly tucked away and was very peaceful."

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-serviced facilities. A camper at East Fork noted, "The bathrooms are very clean and probably the nicest I've seen in California (in the Eastern Sierra)."

Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. At Volcanic Tableland BLM, a visitor described their experience: "Got here early in the afternoon to find a group of friendly folks repairing the pipe that fills the man-made tub."

Fall colors: Late-season camping offers unique visual rewards. A Convict Lake Campground visitor mentioned, "Went at the end of October with some snow! The lake is gorgeous when you can see the snow. Highly recommended for a late season trip. Bundle up though!!"

What you should know

Wind exposure: Many sites lack natural windbreaks. At Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping, a camper advised: "Not much protection from the wind. Great views of the Sierra."

Significant mosquito activity: Lower elevation sites near water can have intense insect pressure. One Pleasant Valley Pit visitor warned, "Camped here once during the warmer months and was eaten alive by mosquitoes!!! We had everything including candles and bugs spray....but nothing will stop the storm of mosquitoes from eating you alive at sunset."

Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage. At Rock Creek Lake, a reviewer cautioned, "Lots of bear activity when we visited - be vigilant about keeping everything in the bear bins!"

Variable cell service: Connectivity depends on precise location. A Volcanic Tableland visitor shared practical information: "There is ok Verizon service, better ATT service, and T-Mobile alternated between roaming and no service."

Site differences: Quality varies significantly even within a single campground. At East Fork Campground, one camper observed: "There are some really great campsites at east fork, that are mostly along the rock creek and have shade. But there are a few that are out in the open with NO shade and are quite plain."

Tips for camping with families

Water play options: Some campgrounds offer creek access for children. At Pleasant Valley Campground, a visitor recommended: "Great for fishing, Escaping the Snow. Not sure else what you'd come here for. Great rock climbing across the 395, but PVR is mostly for the float tubers."

Multi-generational appeal: Several areas have long histories as family destinations. At Tuff Campground, one camper shared: "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."

Wildlife encounters: Safe animal viewing opportunities abound. A Convict Lake visitor wrote: "Quite, clean friendly, deer come right into your camp site, creek runs behind majority of sites, great fishing, swimming, boating paddle boards."

Base camp convenience: Some sites work well for multiple day trips. A Tuff Campground visitor noted: "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."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Most sites are dry camping only. A Convict Lake Campground visitor advised: "Paved 2.5 mile road from 395 to campground and paved roads in campground/sites good condition. Approx. 1/2 sites close to level for 24' RV... 1/2 better suited for car/tent camping."

Road condition awareness: Some access roads present challenges. For Crab Cooker Hotsprings, a visitor warned: "4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months."

Generator restrictions: Rules vary by campground loop. At Pleasant Valley, campers can expect: "Sites are paved, no hook ups at all, you can use a generator in 2 of the 3 loops."

Site selection tips: Not all numbered sites accommodate larger vehicles. At Convict Lake, one RVer observed: "The sites are fairly cramped and can be very close together. The pads are narrow. There is no hookups."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Swall Meadows, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Swall Meadows, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 269 campgrounds and RV parks near Swall Meadows, CA and 55 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Swall Meadows, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swall Meadows, CA is East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (CA) with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Swall Meadows, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 free dispersed camping spots near Swall Meadows, CA.

What parks are near Swall Meadows, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Swall Meadows, CA that allow camping, notably Inyo National Forest and Devils Postpile National Monument.