Rock Creek Lake Campground

California's Best Camping

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

Rock Creek Lake Campground

Inyo National Forest


Rock Creek Lake Campground

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Rock Creek Lake Campground is on the east shore of Rock Creek Lake, 9 miles west of Tom's Place on Highway 395. Visitors to the campground are rewarded with beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding Sierra peaks. Rock Creek Lake is popular for fishing, especially the planted Alpers trout. A day use area at the southeastern end of the lake makes a great place for shore fishing and swimming. Boats are limited to 5 MPH.

Nearby trails leading up Little Lakes Valley are favorites of day hikers. Within 2½ miles the main trail passes a half-dozen lakes and many ponds. Rising at the head of the valley are the jagged summits of Bear Creek Spire, Mt. Dade, and Mt. Abbott.

Rock Creek Lake Campground has 26 campsites. Six tent-only sites are spread along a low ridge between the parking area and the lake, offering nice views of the lake and moderate privacy. Five walk-to campsites are also designated. Two sites are specified for RVs only, while the remaining 13 campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Those sites are close together and not as appealing as the tent-only sites. The maximum length of stay at Rock Creek Lake Campground is 7 days.

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Rock Creek Lake Group Camp is located across the lake off Rock Creek Road.


Rock Creek Lake Campground Basics
Rock Creek Lake Campground Location: Rock Creek Road, 9 miles west of Highway 395 at Toms Place
Elevation: 9,700 feet
Mileage from major cities: 299 miles north of Los Angeles
189 miles south of Reno.
Number of Campsites: 26
Camping Season: Mid-May through October, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicles, 2nd vehicle $7 per night
Maximum Length of Stay: 7 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Recreation Resource Management for Inyo National Forest
Information - Inyo NF, Bishop (760) 873-2400

Reservations at Rock Creek Lake Campground
Reservations Rock Creek Lake Campground reservations are available up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 25 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated, but some sites are accessible
Fees: $33 per night
Reservations: Rock Creek Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 1:00 PM

Rock Creek Lake 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 Rock Creek Lake Campground:
  • Enjoy Rock Creek Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming. A swimming beach is near the campground. Launch your boat at the unimproved boat launch ramp.
  • Rock Creek Lake Resort has a popular cafe, cabin rentals, boat rentals, and a store.
  • Explore great 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.
  • Drive to Crowley Lake and Crowley Lake Fish Camp.

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Rock Creek Lake, Inyo National Forest, CA

Rock Creek Lake (group camp is to the right in picture)




Rock Creek Lake Group Camp

Rock Creek Lake Group Camp is located on the west side of the lake, off Rock Creek Road. The campground is among the trees with filtered views of the lake. The tent-only group site can accommodate up to 25 people. RVs or trailers are not allowed at the campground since visitors must walk to the site. There is no trash collection, so campers must pack out their garbage. The site has picnic tables, flush toilets, piped water, and fire rings. Note: "Campers must clean toilets during stay." The campground is closed to new arrivals from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Reservations can be made from 4 days up to 12 months prior to arrival date. The Group Camp is open from late May through early October.
Fee: $93 per night
Reservations: Rock Creek Lake Group Camp Reservations

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






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Rock Creek Lake Campground, Inyo National Forest, CA

Tent-only Campsites at Rock Creek Lake Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2024

  • Campground and bathrooms very clean.
  • Camp hosts friendly and helpful.
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes from early summer till mid-August.
  • Small tent sites.
  • Keep food in bear boxes.

Southern Eastern Sierra
Attractions and Activities

The Eastern Sierra is known for its magnificent beauty, its excellent camping, and rewarding fishing. Camping at Rock Creek Lake Campground allows visitors to enjoy all the treasures of the lake along with nearby trails and other attractions.

  • Stop in for breakfast at nearby Rock Creek Lodge, serving from 8 AM to 10 AM.
  • Find great fishing at Convict Lake, Rock Creek Lake, and Crowley Lake.
  • On your way out, stop in McGee Creek Lodge for baked goodies, breakfast, or lunch.
  • Visit McGee Creek Pack Station for trail rides or fishing pack trips.
  • Enjoy a day at Rock Creek Lake's beach area for swimming.
  • Hike up Big Pine Creek past waterfalls to actor Lon Chaney's wilderness cabin and Big Pine Lakes.
  • Fish for trout in popular Bishop Creek or nearby Lake Sabrina and South Lake.
  • Find excellent fishing at Convict Lake, Rock Creek Lake, and Lake Crowley.
  • 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.
  • Spend days fishing and hiking among the beautiful Mammoth Lakes.
  • Take a day hike up the trail into Little Lakes Valley at Rock Creek.

Key Rock Creek Lake Campground Regulations

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

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General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Weather conditions may affect opening and closing dates for the campground. 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.