About MCGEE CREEK
Overview McGee Campground provides a pleasant, sunny location for family camping between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The campground's proximity to U.S. Highway 395 and the adjacent John Muir Wilderness make it a hot spot for hiking, rock climbing, fishing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, hunting, photography and geology study.Recreation Majestic scenery and challenging trails draw in hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. The McGee Creek Trailhead, a popular trail for hiking and horseback riding into the McGee Canyon area of the John Muir Wilderness, lies just two miles from the campground. The eastern Sierras are known for exceptional trout fishing. McGee Creek and nearby Crowley Lake have some of the best fishing in the area. The area's interesting geology also makes it popular for rock hounding.Facilities McGee offers about 28 reservable, open and sunny campsites. Each site has a picnic shelter. Roads and camping spurs are paved. Bear-proof lockers are provided for food storage and firewood is for sale on-site.Natural Features The campground is situated in an expanse of silvery white sagebrush and near a meadow lined with aspens. It sits at an elevation of 7,600 feet and offers outstanding views of high mountain peaks in the John Muir Wilderness. McGee Creek runs alongside it, with some sites sitting along the banks of the water. Nearby Attractions For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July. Visitors can explore 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.
How to Get There
From U.S. Highway 395 in California, take the McGee Creek exit, located 8 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and 37 miles north of Bishop. Proceed 2 miles south up the paved McGee Creek Road. The campground is on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MCGEE CREEK
Heading to MCGEE CREEK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MCGEE CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for MCGEE CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232238) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MCGEE CREEK?
From U.S. Highway 395 in California, take the McGee Creek exit, located 8 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and 37 miles north of Bishop. Proceed 2 miles south up the paved McGee Creek Road. The campground is on the left.
How do I contact MCGEE CREEK?
You can reach the park at phone: 760-935-4213.
References & Official Resources
