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Inyo/French Camp
Overview
French Camp Campground offers a classic High Sierra camping experience tucked away in the Inyo National Forest. Situated near the base of the spectacular Rock Creek Canyon, this seasonal destination provides a cool, shaded retreat for RVers looking to escape the heat. It is an ideal basecamp for those who value natural beauty and rustic simplicity over resort-style luxuries, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the rugged landscape of the Eastern Sierra.
Location & Surroundings
Located just off Highway 395 near Toms Place, CA, the park sits at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet. The campground is nestled among a dense forest of lodgepole and Jeffrey pines, providing ample shade and a sense of privacy. The adjacent Rock Creek flows nearby, offering a soothing soundtrack to your stay. The proximity to the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada ensures that travelers are surrounded by dramatic mountain vistas and fresh alpine air.
Amenities & Park Features
As a forest service facility, the focus here is on outdoor living. The campground features paved pads that can accommodate RVs and trailers, though hookups are not available. Each site is equipped with the essentials for a mountain stay, including:
- Large picnic tables and fire rings
- Bear-proof food storage lockers
- Access to seasonal potable water
- Centrally located vault toilets
These features ensure a comfortable dry-camping experience for those who come prepared to live off-grid while enjoying a well-maintained environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this region. Anglers will appreciate the easy access to Rock Creek and Crowley Lake, both famous for their world-class trout fishing. For hikers, the nearby Little Lakes Valley Trail offers one of the most scenic high-altitude treks in California. If you need supplies, the historic Toms Place Resort is within walking distance, offering a general store and a classic mountain restaurant for a break from the camp stove.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is a perfect match for self-contained RV travelers who enjoy boondocking in a stunning forest setting. It appeals to families looking for a traditional camping experience and outdoor adventurers focused on fishing, hiking, and nature photography. If you prefer quiet evenings under the stars and do not mind trading electricity for the scent of pine needles, French Camp provides an authentic and refreshing California mountain getaway.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Crystal Farrow
Best campsite ever! Site 23 is spacious, bathrooms were always clean. Host is extremely kind and helpful.
Mhia Gomez-Esquivel
Nice clean bathrooms, not too hot, & bugs aren’t crazy. Overall nice and relaxing camping trip. There was a creepy old guy on a golf cart though who would just watch us in the dark which really made us feel all uncomfortable but other than that, good trip.
Jonathan P.
Great location, nice sites (though a but rocky in some places,) beautiful views and creek, good host. Right near Tom's Place, for easy access to supplies and the café, if you don't feel like cooking all the time. Clean flush restrooms but no showers, good quality potable water spigots readily available. Always a good time here.
Eric Tucker
This is one of my favorite places to camp. Not too far from civilization, but just far enough to help you relax. No water or electricity hook-ups, but there are plenty of water stations, clean restrooms, and an RV dump station. Campsites are clean and spacious. The camp hosts are nice, too!
Key Chain Productions
Great campsite located near Mammoth Lakes and Bishop. Well established campground with flushable toilets and running water. Check my YouTube out @keychainproduction for a full video review. Concrete picnic tables and a bear box are available in each campsite. Campsite is overall small, only one tent can really fit. Nearby attraction includes Lake Crowley, where I was able to get some good astrophotography shots. Lake Crowley has a beach which is not really trafficked and is pretty private, but it does require some off roading on dirt roads.