Tuff Campground

FS USDA Forest Service · CA · Primitive

Seasonal operation. This campground is not open year-round. Likely open now (September).

Conditions

Road Access Gravel
Driveway Surface Gravel
Season Seasonal Closure
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Elevation 7,000 ft
Max RV Length 45 ft
Boondock Access Moderate Some rough roads, standard vehicle possible with care

Features

Environment High Elevation
Rig Size Back In Only
Access Gravel Road
Style Primitive Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites34
Sites Accepting RVs34
Overnight Sites34
Max RV Length45 ft
Back-In Sites34
SurfaceGravel

Location

37.5625, -118.6641667 · INYO , CA

Photos

Description

Overview

Tuff Campground is situated along Rock Creek in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is convenient to Tom's Place and U.S. Highway 395.

At an elevation of 7,000 ft., it is lower than many of the region's campgrounds and thus frequently one of the first campgrounds to open in the spring.

Popular activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and viewing the area's volcanic rock formations.

Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather. The campground usually opens the last weekend in April to coincide with the first day of fishing in the Sierras.

Recreation

Rock Creek and nearby Rock Creek Lake and Crawley Lake are hot spots for trout fishing. A catch from the creek may including brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout.

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

Facilities

This moderate-sized facility is well spread out over three loops. Some campsites sit in the shade along Rock Creek, and those at the foot of the Tuff rock formations receive more sun.

There is space for small trailers and RVs, as well as some very nice level sites for tents. The campground has gravel roads.

Firewood is available on-site for purchase, and Tom's Place has other supplies and fee showers within a short drive.

Natural Features

This campground is named for the Tuff rock formations that lie in and around it. Most campsites are situated in an open sagebrush landscape, with aspens, cottonwood and Jeffrey pine trees surrounding the area.

The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek runs alongside the campsites, offering a relaxing sound for campers.

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

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.

Directions

From Mammoth Lakes or Bishop, California: Take U.S. Highway 395 to the Owens Gorge Road exit at Tom's Place (25 miles north of Bishop and 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes). Drive 200 yards east to the gravel road and continue north a short distance to the campground along Rock Creek. Follow signs.

Activities

CAMPING FISHING HIKING

Details

Phone760-935-4026
ADA AccessN
ReservableYes

Nearby Campgrounds

French Camp 1.1 mi · FS · 84 sites
Aspen Group (Inyo) 3.8 mi · FS · 1 sites
Crowley Lake Campground 5.7 mi · BLM · 47 sites
Crowley Lake Campground 5.7 mi · BLM
Palisades Group Campground 6.2 mi · FS · 1 sites
McGee Creek 6.6 mi · FS · 28 sites