Established Camping
French Camp Campground
About
USDA Forest Service
Inyo National Forest
Overview
French Camp lies in the Rock Creek area of the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains, near Tom's Place and midway between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, California. Its ideal location makes this campground a good stop for travelers on U.S. Highway 395 to rest overnight. Hiking opportunities are vast, and the creekside campground is convenient for fishing. The facility is large and inviting, with forest and mountain views and several amenities. Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather.
Recreation
Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the creek may includ brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers. Because of the region's interesting geology, rockhounding is also popular.
Facilities
French Camp is a large facility with a variety of settings for tents and small to medium RVs (no hookups available). A few campsites can accommodate medium to large RVs and trailers. Sites are organized in one large loop, with some along the banks of the creek. Each has a picnic table and campfire ring. Firewood is available on-site for purchase, and nearby Tom's Place offers additional supplies and fee showers.
Natural Features
Campers will experience the beauty of pines and fragrant junipers that have come to represent Inyo National Forest. The campground sits among aspens, pinyon and ponderosa and Jeffrey pines at an elevation of 7,500 ft. The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek, which originates in the John Muir Wilderness, runs alongside it. Brushy landscape and ample boulders in the area are fun to explore and traverse. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, 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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
ScoutGreat Site
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.
GuidePleasant camping off Hwy 395 and good base to explore the surrounding areas
Camped here as a last resort because everywhere else in the area I wanted to camp was filled up. We used this campground primarily as a base to explore other areas such as Rock Creek and Mammoth. Was here in August and the campground was maybe only half full so it was pretty quiet and felt kind of secluded. There are trees throughout the campground but they're smaller trees that don't always provide the best shade. The sites that are closest to the creek seemed like the best because there were more larger pine trees and you could see and hear the creek a lot more. This campground is pretty close to 395 so we could hear trucks and loud cars at night, so I recommend sites that are farther in at the south end of the campground. Overall the campground is really well maintained and the bathrooms are clean and stocked. I would camp here again if I had to, but it's definitely not my first choice. There just isn't much to see/do without driving for a bit, and this area, while it has its charm, is not as aesthetically pleasing compared to nearby campgrounds. Firewood and provisions are available down the street at Toms Place.
ScoutForested campground with plenty of spots.
Good campground with plenty of spots. Flush toilets and wood are on premises. Definitely would come back
Location
French Camp Campground is located in California
Directions
From Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, California, follow U.S. Highway 395 (about 30 miles north of Bishop). Take the Tom's Place exit and go 1 mile on Rock Creek Road.
Address
INYO
CA
Coordinates
37.5525 N
118.6791667 W