Obsidian Flat

Campground · California · 1 bookable site ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

San Joaquin Roadless Area (Roadlessarea Rule (2001)) · Open Access

1
Bookable site
up to 50
People per site
7,872 ft
Elevation
OBSIDIAN FLAT

Overview

Obsidian Flat Group Campground, located just outside of Mammoth Lakes, California, provides an opportunity for a group to enjoy a secluded getaway in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. With a peaceful forested setting and mountain views, the campground's location is perfect for relaxing and spending time in nature.

The area is popular for exploring the surrounding forest and geology, as well as nearby hiking, bicycling, fishing and off-road vehicle riding options.

Recreation

The eastern Sierras are known for their exceptional trout fishing. Campers can try their luck in Deadman Creek.

The majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Deadman Creek Trail leads hikers into the spectacular Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Facilities

One group camping area can accommodate one group of up to 50 people, and up to five RVs (up to 40 feet in length) or 15 vehicles at a time. The site is fairly primitive and is equipped with a picnic table, vault toilet, campfire ring and bear-proof locker for food storage.

Natural Features

The campground is named after an obsidian lava flow nearby. It is situated in a pine forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Deadman Creek is adjacent to the facility, and several lakes are down the road.

Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.

Contact Info

Between 05/01/2025 and 09/30/2025 this location is staffed. Please call (760) 647-3044 to speak with local staff. From 10/01/2025 to 04/30/2026 this location is unstaffed. Please call (760) 647-3005 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Hikers can access the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness via nearby trails, and Yosemite National Park is a great day trip.

Ansel Adams Wilderness

Yosemite National Park

The facts

  • Season: Mid May - September — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 1 bookable site
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: OBSI

Site types

  • 1 Group Standard Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Obsidian Flat

Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 2:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
1OBSIGroup Standard NonelectricBack InGravel—50

Getting there

Heading North

From U.S. Highway 395 and State Highway 203 (Mammoth Lakes Junction), travel 8.2 miles north on 395. Turn west onto Deadman Road and follow for 3.2 miles to Upper Deadman Campground. Turn toward the Group Campground turnoff onto FS Road 2S05F. Continue one mile to the campground on the right.

Heading South

From U.S. Highway 395 and State Highway 158 (June Lake Jucntion South) travel approximately 6.5 miles south on 395 and turn right onto Deadman Road and follow for 3.2 miles to Upper Deadman Campground. Turn toward the Group Campground turnoff onto FS Road 2S05F, across the road. Continue one mile to the campground on the right.

37.73333, -119.01667 · 37°43'60.0"N 119°1'0.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 78°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Feb.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F414146516070787771614941
Low °F171822273542494740302317
Precip in4.23.83.31.51.50.50.50.50.51.42.04.1

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

$20 dollars per night

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Obsidian Flat

Can you reserve a site at Obsidian Flat?
Yes, Obsidian Flat is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Obsidian Flat have?
1 site.

Also listed by

Obsidian Flat also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Obsidian Flat's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $20 per night.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Obsidian Flat

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.