Big Meadow Campground
Inyo National Forest

Rock Creek Lake, Inyo National Forest, CA
Rock Creek Lake, Inyo National Forest, CA

Big Meadow Campground
Inyo National Forest


Big Meadow Campground

Big Meadow Campground is off Rock Creek Road, 5 miles west of Highway 395 at Toms Place. Campers at Big Meadow have only a short drive down the road to Crowley Lake or up to scenic Rock Creek Lake. Day visitors at Rock Creek Lake can rent boats, fish from shore, or swim at the beach area. Rock Creek Lake has a 5 MPH speed limit.

A couple of miles farther up the road from the lake are wonderful trails for day hikes into Little Lakes Valley. The gentle terrain makes for comfortable walks past lakes and ponds.

Big Meadow Campground has 11 campsites, many of them along the creek. Sites are well-separated and are set in a mature pine forest. All the campsites can accommodate small RVs, trailers, and tents. The campsites are first come, first served. This popular little camping spot often fills up quickly during mid-summer. The maximum length of stay here is 7 days.

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Big Meadow Campground Basics
Big Meadow Campground Location: Rock Creek Road, 5 miles west of Highway 395 at Toms Place
Elevation: 8,600 feet
Mileage from major cities: 295 miles north of Los Angeles
185 miles south of Reno.
Number of Campsites: 11
Camping Season: Early May through late October, depending on the weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicles, 2nd vehicle $7 per night
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Recreation Resource Management for Inyo National Forest
Information -
Inyo NF, Bishop
(760) 873-2400

Reservations
No Reservations All campsites at Big Meadow Campground are first-come, first-served.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 22 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated, but some facilities are accessible
Fees: $29 - $30 per night
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Big Meadow Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Big Meadow Campground:
  • Stop in at Rock Creek Lake Resort. They have cabin rentals, boat rentals, a store, and a popular cafe.
  • Enjoy Rock Creek Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming. There is an unimproved boat launch ramp at the lake.
  • Drive eight miles to Crowley Lake, Crowley Lake Fish Camp.
  • Enjoy hiking trails to Little Lakes Valley, Hilton Lakes, and other John Muir Wilderness destinations.
  • Rock Creek Pack Station has trail rides, pack trips and other activities.

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Big Meadow Campground, Rock Creek,  Inyo National Forest, CA

Big Meadow Campground



Map of Campgrounds along Rock Creek in the Inyo National Forest, including Aspen Group Campground, CA


Big Meadow Campground, Rock Creek,  Inyo National Forest, CA

Big Meadow Campground

Southern Eastern Sierra
Attractions and Activities

South of Mammoth Lakes are a number of wonderful camping areas along the Eastern Sierra. Among them are Convict Lake, Rock Creek, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, and Big Pine. Those camped at Big Meadow Campground may wish to explore some of these areas.

  • Explore wonderful hiking trails leading into the Sierra Nevada.
  • Spend days among the beautiful Mammoth Lakes.
  • Take a day hike up the trail into Little Lakes Valley at Rock Creek.
  • Hike up Big Pine Creek past waterfalls to actor Lon Chaney's wilderness cabin.
  • Go on a trail ride with Rock Creek Pack Station or near Lake Sabrina and North Lake see Bishop Pack Outfitters.
  • Find great fishing at Convict Lake, Rock Creek Lake, and Lake Crowley.
  • Enjoy a day at Rock Creek Lake's beach area, swimming and fishing.
  • Fish for trout in popular Bishop Creek or nearby Lake Sabrina and South Lake.
  • Mountain bike along challenging trails in the Rock Creek area.

Key Big Meadow Campground Regulations

  1. Fires are only allowed in provided fire rings.
  2. Quiet Hours extend from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  3. Generators are allowed only during non-quiet hours; three-hour maximum run time and must be attended while running.
  4. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. No more than 2 pets are allowed per campsite.
  5. To avoid problems with bears campers are required to store food and scented items in bear-proof lockers.

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General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Purchase 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.