Convict Lake Campground

Show on map760-924-5771
HCR 79, BOX 54
CROWLEY LAKE, CA 93546

Overview

Convict Lake Campground is situated near Convict Lake amidst the beautiful scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake and surrounding national forest provide many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation.

The campground and nearby resort offer many amenities for a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. The facility is located between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California, near Mammoth Airport.

Recreation

The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can cast a line for rainbow and brown trout in the creek or lake. Power boats are limited to electric motors on the lake (six horsepower or less).

The area's majestic scenery and variety of trails draw in hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian enthusiasts. The 3.5-mile Lake Trail can be accessed from the campground, and many other trails are in nearby John Muir Wilderness.

Facilities

This is a fairly large and well-organized facility with both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. A few sites overlook the lake, while others are a short distance from the shore. Sites are spaced fairly close together.



Flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station are provided, as well as food storage lockers for safety from bears.



Campers can purchase firewood on-site. A store, pack station, boat rentals, restaurant, and other amenities are just down the road at the Convict Lake Resort.

Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 7,500 ft. and provides gorgeous views of the lake and the dramatic mountain scenery. Convict Creek runs through the campground, and the 167-acre Convict Lake is about 100 yards away. Shrubs and low vegetation fill in the landscape, though tall aspen and cottonwood trees grow along the creek.

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

Nearby Attractions

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.

Camp site features

Across 48 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 48 sites
  • ADA accessible: 8 of 48 sites
  • Longest rig: 55 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

Convict Lake Campground is about 34 miles north of Bishop, California on Highway 395. From Bishop, travel north on 395. The turnoff to the campground is across from Mammoth Yosemite Airport and is well-signed. From Mammoth Lakes, travel on Highway 395 south for 5 miles. Turn west off of Highway 395.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

511 reviews
5 stars
390
4 stars
79
3 stars
19
2 stars
11
1 stars
12
Michael W
Loop:Area Convict Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
Great campground - great campground hosts.
kate S
Loop:Area Convict Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 8 days ago
Perfect basecamp for the trailhead or entering John Muir Wilderness. Little to no ground cover or trees in the campground besides some thinned out Aspen so not a lot of privacy at any site, but that's fine if you're here only to sleep between recreational activities. Remember that weather up here can change quickly regardless of forecast and it will be much colder and windier than the lower altitude even a few miles away. Stake down sufficiently and prepare for wet or cold. Convict Lake is a gorgeous backdrop and it's a gift to be able to be this close to the lake and walk to the shore from your site. Camp host (and his pup) is very friendly and helpful.
Claudio A
Loop:Area Convict Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 8 days ago
Great spot. A little small for a 12 person tent but overall an excellent site.
William P
Loop:Area Convict Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 9 days ago
Best camp hosts. Very helpful and always available. Cleanest campsite in California!
Ken L
Loop:Area Convict Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 10 days ago
Great site and servivey
Danny K
Loop:Area Convict Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 13 days ago
Jeff and Tina were great hosts.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Busy

Busiest in August, when about 74% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.

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