Can you reserve a site at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)?

Yes, Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA) is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Are pets allowed at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA).

Are campfires allowed at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)?

Campfires are allowed at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA), California — 26 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Recreation

Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the lake may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers may be treated to golden trout in the backcountry. Power boats on the lake are limited to electric motors only.

The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are a 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 campsites are well-spaced along the lake shore, with several tent-only, walk-in sites overlooking the lake. Boat rentals, educational programs, groceries and showers are all nearby. Firewood is available on-site for a fee. Bears inhabit the area, so bear-proof lockers are provided for campers to store food.

Natural Features

The campsites at Rock Creek Lake sit on a low hill with scattered aspen and lodgepole pine trees overlooking the lake's crystal blue waters. At an elevation of 9,600 feet, the facility affords visitors excellent mountain views.

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

Visitors have convenient 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 expanses of glacially-carved terrain, and offers extensive hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.

The facts

26 bookable sites
Up to 6 people per site
Loops: AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE

Site types

13 Tent Only Nonelectric
7 Standard Nonelectric
6 Walk To

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

26 campsites at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
001	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Walk To	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
002	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Walk To	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
003	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Walk To	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
004	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Walk To	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
005	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Walk To	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
006	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Walk To	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
007	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
008	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
009	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
010	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
011	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
012	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
013	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
014	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
015	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
016	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
017	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
018	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
019	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
020	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
021	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
022	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
023	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Paved	—	6	🐾
024	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
025	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	Paved	—	6	🐾
026	AREA ROCK CREEK LAKE	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	—	—	6	🐾

Getting there

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.

37.45382, -118.73901 · 37°27'13.8"N 118°44'20.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	1.9	2.0	2.0	0.6	0.6	0.2	0.4	0.3	0.3	0.7	1.1	1.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 16.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)

Can you reserve a site at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)?: Yes, Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA) have?: 26 sites.
Are pets allowed at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)?: Yes, pets are allowed at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA).
Are campfires allowed at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)?: Campfires are allowed at Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)'s operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$33.00 per night.

Restrictions:

Dogs on leash only. Maximum stay 14 days. Active bear area. All food must be secured overnight and when not attended, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48" x 30" x 36"). Always keep a clean camp and do not feed wildlife. Fires permitted only in fireplaces provided.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)

Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA) less than 0.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (CA) 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Palisades Group Campground 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Aspen Group (Inyo) 5 mi · Campground · we watch it
French Camp 7.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pine Grove Campground 1.4 mi · Campground
Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground 1.4 mi · Campground
East Fork Campground 2.9 mi · Campground
Palisade Group Camp 3 mi · Campground
Big Meadow Campground 4.3 mi · Campground
Iris Meadow Campground 4.8 mi · Campground
Holiday Campground 7.5 mi · Campground

Contact

Phone 760-873-2500
Book Recreation.gov

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

Rock Creek Lake (Inyo National Forest, CA)