Palisades Group Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a high-altitude group camping destination at 8,800 feet elevation. Situated along Rock Creek in the scenic Rock Creek Canyon of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, this small campground is designed for groups of up to 25 people, making it ideal for large families or small organizations. Formerly a family campground, it has been converted into an overflow group site, offering a private setting with ample shade from aspen and lodgepole pine trees. Positioned 6 miles west of Tom’s Place and across from Rock Creek Lakes Resort, Palisades provides excellent access to fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities in the nearby John Muir Wilderness, with stunning views of the surrounding granite peaks and vibrant meadows.
Campsite Details
Palisades Group Campground consists of a single group camping area with 5 individual sites clustered in a private loop, accommodating up to 25 people and 5 vehicles. The campground is best suited for tent camping due to limited parking space next to the sites, though small RVs or trailers (up to 26 feet) can be accommodated with careful navigation. An adjacent open area provides additional parking for extra vehicles, with instructions available from the camp host or bulletin board. Each site 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. Amenities include potable water and vault toilets, which are generally clean and well-maintained. The rental fee is $95 per night, with reservations required through Recreation.gov (877-444-6777) up to 6 months in advance. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with a maximum stay of 7 days. Generators are permitted outside quiet hours with a three-hour maximum run time and must be attended.
Recreation and Activities
Palisades Group Campground offers a range of outdoor activities in the Rock Creek area:
- Fishing: Rock Creek, adjacent to the campground, is renowned for exceptional trout fishing, with brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout. Nearby Rock Creek Lake, 3 miles away, offers additional fishing opportunities from the shore or small boats (electric motors only, 5 MPH limit). Backcountry anglers may encounter golden trout, California’s state fish.
- Hiking and Backpacking: The Mosquito Flat Trailhead, 6 miles up Rock Creek Road, provides access to the Little Lakes Valley in the John Muir Wilderness, leading to glacially carved alpine lakes like Mack Lake and Gem Lakes within a 2.5-mile hike, with stunning views of Bear Creek Spire, Mt. Dade, and Mt. Abbott. Hiking within the Inyo Wilderness requires a special permit for both day and overnight stays, managed through a limited allocation system.
- 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 is home to abundant wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martens, pikas, and birds like great horned owls and cliff swallows. The high elevation and minimal light pollution make Palisades ideal for stargazing.
- Horseback Riding: Rock Creek Pack Station, near Rock Creek Lake, offers guided trail rides and fishing pack trips into the backcountry.
- Photography and More: The dramatic granite peaks, aspen groves (golden in fall), and summer wildflowers like iris and lupine attract photographers. Mountain biking and rockhounding are also popular in the surrounding terrain.
Natural Setting
At 8,800 feet, Palisades Group Campground sits at the base of a steep canyon along Rock Creek, surrounded by aspen and lodgepole pine trees that provide ample shade. The nearby meadow bursts with wildflowers in spring and summer, including iris and paintbrush, while aspens turn vibrant gold in the fall, rivaling New England’s autumn scenery. The surrounding Eastern Sierra Nevada features rugged granite peaks and deep canyons, offering breathtaking views. Summer daytime temperatures 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, with acclimatization possibly taking a day or two.
Logistics and Access
To reach Palisades Group Campground, take US Highway 395 to Tom’s Place, 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes or 30 miles north of Bishop. Turn west onto Rock Creek Lake Road and drive 6 miles; the campground is on the right. 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 or the campground directly at (760) 935-4824. Cell service is unavailable, enhancing the remote, off-the-grid experience.
Campground Map
Nearby Amenities
Rock Creek Lakes Resort, directly across from the campground, offers a general store, a café serving breakfast (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and lunch, and cabin rentals, providing convenient access to supplies and meals. Tom’s Place, 6 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), Iris Meadow, Upper Pine Grove, Lower Pine Grove, East Fork, and Rock Creek Lake, offer alternative camping options if Palisades is booked.
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. Keep a clean camp and do not feed wildlife.
- High Altitude: At 8,800 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). Collect only down and dead firewood, or purchase locally to prevent pest spread.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and attended at all times, with a limit of two per site.
- Parking: Parking is limited; additional vehicles must use the designated overflow area as directed by the camp host or bulletin board.
- Group Camping: As an overflow group site, Palisades lacks a central cooking area, and sites are clustered, so coordinate with group members for shared space.
Visitor Feedback
Palisades Group Campground is praised for its quiet, shaded setting and proximity to Rock Creek and recreational opportunities. Campers appreciate the private loop and ample shade from aspen and pine trees, with one noting, “It’s a great spot for a family reunion with easy access to fishing and hiking.” The lack of cell service is often cited as a positive for disconnecting, though the limited parking and small size can be challenging for larger groups. The nearby Rock Creek Lakes Resort is frequently highlighted for its convenient amenities. As a relatively new group site, reviews are limited, but it is valued as an alternative to the busier Rock Creek Lake Group Campground.
Conclusion
Palisades Group Campground is a serene, high-altitude retreat in the heart of Rock Creek Canyon, offering a private and shaded setting for groups of up to 25. With its creekside location, access to world-class trout fishing, and proximity to the John Muir Wilderness, it’s an ideal destination for large families or small organizations seeking adventure and tranquility. Whether casting a line in Rock Creek, hiking to alpine lakes, or stargazing under a pristine Sierra sky, Palisades Group Campground delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience in one of California’s most scenic regions.