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Established Camping

Rock Creek Lake

4 Reviews

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from October 2, 2023 through May 19, 2024.

About

National Forest

Inyo National Forest

Overview

Recreation

Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the lake may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers may be treated to golden trout in the backcountry. Power boats on the lake are limited to electric motors only. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are a draw for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The Tamarack Trail begins in the campground and wanders up to several high-elevation, glacially-carved alpine lakes and ponds.

Facilities

The campsites are well-spaced along the lake shore, with several tent-only, walk-in sites overlooking the lake. Boat rentals, educational programs, groceries and showers are all nearby. Firewood is available on-site for a fee. Bears inhabit the area, so bear-proof lockers are provided for campers to store food.

Natural Features

The campsites at Rock Creek Lake sit on a low hill with scattered aspen and lodgepole pine trees overlooking the lake's crystal blue waters. At an elevation of 9,600 feet, the facility affords visitors excellent mountain views. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 935-4121.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors have convenient access the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches for 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain, and offers extensive hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Tim S.
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2021

Wonderful and Amazing destination

We have been coming here since the mid 1990s... my Father-in-law came up here back in the 1940s... it hasn't changed.

If you are a camper that likes to party and play loud music, this is NOT the place for you. This pristine environment is a place to re-join with nature, and enjoy the fresh air. It is one of the highest campsites you can visit. At 10,000 feet above sea level, you need to acclimate before you start hiking.

Fishing: Wonderful

Camping: Wonderful

Hiking: Wonderful... you can hike Little Lakes Valley in one day, and it is a site to see.

Spotting Bears: well... this is just what happens in the high country. There are bear boxes provided (do NOT leave food in tents or cars).

SiteAny
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Tim S., October 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Tim S., October 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Tim S., October 14, 2021
  • (12) View All
Dustin W.
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2021

Eastern Sierra Bliss

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. Lots of bear activity when we visited - be vigilant about keeping everything in the bear bins! Nearby Rock Creek Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, restaurant and hot showers for$5 (great after a few nights in the backcountry!) Fantastic hiking, fishing, backpacking, and legendary mountain scenery a short drive up to the end of Rock Creek Road and Little Lakes Valley trailhead.

Site18
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Dustin W., June 24, 2021
Brian S.
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2019

Nice campground , good fishing , and wonderful hiking !

I go to Rock Creek every year! Nice campground, good fishing, wonderful hiking! Stop by Pie In The Sky Cafe to get wonderful fresh fruit pie! Hike up to Heart Lake and Gem Lakes.

  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Brian S., March 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Brian S., March 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Rock Creek Lake by Brian S., March 2, 2019

Location

Rock Creek Lake 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

37.4538222 N
118.7390139 W

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