Camp ObserverRock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)
Camp site features
Across 26 camp sites:
- Pets allowed: all 26 sites
- Largest party: 6 people
Directions
From Mammoth Lakes, California, 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.
Stay Limit
Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.
Reviews
Kelly A
Loop:Area Rock Creek Lake
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
The campground itself is really nice and conveniently located near the lake. The hosts were also very kind, approachable, and helpful. There’s plenty to do nearby, including fishing for trout and a great hiking trail close to the campground.
I would definitely encourage anyone staying here to look at the campground map carefully when choosing a site. We stayed at Site 2, which was pretty far from the nearest bathroom, so we ended up having to drive.
I’m mainly writing this review to let future campers know about the bears. I completely understand that we are camping in their natural habitat, but I’ve camped throughout my life and this was the first time I encountered bears just 5 feet away from my tent. We had all of our food and belongings secured in the bear locker, but the bears still came into our campsite and knocked other belongings onto the ground.
Thankfully, the campsites are fairly close together, so having neighbors nearby helped us feel safer and get through the night. However, we definitely did not feel prepared for how close the bears would get to our tent, so I wanted to give others a heads-up.
Overall, it’s a really beautiful campground with a great location near the lake, plenty of trout, and lots of hiking and outdoor activities nearby. We had a great experience otherwise—just be aware of the bear activity and come prepared!
Katie M
Loop:Area Rock Creek Lake
Site:
Reviewed 7 days ago
Love the diversity of the different campsites and the lake right there. Plus there is a great little shop just down the road if you run out of essentials. No wifi out here (at least for me), so please be aware before you get there. We stayed in site 8 which was super private and secluded for 2 people. I wouldn't really recommend it for more people than that. My only criticism would be I wish the check in process were more clear. When we arrived, the hosts weren't at their site, and there was no signage for us to follow about where we should check in. Otherwise, super nice experience!
Doreen T
Loop:Area Rock Creek Lake
Site:
Reviewed 10 days ago
Loved our time at Rock Creek Lake! Bathrooms were clean, campground was clean and well maintained. Only criticism was that one wheelbarrow in particular was very heavy even when empty and usually it was the only one available. I think a sign instructing people to return wheelbarrows would be helpful. Arriving and departing we had to walk around and collect them as we had a big group and lots of stuff. Sure 21 was beautiful though.
Laythe H
Loop:Area Rock Creek Lake
Site:
Reviewed 10 days ago
We had space 19, which was a great spot. It was private and secluded. It had good shade and was in proximity to the restrooms and 300 ft from parking. We did have a couple of pretty crazy and scary Bear situations at night. Overall, our experience was. It's really good and we enjoyed camping there. The camp hosts were fantastic and very helpful.
Jann L
Loop:Area Rock Creek Lake
Site:
Reviewed 10 days ago
A beautiful spot with great hiking both in the park and very close by. Campground was well run and bathrooms were very clean.
pierina e
Loop:Area Rock Creek Lake
Site:
Reviewed 11 days ago
Lovely campsite. Loved our stay here
