About Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA)
Overview Rock Creek Lake Group Campground is adjacent to the main Rock Creek Lake Campground. This tent-only site is located near Bishop, Tom's Place and Mammoth Lakes, California in Inyo National Forest. The high-elevation campground offers a private setting on the banks of scenic Rock Creek Lake in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains - a perfect location for limitless mountain recreation opportunities. Fishing, camping, hiking, photography, wildlife viewing and horseback riding at the nearby pack station are popular.Recreation Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the lake may including brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers may be treated to hook golden trout in the backcountry. Power boats are limited to electric motors on the lake. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious 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.Facilities The group camping area is separate from the main campground, offering plenty of privacy. It can accommodate up to 25 people at a time and is tent-only. No RVs are allowed at the campground, as the site requires visitors to walk from the parking area. There is no trash collection.Natural Features The group site is nestled in a pine forest, perched on the shore of Rock Creek Lake with a view of the water through the trees. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (760) 935-4121. Nearby Attractions Near the campground, visitors can 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
How to Get There
Directions from Mammoth Lakes, California: Drive south on U.S. 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 boat dock and group camp. Directions from Bishop, California: Travel north on U.S. Highway 395 for about 30 miles. Turn left at the Tom's Place exit and proceed west up the canyon for about 10 miles. At the Lake, follow the signs to the boat dock and group camp.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 15 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA)
Heading to Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA)? 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 Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA)?
No central reservation system listed for Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232239) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA)?
Directions from Mammoth Lakes, California: Drive south on U.S. 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 boat dock and group camp. Directions from Bishop, California: Travel north on U.S. Highway 395 for about 30 miles. Turn left at the Tom's Place exit and proceed west up the canyon for…
How do I contact Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA)?
You can reach the park at phone: 760-873-2500.
References & Official Resources