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Inyo/Coldwater
Overview
Nestled at the base of the majestic Mammoth Crest, Coldwater Campground offers a quintessential alpine escape within the Inyo National Forest. Situated at an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet, this seasonal destination provides a rustic retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the high-country wilderness of California. The park is characterized by its dense canopy of lodgepole pines and the gentle sounds of Coldwater Creek, which flows through the heart of the camping area, creating a serene atmosphere for every visitor.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is perfectly positioned at the end of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, just a short drive from the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes. Surrounded by towering granite peaks and crystal-clear alpine waters, the location provides immediate access to the rugged Sierra landscape. Visitors are within walking distance of Lake Mary, the largest lake in the basin, which is famous for its stunning mountain reflections and cool breezes. The environment is heavily forested, offering a deep sense of seclusion and natural beauty.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional forest service site, this park focuses on a primitive experience rather than modern luxury. Each site is equipped with a heavy-duty bear box for food storage, which is mandatory in this active wildlife corridor. You will find standard picnic tables and fire rings for traditional campfire evenings. While there are no hookups or dump stations on-site, potable water spigots and vault toilets are conveniently located throughout the loops. The park accommodates smaller RVs and trailers, emphasizing a quiet, off-grid camping style.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for those staying in this region. Hikers can easily access the Duck Lake Pass Trailhead, which serves as a primary gateway into the John Muir Wilderness. Fishing is a favorite pastime, with nearby Lake Mary and Lake Mamie offering excellent opportunities for trout fishing. For those interested in local history, the Mammoth Consolidated Mine ruins are accessible via a short trail from the campground, providing a glimpse into the region’s gold mining past.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who prioritize scenery and trail access over modern amenities like Wi-Fi or electricity. If you enjoy dry camping under a starry sky and waking up to the sound of a rushing creek, this is an excellent choice. It is particularly well-suited for active outdoor enthusiasts and photographers who want to be positioned just steps away from some of the most iconic hiking routes in the Eastern Sierra.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User 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.
fabian corlier
Very nice location, near the hikes. And this one has running water. Lots of bear visits however , even at day time, while people are present, keep the bear box closed when you cook or hang out and be ready to throw your food in while eating! our neighbors had their nice ribs and steak eaten just as they prepared to have dinner, as the big guy appeared out of nowhere and jumped on the table!
Mary M
Camp host enables local bear(s) to visit, jeopardizing safety of human visitors and bears. Upon arrival, the campground host let us know there was a bear that liked to visit the campgrounds (through our campsite) especially around dinner time or when people cook. She encouraged us us to “let the bear do its thing” should we see it headed our way. This is wrong and endangers both human and bear. It is known that is it best to scare a bear away upon spotting them. Sure enough, this bear is learning to get into cars and guess what happens to bears that cause enough destruction? They end up hurting humans or getting put down. This camp host is negligent….
Malak Angel
Pros -Located near Lake Mary. Like bike distance to fish and swim the lake -2 creeks run along the campground. August 28 stay, current was strong and creek was still full of life -flush toilets. Acceptably okay to use - quieter campground -Informative host and personnel warning about the male bear Cons -some sites are on slope. Our site is no. 10 . Behind the campground host, near bathroom and potable water and creek but on a slope. -no general store or showers in area. Have to go to twin lakes general store for a shower -mosquitos are hungry! We used repellant, citronella and UV lamp but to no use. Nothing repels them! -can’t eat at peace due to bear actively roaming the area. Encountered the big guy. The camp host has warned us about it. Was excited and scared at same time. Heard the horn around 545 pm just right after cooking salmon. We were inside the tent and we rushed out like boys scout on a mission to hurriedly put all our food inside the bear proof storage. Camp hosts warning everyone and checked our picnic table if there’s any food. The 500 lbs brown bear rummage thru our table and was disappointed- no food for him. We were hiding in the car when he tried to open it. Good thing we locked it. The host distracted it so big bear went on to next site. Hubby so scared we ended up leaving the next day instead of spending another night.
Lupe Ramos
Pros:This is an amazing campground with two creeks running by on each side and in close proximity to hiking trails. Trees offered shade, but it also made it very cold in early morning or later during the day. Cons: It can be difficult to pitch a larger tent at many sites because of the strong slopes and dense trees. Site 16 offered loads of space, but was not as nice as the ones next to creeks. I was disappointed that this place was completely booked in June, but many people did not show up and their sites stayed empty. Obviously bears are present and there are no showers or flush toilets. That is the case for all the campgrounds in this area though.
Sandy Morgan
Great campground. Clean well maintained restrooms. Lots of trails nearby.