Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA)
Group Campground

Rock Creek Lake Group Camp (Inyo National Forest, CA)

Inyo National Forest, CA

Rock Creek Lake Group Camp sits on the shore of Rock Creek Lake in the eastern Sierra, offering tent-only camping for groups of up to 25 people. The private setting puts you within walking distance of excellent trout fishing and direct access to high-country trails, while the pine forest location provides a buffer from the main campground next door.

Campground Details

β›ΊType
Group
πŸ’΅Fee per Night
Free
πŸ“GPS
37.45382, -118.73901
🐾Pets Allowed
No
πŸ“žPhone
760-873-2500
πŸ—ΊοΈAddress
CA

The Camp

This is tent camping only β€” no RVs allowed, and you'll need to walk your gear in from the parking area. The group site sits separate from the main Rock Creek Lake Campground, giving your party privacy in a pine forest setting with glimpses of the lake through the trees. No trash collection means pack-it-out camping.

The location puts you right on the water at over 9,000 feet elevation, so expect cool nights even in summer. Wildlife is common here: black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, and smaller critters like pika and pine martin all call this area home.

On the Water and Trails

Rock Creek Lake holds brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout. Only electric motors are allowed on the water, keeping things relatively quiet. The Tamarack Trail starts right from the campground and leads up to several alpine lakes and ponds β€” classic eastern Sierra terrain carved by glaciers.

For serious hikers, the John Muir Wilderness stretches 100 miles along the Sierra crest from here. This gives you access to some of the range's most rugged backcountry, with established trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A pack station operates nearby for those wanting stock support.

What to Know

Call (760) 935-4121 for reservations and specific information. The group format works well for family reunions, scout groups, or friend gatherings who want the eastern Sierra experience without the crowded feeling of individual sites. The walk-in requirement keeps the less committed away, which tends to create a quieter atmosphere overall.