Iris Meadow Campground

Iris Meadow Campground, nestled in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a charming high-altitude campground at approximately 8,300 feet elevation. Located in the scenic Rock Creek Canyon of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, this 14-site campground sits along Rock Creek, surrounded by Jeffrey pines, aspens, and vibrant meadows dotted with wildflowers, including the namesake iris. Positioned about 4.5 miles west of Tom’s Place and a half-mile before Big Meadow Campground, Iris Meadow offers a serene, rustic retreat with excellent access to trout fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities in the nearby John Muir Wilderness. Its proximity to Rock Creek Lake and Tom’s Place makes it an ideal base for campers seeking a peaceful escape amidst the stunning landscapes of the Eastern Sierra.

Campground Details

Iris Meadow Campground features 14 single-family campsites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. The sites are well-suited for tents and small RVs or trailers up to 30 feet, though the narrow dirt parking spurs and access roads are not ideal for larger vehicles. Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring with grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (typical size: 48″ x 30″ x 36″), essential due to active black bear activity in the area. Amenities include potable water and a vault toilet, which is generally clean but may occasionally require maintenance. The campsites are spread across a forested area of Jeffrey pines and aspens, with some located near Rock Creek for a soothing water backdrop and others set in open meadow areas offering scenic views of wildflowers and surrounding peaks. The cost is $35 per night for a single site, with an additional $10 per night for extra vehicles. Holders of America the Beautiful Senior or Access Passes receive a 50% discount on single-site fees. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, with a maximum stay of 7 days.

Recreation and Activities

Iris Meadow Campground provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities in the Rock Creek area:

• Fishing: Rock Creek, flowing alongside the campground, is a premier trout fishing destination, stocked with rainbow, brown, and Alpers trout. Rock Creek Lake, approximately 4.5 miles up the road, offers additional fishing opportunities from the shore or small boats (electric motors only, 5 MPH limit).
• Hiking and Backpacking: The Mosquito Flat Trailhead, about 6.5 miles up Rock Creek Road, provides access to the Little Lakes Valley in the John Muir Wilderness. This gentle trail leads to a chain of stunning alpine lakes, such as Mack Lake, Heart Lake, and Gem Lakes, within a 2.5-mile hike, with breathtaking views of Bear Creek Spire, Mt. Dade, and Mt. Abbott. Other nearby trails cater to both day hikers and backpackers.
• Boating: Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular at Rock Creek Lake, though the water remains cold even in summer.
• Wildlife Viewing and Stargazing: The area supports diverse wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, pikas, marmots, and bird species like mountain bluebirds and Clark’s nutcrackers. The high elevation and minimal light pollution make Iris Meadow ideal for stargazing.
• Horseback Riding: Rock Creek Pack Station, located near Rock Creek Lake, offers guided trail rides and fishing pack trips into the backcountry.
• Photography and More: The vibrant meadows, with wildflowers like iris and lupine in summer, combined with dramatic granite peaks and golden aspens in fall, attract photographers. Mountain biking and rockhounding are also popular in the surrounding terrain.

Natural Setting

Located at 8,300 feet in Rock Creek Canyon, Iris Meadow Campground is surrounded by a lush forest of Jeffrey pines and aspens, which turn brilliant gold in the fall, creating a striking contrast against the granite peaks. The nearby meadow, after which the campground is named, bursts with wildflowers in summer, including purple iris, paintbrush, and lupine, adding vibrant color to the landscape. Rock Creek runs parallel to the campground, its clear, boulder-lined waters providing a tranquil soundscape. The surrounding Eastern Sierra Nevada features steep granite cliffs and towering peaks, offering breathtaking views. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from the 60s to 80s°F, with nights dropping to the 30s or 40s°F due to the high elevation. Visitors should be prepared for strong UV exposure and potential altitude sickness, as acclimatization may take a day or two.

Logistics and Access

To reach Iris Meadow Campground, take US Highway 395 to Tom’s Place, approximately 23 miles north of Bishop or 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes. Turn west onto Rock Creek Lake Road and drive about 4.5 miles; the campground is on the right, just before Big Meadow Campground. The road is paved but narrows as it climbs, and the campground’s dirt parking areas require careful navigation for larger vehicles. The campground operates seasonally, typically from early June to late September (June 6 to September 28, 2025, weather permitting), with exact dates subject to snow conditions. For updates, contact the White Mountain Ranger District at (760) 873-2500. Cell service is unreliable, with most carriers reporting no reception, enhancing the campground’s remote, off-the-grid atmosphere.

Nearby Amenities

Rock Creek Lakes Resort, approximately 4.5 miles up the road, offers a general store, a café serving breakfast and lunch, and cabin rentals, providing convenient access to supplies and meals. Tom’s Place, 4.5 miles down the road, features a rustic lodge with a market, café, and bar for additional provisions. Nearby campgrounds, such as Big Meadow (0.5 miles away), Upper Pine Grove, Lower Pine Grove, East Fork, and Rock Creek Lake, offer alternative camping options if Iris Meadow is full.

Visitor Considerations

• Bear Safety: Black bears are active in the area, so all food, scented items, and trash must be stored in bear-proof lockers when not in use. Keeping a clean campsite is critical to avoid wildlife encounters.
• High Altitude: At 8,300 feet, campers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and monitor for altitude sickness symptoms, particularly during the first day or two.
• Fire Regulations: Campfires are permitted in fire rings, but check for seasonal fire restrictions (Stage 1 Fire Restrictions may be in effect starting June 16, 2025). Firewood is available for purchase locally to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Generators are allowed only during non-quiet hours (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) with a three-hour maximum run time and must be attended.
• Pets: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and attended at all times, with a limit of two per site.
• Site Selection: With only 14 sites, Iris Meadow fills quickly, especially on summer weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot, particularly for creek-side sites, which offer scenic views and the sound of flowing water. Meadow-adjacent sites provide open views of wildflowers, while forested sites offer more shade and seclusion.
• Accessibility: The vault toilet is accessible, but some sites may have uneven terrain, so check conditions for mobility needs.

Visitor Feedback

Campers praise Iris Meadow Campground for its quiet, scenic setting and proximity to Rock Creek and hiking trails. Reviews highlight the beauty of the meadow’s wildflowers, the relaxing sound of the creek, and the well-spaced sites, with one camper noting, “Iris Meadow is a hidden gem with a perfect mix of forest and open meadow views.” The lack of cell service is often appreciated for fostering a true escape, though some mention the challenge of securing a site due to the small size and first-come, first-served policy. The nearby Rock Creek Lakes Resort is frequently cited as a convenient perk for supplies or meals, though some campers note occasional maintenance issues with the vault toilet.

Conclusion

Iris Meadow Campground is a delightful, small-scale retreat in the heart of Rock Creek Canyon, offering a perfect blend of rustic camping and access to the Eastern Sierra’s breathtaking landscapes. With its creekside and meadow-adjacent sites, vibrant wildflower displays, and proximity to world-class fishing and hiking in the John Muir Wilderness, it’s an ideal destination for tent campers and small RV users seeking solitude and adventure. Whether fishing in Rock Creek, hiking to alpine lakes, or stargazing under a pristine Sierra sky, Iris Meadow Campground delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience in one of California’s most scenic regions.