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Inyo/Coldwater
Overview
Overview
Coldwater Campground, situated within the Inyo National Forest, offers a quintessential high-altitude mountain escape near Mammoth Lakes, California. This rustic, forest-service-managed site is nestled in a valley surrounded by towering pines and rugged peaks. If you are seeking a quiet, back-to-basics experience, this campground provides a serene environment where the primary focus is connecting with the outdoors rather than modern park frills. It is a peaceful destination for nature enthusiasts who appreciate the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
Location & Surroundings
Located near the Mammoth Lakes Basin, this campground serves as an excellent base for alpine exploration. You will find yourself positioned at a high elevation, which means crisp mountain air and stunning scenery right outside your door. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense forests, dramatic granite cliffs, and glacial lakes. Being located just a short drive from the main town of Mammoth Lakes ensures that essential supplies are accessible while maintaining a secluded wilderness feel.
Amenities & Park Features
As a national forest facility, the amenities are designed to support a traditional camping experience. The sites are generally best suited for tent campers and smaller RVs, as there are no electrical or water hookups available on-site. Visitors have access to vault toilets and potable water spigots located throughout the grounds. Each site includes a dedicated fire ring and a picnic table, perfect for enjoying evening meals under the clear, star-filled mountain skies of the Eastern Sierra.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The proximity to Mammoth Basin opens up a world of recreational opportunities. You can easily access various hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through the surrounding forest and lead to nearby alpine lakes like Lake Mary or Lake Mamie. Fishing enthusiasts often frequent the local waters for trout, while those seeking a more relaxed pace can enjoy scenic photography or wildlife viewing. The area is a hub for high-altitude adventure throughout the summer and autumn seasons.
Who This Park Is Best For
Coldwater Campground is ideal for self-contained travelers who prefer a rustic, unplugged atmosphere over resort-style amenities. It is a perfect choice for those operating smaller rigs or camper vans who want to be tucked away in the trees. If you enjoy waking up to the sounds of nature, value quiet surroundings, and want immediate access to forest trails and lake fishing, this spot will likely feel like your perfect mountain retreat.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Anthony Smith
Great place to eat up a tent. The sites on the outside are much more private but not always flat. No traffic noise but if the campground is full there's a lot of people noise. Walk directly to both the Duck Lake and Emerald Lake trail heads. Most of the sites are well shaded but to combat the bark beetle, the forest service is going to thin the trees. The bathrooms are flush toilets and while old are well maintained, some of the cleanest I've seen at a campsite, but that might have been due to the camp host. Love to stay here again.
Marietje
Fantasic place. Toilets are kept spotless. Camp host came along after we checked in later. Friendly woman, full of info. Only regret is booking 2 nights & not longer. ❤️
Johnathon Spencer
As a long-time local resident of Mammoth Lakes, I’ve been coming to Coldwater Campground for years and have always loved the peaceful environment and the friendly interactions with staff. During my most recent visit, the camp hosts Tracey and Scott were incredibly helpful and welcoming. They went out of their way to let us know about a last-minute no-show so we could secure a spot. Unfortunately, our experience took a turn when another host-an older woman with short gray hair—approached us in an unprofessional and rude manner. Without any provocation, she became hostile and even made an obscene gesture toward us (middle finger). We were shocked and reminded her that this kind of behavior is not how we treat people in this community—especially visitors. I hope that in the future, the campground can continue to staff kind and respectful hosts like Tracey and Scott. Coldwater is a special place, and it deserves hosts who reflect the spirit of the Eastern Sierra.
Alexandre Zorn
Great experience, firewood available for purchase and friendly hosts, bear lockers are available for each spot. Black bears come by almost every night so avoid if you are scared (black bears are not aggressive and just look for food, use bear lockers and store food and trash properly and everything will be fine)
Kerry Koenig
Site #5- We stayed four nights in July. The site was NOT good for tents. We couldn’t find a flat spot and had a hard time getting our stakes in the rocky ground. This site would be great for an RV, van or trailer because the parking spot is level. *There was NO sign of bears. Use your bear locker like you use your refrigerator at home- keep all your food in it! And put your toiletries in there too. * The camp hosts were friendly, helpful and did an excellent job * The bathrooms near site 5 were individual toilet and sink in one room, very nice for getting yourself cleaned up, since there are no showers on site.