French Camp

FRENCH CAMP

Part of Inyo National Forest

Overview

French Camp lies in the Rock Creek area of the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains, near Tom's Place and midway between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, California. Its ideal location makes this campground a good stop for travelers on U.S. Highway 395 to rest overnight.

Hiking opportunities are vast, and the creekside campground is convenient for fishing. The facility is large and inviting, with forest and mountain views and several amenities.

Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather.

Facilities

French Camp is a large facility with a variety of settings for tents and small to medium RVs (no hookups available). A few campsites can accommodate medium to large RVs and trailers.

Sites are organized in one large loop, with some along the banks of the creek. Each has a picnic table and campfire ring.

Firewood is available on-site for purchase, and nearby Tom's Place offers additional supplies and fee showers.

Natural Features

Campers will experience the beauty of pines and fragrant junipers that have come to represent Inyo National Forest. The campground sits among aspens, pinyon and ponderosa and Jeffrey pines at an elevation of 7,500 ft.

The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek, which originates in the John Muir Wilderness, runs alongside it. Brushy landscape and ample boulders in the area are fun to explore and traverse.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Recreation

Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the creek may includ brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout.

The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers.

Because of the region's interesting geology, rockhounding is also popular.

Nearby Attractions

For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in nearby Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 935-4824.

Important Notices

  • Trailers/RVs over 35ft not recommended

  • Changing campsites in this campground is prohibited.
  • This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations.
  • Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals.
  • Two pets per site allowed. 

  • Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground. 

  • Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. 

  • Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
  • Click here for more information about Inyo National Forest.

Available Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • PICNICKING - Picnic Tables
  • HUNTING - Hunting
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping

Directions

From Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, California, follow U.S. Highway 395 (about 30 miles north of Bishop). Take the Tom's Place exit and go 1 mile on Rock Creek Road.

Contact Information

Phone: 760-935-4825

INYO
CA

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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