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Map showing campground location near Swall Meadows, California
Camper submitted image from Rock Creek Lake CampgroundView 13 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Swall Meadows, California

Rock Creek Lake Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Rock Creek Lake Campground sits at 9,500 feet elevation in the Inyo National Forest, accessible via a mountain road that campers describe as manageable for most vehicles. The US Forest Service manages this paid campground with reservations available, offering both drive-in sites and walk-in tent spots positioned close to Rock Creek and the adjacent lake.

The walk-in tent sites require a 50 to 75-yard carry from assigned parking areas to dirt tent pads equipped with picnic tables and bear lockers. Stan H. notes that "campsites are very close to the water," with walk-in sites positioned directly next to the creek. Sites vary in shade coverage, with some receiving midday sun while others offer better tree cover. The campground maintains flush toilets and sinks, though faucet pressure can be inconsistent.

At this elevation, temperatures drop significantly at night even during summer months. Mosquitoes are common throughout the camping season. Rock Creek Lake Resort operates nearby with a store and restaurant. Weekend day-use visitors frequent the area but typically clear out by evening. Those seeking additional options in the region can explore camp sites around Inyo National Forest.

Camp hosts provide wheelbarrows to assist with gear transport to walk-in sites.

Fee Info

Maximum of 2 vehicles or 1 RV per site; trailer counts as vehicle, a fee of $8 for extra vehicles will be collected on-site

Reservation Info

Bears are in the area, so please use the Bear Lockers provided to store food.

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Location

Public Campground

Rock Creek Lake Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Mammoth Lakes, California, drive south on Highway 395 for approximately 13 miles. Take the Tom's Place exit and proceed west up the canyon for about 10 miles. At the lake, follow the signs to the family campground.

Coordinates

37.44837116 N
118.73623918 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

A small, intimate campground with clean sites and crystal clear water access that many mentioned as a peaceful alternative to crowded California campgrounds. The quiet atmosphere and well-maintained facilities were commonly noted positives.

Stan H.
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

High Sierra Campground

Stay at Rock Creek Lake Campground in mid June. The drive up from Hwy 395 was easy for a mountain road. There were about 7 campgrounds along this corridor. Rock Creek Lake is at the top. The campground is at about 9,500 feet so be aware for altitude. 

Campsites are very close to the water. The walk in tent sites are next to the creek. We were in site 24. This site was located in a small clearing that gets midday sun so it can heat up. Other than site 25, the other sites had better shade coverage. The walk in sites had a dirt pad for your tent, picnic table and bear locker. Your site has assigned parking. 

It was about a 50 to 75 yard walk from the parking, water spout, and bathrooms. Camp host was pleasant and had wheelbarrows to help move your stuff. The bathrooms were flush toilets and sink. The sink faucets were variable.  

The weather was still quite chilly especially at night. The campground in general was very quiet. We didn't hear loud music or groups over 4 days. There were lots of mosquitos the whole time. Rock Creek Lake Resort just down the road has a store and restaurant serving pie. During the weekend, there are lots of day use visitors but they cleared out in the evening. 

I would definitely be back

Site24
Month of VisitJune
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Candice M.
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2022

Right on the lake

Cute cozy campsite. Sites are near each other and you’ll need to pass but some sites to get to yours. There’s a parking lot for cars and you take a very short walk to site. Clean and well Kept.

Site17
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake Campground by Candice M., July 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake Campground by Candice M., July 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake Campground by Candice M., July 19, 2022
Kayko S.
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

Beat the crowds in this nice small

This is a gem for California where so many of the campgrounds have over a hundred sites and tons of huge groups of people. This is away from the crowds with only ten sites.

Sites 6, 7, 8 are all open to each other but they are the best spots on the river. If you are going with another couple these spots would be great to secure.

The creek is lovely and rocky in a shallow bed so it's easy to access.

  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake Campground by Kayko S., September 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake Campground by Kayko S., September 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake Campground by Kayko S., September 1, 2016
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Rock Creek Lake Campground?

Rock Creek Lake Campground sits at approximately 9,500 feet elevation. This high-altitude location offers beautiful mountain scenery but visitors should be aware of potential altitude-related challenges. The campground's elevation contributes to its cool, crisp environment and pristine surroundings. Consider acclimatizing if you're coming from lower elevations, especially if planning extended hikes or physical activities.

Are there group camping facilities at Rock Creek Lake?

Rock Creek Lake Campground is primarily designed for smaller camping parties rather than large groups. The campground features only about ten sites total, making it a more intimate setting than many larger California campgrounds. While dedicated group facilities aren't available, some adjacent sites (particularly 6, 7, and 8) are open to each other and work well for small parties camping together.

What amenities and facilities are available at Rock Creek Lake Campground?

Rock Creek Lake Campground offers a compact, well-maintained camping environment with basic amenities. The campground features approximately ten sites, some positioned very close to the water. There's a dedicated parking lot with a short walk to campsites. Sites are situated fairly close to each other, with some requiring you to pass through other sites to access yours. The campground is clean and well-kept, though specific amenities like restroom facilities, water sources, and hookups aren't extensively detailed. Contact the managing agency for current facility information before your trip.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Rock Creek Lake?

Rock Creek Lake offers outstanding recreational opportunities centered around its crystal-clear waters. The lake's pristine condition makes it perfect for swimming, fishing, and paddling activities. Some campsites are positioned right along the water, providing easy access for anglers and water enthusiasts. The surrounding area includes multiple campgrounds along the corridor leading up to Rock Creek Lake, suggesting good hiking opportunities in the vicinity. The drive up from Highway 395 is manageable even for a mountain road, making the lake accessible for day trips as well as overnight stays.

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