French Camp sits along Rock Creek in the eastern Sierra, halfway between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes on Highway 395. With 86 sites spread across one large loop, it's a substantial forest campground that works for both overnight highway travelers and longer stays exploring the Rock Creek drainage.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 86
- 💵Fee per Night
- $35
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 7,500 ft
- 📍GPS
- 37.55250, -118.67917
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 760-935-4825
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground occupies forested terrain at 7,500 feet, surrounded by aspens, pinyon, ponderosa, and Jeffrey pines. Rock Creek runs alongside the facility — clear, cold water that originates in the John Muir Wilderness and provides a steady soundtrack. Some sites sit directly along the creek banks, while others spread through the single large loop that organizes the campground.
Sites accommodate tents and small to medium RVs, though a few can handle larger rigs. No hookups are available. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and firewood is sold on-site. The setting mixes forest views with glimpses of surrounding Sierra peaks, plus plenty of boulders and brushy landscape to explore.
What to Know
Reservations are required for this popular spot. The $35 nightly fee reflects the developed amenities: flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Opening and closing dates shift with weather conditions, so verify seasonal availability before planning trips.
For supplies beyond what's available at camp, Tom's Place sits nearby and offers additional gear plus fee showers — useful for extended stays or RV campers without facilities.
Nearby
Rock Creek delivers exceptional trout fishing, with brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout. The eastern Sierra's geology makes rockhounding another popular pursuit around camp.
Hiking and mountain biking trails access the surrounding terrain, though the source material doesn't specify particular routes. The region hosts seasonal events: Mule Days in Bishop over Memorial Day weekend and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee in mid-July.
Wildlife includes black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, and pika. Standard bear precautions apply.