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Rock Creek Campground
Rock Creek Campground sits at the TOP of my list of campsites I have visited!! I CANNOT stress this enough—I will be a returning camper here FOR SURE. If you love the Eastern Sierra, and you haven’t visited here? Go. Go now. Book it.
- Location: Rock Creek Lake, Inyo National Forest, California
- Month: July
- Site: #6
- Bathrooms/showers: Yes/No
- Cost: $41 online
- Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233907
- Cell Coverage: No
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
Campground
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!
This campground had one of the most stunning locations, in my opinion. Turning onto the road that leads to the campground, you are met with STUNNING views of Rock Creek Lake amidst the Eastern Sierra mountains. I gawked the whole way through!
Rock Creek campground is very well integrated within the mountains and the road alongside the lake. Access to most of the campsites are right off the main road, and some campsite parking even merged with general parking for the public.
If you want a lake side camping experience, this is it. It is intimate and small, but the lake is visible from almost all angles, and also accessible by various walkways surrounding it.
You can find the camphost sitting centrally to the campground. Firewood and bathrooms were also available nearby, as well as additional flush toilets near my campsite.
Probably the only con that I can think of is that I had absolutely no cell signal. But is that really a con? Some may argue that it not having showers was also a problem, but did you really camp if you had to take a shower?
Campsite
So my campsite (#6) had no information about it at the time I booked. The reviews of neighboring sites also did not lend me any confidence that I landed a good spot. Some people even experienced booking issues, but it was a last minute booking on my end, and I decided to take the risk.
In addition, I had no cell phone signal and couldn’t for the life of me find my campsite. I drove in circles for a minute until I found my assigned parking spot. My campsite still remained hidden until I realized I booked a “walk-to” campsite in my excitement. Surprisingly, I had to walk up a trail to my home for the night.
Let’s be clear. The trail to my campsite was not ideal. Not paved, or wheelchair accessible—very rocky. Dragging my 4-person tent, and my big ice chest full of food, was not fun at all. But thankfully, no sprained ankles.
BUT I LOVED MY SITE.
I had neighbors to my right, and down below me a little bit ( out of sight), closer to the lake. Fortunately, there was one to my left except a trail to the bathrooms, and I was surrounded enough by bushes to be able to acquire some privacy if I wanted some. Unlike some of the neighboring campsite, this one did not share a common path with anyone else, and so I did not have random foot traffic going through my area. Such a plus, especially when camping with a dog.
The space was more than ample. And not only was there a place for my 4-person tent, but there was a table with a bear box, AND a whole other level for the fire pit.
What is nearby Rock Creek Campground?
Rock Creek Campground is at the end of Rock Creek Rd that leads to Little Lakes Valley. Right in front of the exit from the campground area is Rock Creek Resort where they have a general store, a restaurant, places to stay, and SHOWERS.
This road has several campsites along its border: Upper and Lower Pine Grove Campground, East Fork Campground, and one of my personal favorites, Big Meadow Campground (read more here).
In addition, there are several hiking/backpacking trails in the area as well. Some include, Rock Creek Lake Trail, Hilton Lakes Trail, Upper Rock Creek Canyon Trail, and of course, LIttle Lakes Valley Trail.
Finally, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes and Bishop are less than 1 hour away from Rock Creek Campground. So, that makes it super convenient to explore the area more. There are campground reviews that I have written about near Mammoth Lakes and June Lake (HERE), as well as writing an ultimate Campground List for Hwy 395 (HERE).
How Easy is it to book?
Booking through recreation dot gov seems simple enough for me. However, this campground is very popular. With fewer campsites than most, it’s also definitely more difficult to book for the summer months. Campground reservation generally open up to six months in advance, so keep that in mind when you’re planning.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the gamble pays off! I’m glad that I booked this campsite on a whim, and that it was absolutely beautiful. I wish I had stayed an extra night to give me more time to explore but I had plans to meet up with some friends. With Rock Creek being pet-friendly, there were many dogs that were unleashed, which was unfortunate. But I would otherwise still come back here again.
Finally, this is active bear country and so multiple bear boxes were present around the campground. It is important to adhere to bear safety rules and dispose of trash and food items appropriately.
Curious about other campsites in California? I review all the wonderful campsites (and not so wonderful campsites) here that I have stayed at. Take a peek here, get outside, and happy adventuring!
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