Coldwater Campground - Inyo NF (CA)

FS USDA Forest Service · CA · Developed

Conditions

Road Access Paved
Driveway Surface Paved
Season Not recorded
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Elevation 8,900 ft
Max RV Length 43 ft

The managing agency hasn't published season for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Seasonal Snow Area
Environment High Elevation
Rig Size Back In Only
Hookup Dry Camping
Access Paved Access
Style Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites74
Sites Accepting RVs74
Overnight Sites74
Max RV Length43 ft
Back-In Sites74
SurfacePaved

Location

37.599495, -118.996669 , CA

Photos

Description

Overview

Coldwater Campground is located high in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The surrounding national forest provides many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation. Hiking, fishing, road cycling and picnicking are just some of the favorite activities available to campers.

Recreation

Coldwater offers easy access to fishing for rainbow, brook and brown trout in Lake Mary. Major trailheads lead into the backcountry. Several interesting trails offer a variety of hikes, including the 5-mile Duck Pass Trail, which climbs the forested hillside behind the campground and passes several lakes before heading over Duck Pass to join the John Muir Trail.

Facilities

Campsites are organized into two loops, with sites fairly close together and near either creek. Pressurized water spigots and flush toilets are provided throughout the facility, and there are picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers at each campsite.

Natural Features

This campground sits in a pine forest at an elevation of 8,900 feet. Large and small boulders are strewn about the campground. Coldwater and Mammoth Creeks run alongside the campsites. Crystal clear Lake Mary, one of several lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, is nearby.

The Eastern Sierras are abundant with wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain. Hiking and horseback riding trails are abundant.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Directions

Coldwater Campground is 320 miles north of Los Angeles and 180 miles south of Reno. Follow U.S. Highway 395 to the junction of State Highway 203. Turn west on 203 and drive 7 miles through the town of Mammoth Lakes. Highway 203 becomes Main Street, then Lake Mary Road, which will lead to the Lakes Basin. Continue on Lake Mary Road to the Coldwater Campground cutoff on the left.

Activities

BIKING BOATING CAMPING FISHING HIKING HORSEBACK RIDING SWIMMING SITE WILDLIFE VIEWING

Details

Email[email protected]
ADA AccessN
ReservableYes

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