Rock Creek Lake
Closed — Closed for winter. Typically opens late May or early June depending on snow conditions and closes late September. Operates seasonally from approximately May 23 through September 27. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Stay Limits, Parking, and Developed Recreation Site Use
This forest order was put in place to protect natural resources and promote public safety.
Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project
www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/projects/reds-meadow-road-reconstruction
Wilderness Use Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the portions of the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses located in the Inyo National Forest.
Mount Whitney Zone Access Restrictions
This forest order prohibits recreating in the Mount Whitney Zone to provide for public safety and protect natural resources.
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown on the Exhibits.
Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown in the Exhibits.
Reds Meadow Road Closure Order
This Forest Closure Order prohibits being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road to provide public safety during the 2025 reconstruction season.
ESCCRP Project Area Closure
This forest order prohibits access to roads affected by the ESCRRP project to provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond.
Inn Fire Closure Order
This Forest Closure Order prohibits entrance into the Inn Fire Area Closure to protect public health and safety from environmental hazards, wildfire, and wildfire suppression operations.
Hot Creek Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating in Hot Creek within the Mammoth Ranger District.
Goat Prohibition Order
This Forest Order prohibits possessing or storing a goat within the Inyo National Forest Goat Prohibition Area.
Mammoth Mill Site Area and Trail Closure
This Forest Order prohibits recreating, entering or being in the Mammoth Mill Site Closure Area and the Mammoth Stamp Mill Trail.
B&B Mine Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the B&B Mine and Mill Site Closure Area.
Food and Refuse Storage Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits food and refuse in locations in Exhibits A and C-J, unless stored in a bear-resistant container.
About
Rock Creek Lake Campground is situated at 9,600 feet elevation in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering spectacular alpine scenery and abundant recreation opportunities. The 28 campsites are well-spaced along a low hill overlooking Rock Creek Lake's crystal blue waters, with several walk-in tent sites providing prime lakeside views through scattered aspen and lodgepole pine trees. The area is renowned for exceptional trout fishing, with anglers catching brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout from the lake, while golden trout can be found in backcountry streams. Only electric motors are permitted on the lake. The Tamarack Trail begins directly from the campground, providing access to glacially-carved alpine lakes and ponds. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can explore trails leading into the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches for 100 miles along the Sierra crest. Wildlife is abundant in this pristine mountain environment, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martens, pikas, and numerous bird species. Bear-proof food lockers are provided at all sites. Nearby Rock Creek Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, groceries, showers, and educational programs. The campground's high elevation and remote location provide a true alpine camping experience with stunning mountain vistas in all directions.
Directions
From Mammoth Lakes, 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. From Bishop, travel north on Highway 395 for about 30 miles, turn left at the Tom's Place exit, then proceed west up the canyon for about 10 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 873-2500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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