Convict Lake Campground
Inyo National Forest

Convict Lake, Inyo National Forest, CA
Convict Lake, Inyo National Forest, CA

Convict Lake Campground
Inyo National Forest


Convict Lake Campground

Convict Lake Campground is located along Convict Creek a short distance downstream from Convict Lake. Visitors to the campground enjoy fishing for trout on Convict Creek and in the 170-acre lake. Convict is a no-wake lake, permitting electric motors only of 6 HP or less and limiting speeds to 10 MPH or less. Hikers like to set out on the 3½-mile Lake Trail around Convict Lake or other nearby trails leading into the John Muir Wilderness. The nearby Convict Lake Resort has lodging, a restaurant, a store, a marina with boat rentals, and guided horseback rides.

Convict Lake Campground's 85 campsites are spread mostly in sage with magnificent views of surrounding peaks. Along the creek are groves of aspen and cottonwood. A few campsites have views of the lake. Forty-eight of the campsites can be reserved ahead of time while the remainder are first come, first served. Ten campsites are designated for tents only. The maximum length of stay at Convict Lake Campground is 7 days.

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Convict Lake Campground Basics
Convict Lake Campground Location: Two miles west of Highway 395 on Convict Lake Road
Elevation: 7,500 feet
Mileage from major cities: 304 miles north of Los Angeles
173 miles south of Reno.
Number of Campsites: 85
Camping Season: Open mid-April through October, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicle, 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 for Convict Lake Campground
Reservations available Reservations can be made for camping dates from late April through September. At other times when the campground is open, sites are first-come, first-served.
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 40 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites:1 #43, 48, 50, 51, 57, 61-63, 69, 72, 75, 76, 80, 81, 83, 84, 86-88
many accessible features in the campground and at the lake
Fees: $33 per night
Reservations: Convict Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Convict Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, amphitheater
Showers: Yes
Dump station: Yes
Attractions near Convict Lake Campground:
  • Enjoy Convict Lake fishing and boating.
  • Find boat rentals, launch ramp, and bait shop at the lake.
  • Explore nearby hiking trails.
  • Drive 10 miles to Crowley Lake or 10 miles to Mammoth Lakes.
  • Test your fly fishing skills in nearby McGee Creek.

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Convict Lake campground,  Inyo National Forest, CA

Convict Lake Campground




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.



Convict Lake Campground,  Inyo National Forest, CA

Convict Lake Campground

Southern Eastern Sierra
Attractions and Activities

Explore the Eastern Sierra and discover wonderful places for camping, fishing, and hiking. Campers at Convict Lake Campground enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.

  • Find excellent fishing at Convict Lake, Rock Creek Lake, and Lake Crowley.
  • Fish for trout in popular Bishop Creek or nearby Lake Sabrina and South Lake.
  • Hike up Big Pine Creek past waterfalls to actor Lon Chaney's wilderness cabin and Big Pine Lakes.
  • Enjoy interesting hiking trails leading into the Sierra Nevada.
  • Head to the Rock Creek area for challenging mountain biking trails.
  • 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.
  • Spend days fishing and hiking among the beautiful Mammoth Lakes.
  • Take a day hike up the trail into Little Lakes Valley at Rock Creek.
  • Enjoy a day at Rock Creek Lake's beach area for swimming.

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Key Convict Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Avoid problems with bears by storing food and scented items in bear-proof lockers.
  2. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  3. Generators are not permitted to be run during quiet hours; otherwise, observe a three-hour maximum run time. Generators must be attended while running.
  4. Dogs must be always kept on leash and always attended. No more than 2 pets are allowed per campsite.
  5. Fires are only allowed in provided fire rings. Collect only down and dead firewood.

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