French Camp

Summary

French Camp is an ideal stop for travelers along U.S. Highway 395, located in the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, California. It offers many recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, mountain biking and rockhounding, as well as plentiful wildlife and local attractions. The campground is large and inviting, with picnic tables, campfire rings and firewood for purchase on-site.

Overview

French Camp lies in the Rock Creek area of the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains, near Tom's Place and midway between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, California. Its ideal location makes this campground a good stop for travelers on U.S. Highway 395 to rest overnight.

Hiking opportunities are vast, and the creekside campground is convenient for fishing. The facility is large and inviting, with forest and mountain views and several amenities.

Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather.

Recreation

Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the creek may includ brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout.

The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers.

Because of the region's interesting geology, rockhounding is also popular.

Facilities

French Camp is a large facility with a variety of settings for tents and small to medium RVs (no hookups available). A few campsites can accommodate medium to large RVs and trailers.

Sites are organized in one large loop, with some along the banks of the creek. Each has a picnic table and campfire ring.

Firewood is available on-site for purchase, and nearby Tom's Place offers additional supplies and fee showers.

Natural Features

Campers will experience the beauty of pines and fragrant junipers that have come to represent Inyo National Forest. The campground sits among aspens, pinyon and ponderosa and Jeffrey pines at an elevation of 7,500 ft.

The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek, which originates in the John Muir Wilderness, runs alongside it. Brushy landscape and ample boulders in the area are fun to explore and traverse.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Nearby Attractions

For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in nearby Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July.