Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)
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.
Need to Know
- This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations
Fires permitted only in fire rings provided
2 pets allowed on leash only. Active bear area. All food must be secured overnight and when not attended, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48" x 30" x 36"). Always keep a clean camp and do not feed wildlife.
- Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. Campfires permitted only in fire rings provided.
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Click here for more information about the Inyo National Forest
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.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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BISHOP CA 93515
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 760-873-2500
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 013, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Walk To
- Site 004, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Walk To
- Site 024, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Walk To
- Site 009, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Walk To
- Site 006, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Walk To
- Site 014, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Walk To
- Site 023, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
