Sherwin Creek

Campground · California · 85 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Inyo National Forest (NF) · Open Access

85
Bookable sites
60 ft
Max rig length
up to 6
People per site
7,594 ft
Elevation
Sherwin Creek CG
Photo: CLM · Recreation.gov

Overview

Sherwin Creek Campground is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains within 2 miles of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. Popular among anglers, hikers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts and photographers, the campground is near some of the most spectacular wilderness and outdoor recreation areas in the Sierras.

Recreation

With a motocross track and trails, Sherwin Creek is a hot spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are also a draw for hikers. The Valentine Lake Trail and additional trailheads provide access to the John Muir Wilderness.

The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can try for rainbow trout in the creek.

Facilities

This large campground has campsites organized into three loops, all within walking distance of the creek. Several tent-only, walk-to sites make up another loop in a secluded area on either side of the creek. Sites have a native surface and plenty of shade.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in a shady forest of Jeffery pine, bordered by aspen-lined Sherwin Creek. The elevation is 7,600 feet. Wild roses and other flowers bring color to the landscape in spring and early summer.

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

Nearby Attractions

For campers interested in local events, the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth annually in mid-July. Several other events and amenities are available in town.

Many great day trips for sightseers are available in the area, such as Yosemite National Park, Mono Basin and Devils Postpile National Monument.

Charges & Cancellations

As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations.

Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites.

Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees

Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation.

Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Late Cancellations

Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival.

Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.

Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.

Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.

Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge.

No-Shows

Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date.

If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.

Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund.

Refunds

Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure.

Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location.

Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card.

Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy.

Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.

Recreation.gov Billing Information

Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777."

Changes to Policies and Procedures

Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July

The facts

  • 85 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 60 ft
  • Up to 6 people per site
  • Loops: SHER, WALK

Site types

  • 70 Standard Nonelectric
  • 15 Walk To

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

85 campsites at Sherwin Creek

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeAccessMax rigPeople
017SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In30 ft6 🐾
018SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In34 ft6 🐾
019SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In50 ft6 🐾
020SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In27 ft6 🐾
021SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In47 ft6 🐾
022SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In40 ft6 🐾
023SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In32 ft6 🐾
024SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In36 ft6 🐾
025SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In41 ft6 🐾
026SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In35 ft6 🐾
027SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In54 ft6 🐾
028SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In36 ft6 🐾
029SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In50 ft6 🐾
030SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In27 ft6 🐾
031SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In33 ft6 🐾
032SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In48 ft6 🐾
033SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In37 ft6 🐾
034SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In36 ft6 🐾
035SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In36 ft6 🐾
036SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In46 ft6 🐾
037SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In40 ft6 🐾
038SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In29 ft6 🐾
039SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In28 ft6 🐾
040SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In44 ft6 🐾
041SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In36 ft6 🐾
042SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In35 ft6 🐾
043SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In34 ft6 🐾
044SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In31 ft6 🐾
045SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In37 ft6 🐾
046SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—ModerateDrive In40 ft6 🐾
047SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In38 ft6 🐾
048SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In36 ft6 🐾
049SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—ModerateDrive In35 ft6 🐾
050SHERStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravelSlightDrive In40 ft6 🐾
051SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In35 ft6 🐾
052SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In39 ft6 🐾
053SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In36 ft6 🐾
054SHERStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravelSlightDrive In50 ft6 🐾
055SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In22 ft6 🐾
056SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In60 ft6 🐾
057SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In30 ft6 🐾
058SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In37 ft6 🐾
059SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In37 ft6 🐾
060SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In38 ft6 🐾
061SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In29 ft6 🐾
063SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In49 ft6 🐾
064SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In31 ft6 🐾
065SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In27 ft6 🐾
066SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In32 ft6 🐾
067SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In38 ft6 🐾
068SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In22 ft6 🐾
069SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—ModerateDrive In35 ft6 🐾
070SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In38 ft6 🐾
071SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—ModerateDrive In26 ft6 🐾
072SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—ModerateDrive In35 ft6 🐾
073SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In25 ft6 🐾
074SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In20 ft6 🐾
075SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In35 ft6 🐾
076SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In37 ft6 🐾
077SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In42 ft6 🐾
078SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In46 ft6 🐾
079SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—ModerateDrive In42 ft6 🐾
080SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In48 ft6 🐾
081SHERStandard NonelectricBack In—SlightDrive In38 ft6 🐾
082SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In50 ft6 🐾
083SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In27 ft6 🐾
084SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In36 ft6 🐾
085SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In35 ft6 🐾
086SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightDrive In40 ft6 🐾
087SHERStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSevereDrive In40 ft6 🐾
001WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
002WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
003WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
004WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
005WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
006WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
007WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
008WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
009WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
010WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
011WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
012WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
013WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾
014WALKWalk To—Gravel—Drive In—6 🐾
015WALKWalk To—Gravel—Hike In—6 🐾

Getting there

Take U.S. Highway 395 to State Highway 203 to Mammoth Lakes. Take a left at the first traffic light in town onto Old Mammoth Road. Drive south 0.9 miles to Sherwin Creek Road. Turn left and proceed 1.5 miles to the campground.

37.62894, -118.93788 · 37°37'44.2"N 118°56'16.4"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, 1.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Sherwin Creek

Can you reserve a site at Sherwin Creek?
Yes, Sherwin Creek is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Sherwin Creek have?
85 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Sherwin Creek?
60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Sherwin Creek?
Yes, pets are allowed at Sherwin Creek.
Are campfires allowed at Sherwin Creek?
Campfires are allowed at Sherwin Creek. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

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

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $30.00 per night per site.

Restrictions:

  • Active bear area, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48" x 30" x 36").

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Sherwin Creek

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-05-27.

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