Coldwater Campground
Mammoth Lakes

Lake Mary, Msmmoth Lakes, CA
Lake Mary, Msmmoth Lakes, CA

Coldwater Campground
Mammoth Lakes


Coldwater Campground

Coldwater Campground (sometimes called Coldwater Creek Campground) is located just upstream from Lake Mary in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Inyo National Forest. The campground is popular with those who like being close enough to walk to the lake for some early morning fishing. A pair of small marinas at the lake rent a variety of boats from kayaks and canoes to pontoon boats. The trail to Arrowhead Lake begins at the upper end of the campground.

Coldwater Campground has 74 sites arranged on two loops. Two creeks chatter past the campground and a mixture of rocks and pines give the campground a rugged, wilderness feel. Some campsites are rather close together, however more isolated ones can be found around the perimeter. At an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet, nights can be chilly.

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Coldwater Campground Basics
Coldwater Campground Location: Upstream from Lake Mary along Coldwater Creek in Mammoth Lakes
Elevation: 8,900 feet
Mileage from major cities: 320 miles north of Los Angeles
180 miles south of Reno.
Number of Campsites: 74
Camping Season: Late May through September, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicle, 2nd vehicle $7
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: Maximum of 2, on leash, always attended
Operated by California Land Management/Inyo Recreation for Inyo National Forest
Information -
Inyo NF, Bishop
(760) 873-2400

Reservations at Coldwater Campground
Reservations available: whenever campground is open, from 24 hours to 6 months in advance
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 38 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Favorite Campsites: #15, 22, 24, 30, 36, 42, 50, 51, 61, 63, 76
Fees: $32 per night ($2 more on holiday weekends)
Plus $10 reservation fee
Reservations: Coldwater Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Coldwater Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: Find showers at Twin Lakes Store, $5 per person
Dump station: No
Attractions near Coldwater Campground:
  • Rent boats from the Lake Mary Marina.
  • Make use of the boat launch ramp.
  • Enjoy a guided trail ride at the nearby riding stable.
  • Explore all the trails to nearby lakes.
  • Enjoy non-motorized boating and fishing on Lake Mary.



Arrowhead Lake,  Mammoth Lakes, CA

Arrowhead Lake

General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Obtain firewood locally to avoid spreading pests.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate

Coldwater Campground Map, Mammoth Lakes, CA


Coldwater Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA

Coldwater Campground

Mammoth Lakes
Attractions and Activities

Visitors at Coldwater Campground are close to all the great activities and attractions around Mammoth Lakes.

  • Find excellent fishing in a half dozen big lakes and small streams throughout Mammoth Lakes.
  • Enjoy hiking to scenic lakes for a leisurely picnic.
  • Get your thrills mountain biking on Mammoth Mountain at Mammoth Bike Park.
  • Take advantage of paved bike trails that lead from the village to the lakes.
  • Explore the John Muir Wilderness.
  • Take the shuttle over for a visit to Devils Postpile.
  • Join a guided trail ride at the nearby stables - Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit.
  • Play golf in Mammoth Lakes and enjoy a great dinner at one of their fine restaurants.
  • Drive up to June Lake or Mono Lake for the day.

Key Coldwater Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only allowed in fire rings.
  2. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  3. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. No more than 2 pets are permitted per campsite.
  4. To avoid problems with bears, keep food in bear-proof lockers if provided, otherwise in your vehicle.

Check Inyo National Forest - Coldwater Campground for any campground updates.


map of campground locations around Mammoth Lakes and Devils Postpile National Monument, including Coldwater Campground