Tuff Campground

Overview

Tuff Campground is situated along Rock Creek in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is convenient to Tom's Place and U.S. Highway 395.

At an elevation of 7,000 ft., it is lower than many of the region's campgrounds and thus frequently one of the first campgrounds to open in the spring.

Popular activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and viewing the area's volcanic rock formations.

Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather. The campground usually opens the last weekend in April to coincide with the first day of fishing in the Sierras.

Recreation

Rock Creek and nearby Rock Creek Lake and Crawley Lake are hot spots for trout fishing. A catch from the creek may including brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout.

The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers.

Facilities

This moderate-sized facility is well spread out over three loops. Some campsites sit in the shade along Rock Creek, and those at the foot of the Tuff rock formations receive more sun.

There is space for small trailers and RVs, as well as some very nice level sites for tents. The campground has gravel roads.

Firewood is available on-site for purchase, and Tom's Place has other supplies and fee showers within a short drive.

Natural Features

This campground is named for the Tuff rock formations that lie in and around it. Most campsites are situated in an open sagebrush landscape, with aspens, cottonwood and Jeffrey pine trees surrounding the area.

The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek runs alongside the campsites, offering a relaxing sound for campers.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Nearby Attractions

For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in nearby Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July.

Camp site features

Across 33 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 33 sites
  • Longest RV: 45 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 0.8 mi

Nearest water fill: 17.4 mi

Directions

From Mammoth Lakes or Bishop, California: Take U.S. Highway 395 to the Owens Gorge Road exit at Tom's Place (25 miles north of Bishop and 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes). Drive 200 yards east to the gravel road and continue north a short distance to the campground along Rock Creek. Follow signs.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

151 reviews
5 stars
114
4 stars
25
3 stars
3
2 stars
4
1 stars
5
JoWellen D
Loop:Tuff
Site:
Reviewed 11 days ago
Clean bathrooms, quiet neighbors.
Craig W
Loop:Tuff
Site:
Reviewed 14 days ago
We had a pull through, so rare in National Parks, but it was gorgeous surrounded by aspens. It felt private, one of the few private spaces at Tuff. We moved to Tuff from two weeks across the highway at French Camp. Next year, we will divide our time more evenly between the two campgrounds.
Wayne M
Loop:Tuff
Site:
Reviewed 23 days ago
Great park. Beautiful rock formations across the river. Close to all the sites. We fit our 32 foot camper and our 350 king cab, full bed pick up truck on the site with it. Host was great. We ended up extending our stay. We stayed there eight days. Portable water available in Campground. Vault toilets. I would highly recommend it to see all of the area around it. 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, 20 minutes from Bishop. Crowley Lake and convict Lake were fantastic.
Omer B
Loop:Tuff
Site:
Reviewed 23 days ago
Campground is beautiful. The stream is calming and refreshing, and David, the campground manager was welcoming and super nice!
Lyn E
Loop:Tuff
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Clean camp, spaces are fairly level, making trailer set up easy. The creek running along camp has good fishing. Use the bear boxes!!
Richard S
Loop:Tuff
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
I really enjoyed this campground. It was clean and quiet and set in a beautiful place. The campground manager checked in to make sure all was good at least twice a day.
Availability

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

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Apr 23, 2027 – Oct 30, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Apr 28, 2028 – Oct 28, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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