Sherwin Creek Campground is a popular, scenic campground in the Inyo National Forest, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains just outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, California (about 2 miles away).
Description
Set at approximately 7,600 feet elevation in a beautiful grove of Jeffrey pines (with some aspens), the campground sits along lower Sherwin Creek. It offers a peaceful, shaded forest setting while remaining convenient to town amenities. The campground features around 85–87 sites organized into three main loops, plus a separate loop of tent-only walk-in sites. Sites are generally spacious and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35–60 feet, depending on the spot.
It’s a favorite for those who want easy access to both wilderness adventures and the services of Mammoth Lakes. The campground typically opens in late May or early June once snow melts and closes in the fall. Bear activity is high in the area, so each site has a bear-proof food locker, and proper food storage is strictly enforced.
Amenities
- Picnic table and fire ring/grill at each site
- Bear-proof food storage locker at every site
- Potable drinking water (spigots throughout the campground + RV water fill station)
- Vault toilets
- Trash collection (bear-proof dumpsters)
- Camp hosts on site
- Firewood for sale (often available from the host)
- No hookups (no electric, water, or sewer at sites)
- No showers or dump station
Activities in the Area
- Fishing — Excellent stream fishing for trout right along Sherwin Creek.
- Hiking & Backpacking — Direct access to trails like the Sherwin Lakes Trail and Valentine Lake Trail, which lead into the John Muir Wilderness (wilderness permit required for overnight stays).
- Mountain Biking — Easy access to trails; you can even bike into town.
- Off-Roading / OHV Use — Popular area for off-road vehicle enthusiasts; a motocross park/event is nearby.
- Photography & Nature Viewing — Beautiful scenery with pines, creek, and mountain views.
- Other — Horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and hunting (in season). In winter, the area is close to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Because of its proximity to Mammoth Lakes, campers can easily drive in for groceries, restaurants, shopping, or additional activities like visiting the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Hot Creek, or heading up to Mammoth Mountain for hiking, biking, or gondola rides in summer.
Note: Always check current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability on Recreation.gov, as the campground is reservation-friendly and popular. Bear awareness and proper food storage are essential here.