Rock Creek Lake Picnic Area

Rock Creek Lake

Closed

Currently closed for the winter season. Based on reservation availability, the campground opens around May 22, 2026. At 9,600 feet elevation, opening dates depend on snowpack and may be delayed. The campground typically operates through mid-October.

Inyo National Forest

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Inyo National Forest

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Inyo National Forest

ESCCRP PANORAMA PROJECT AREA CLOSURE

To provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work for the Panorama portion of the ESCCRP project.

About

Rock Creek Lake Campground is nestled among scattered aspen and lodgepole pine trees on a low hill overlooking the lake's crystal blue waters at 9,600 feet elevation in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. The 28-site campground offers a mix of standard nonelectric sites, tent-only sites, and walk-to sites, all with paved driveways, picnic tables, fire pits, and bear-proof food storage lockers. The area is renowned for exceptional trout fishing. Rock Creek Lake yields brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout, while backcountry waters offer golden trout. Power boats are limited to electric motors only. The Tamarack Trail begins within the campground and climbs to several glacially-carved alpine lakes and ponds. Wildlife in the area includes black bear, mountain lion, mule deer, pine marten, and pika. The campground provides convenient access to the John Muir Wilderness, which stretches 100 miles along the Sierra crest through a landscape of snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, and vast glacially-carved terrain.

Directions

From Mammoth Lakes, drive south on US 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 signs to the family campground.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $35

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (760) 935-4121

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Rock Creek Lake Picnic Area
Rock Creek Lake Picnic Area
Rock Creek Lake Trail
Rock Creek Lake
Rock Creek Lake Entrance Sign
Rock Creek Lake Picnic Area
Rock Creek Lake
Rock Creek Lake Picnic Area
Rock Creek Lake parking
Rock Creek Lake

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