Tag: Rock Creek

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.

Aspen Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a small, high-altitude campground at approximately 8,100 feet elevation. Nestled along Rock Creek in the scenic Rock Creek Canyon of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, this 5-site campground offers a tranquil, intimate retreat surrounded by Jeffrey pines, vibrant aspen groves, and sagebrush, with dramatic granite peaks providing a stunning backdrop. Situated just 1 mile west of Tom’s Place, Aspen Campground is one of the closest campgrounds to Highway 395 in the Rock Creek area, making it highly accessible yet still immersed in nature. Its proximity to Rock Creek Lake, the John Muir Wilderness, and recreational opportunities like fishing and hiking makes it an ideal base for campers seeking a quiet escape in the Eastern Sierra.

Campsite Details

Aspen Campground features 5 single-family campsites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. The sites are best suited for tents and very small RVs or trailers (maximum length 16 feet) due to the narrow, unpaved parking spurs and limited turnaround space. 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 are minimal, with no potable water or toilets provided directly at the campground; campers must rely on nearby facilities at Tom’s Place or other campgrounds like East Fork or Iris Meadow for water and restrooms. The sites are well-spaced and shaded by Jeffrey pines and aspens, with some offering creek-side views of Rock Creek’s clear, boulder-lined waters. The cost is $20 per night for a single site, reflecting the lack of amenities, 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

Aspen Campground provides convenient access to a variety of outdoor activities in the Rock Creek area:

• Fishing: Rock Creek, flowing adjacent to the campground, is a renowned trout fishing destination, stocked with rainbow, brown, and Alpers trout. Rock Creek Lake, approximately 8 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 9 miles up Rock Creek Road, provides access to the Little Lakes Valley in the John Muir Wilderness. This gentle trail leads to a series of glacially carved alpine lakes, such as Mack Lake, Heart Lake, and Gem Lakes, within a 2.5-mile hike, with stunning views of Bear Creek Spire, Mt. Dade, and Mt. Abbott. Other nearby trails, like the Tamarack Lakes Trail, cater to 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 Aspen Campground 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 vibrant aspen groves (golden in fall), summer wildflowers like iris and lupine, and dramatic granite peaks attract photographers. Mountain biking and rockhounding are also popular in the surrounding terrain.

Natural Setting

At 8,100 feet, Aspen Campground is situated in Rock Creek Canyon, surrounded by a mix of Jeffrey pines, aspens, and sagebrush, creating a high-desert ambiance with forested pockets. The aspen groves, for which the campground is named, turn a brilliant gold in the fall, offering a spectacular display that rivals New England’s autumn scenery. Rock Creek flows alongside the campground, its clear, cold waters cascading over boulders, providing a soothing soundscape. The surrounding Eastern Sierra Nevada features steep granite cliffs and towering peaks, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. 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 Aspen 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 1 mile; the campground is on the right, just past Tom’s Place. The road is paved, but the campground’s dirt parking areas are narrow and best suited for smaller vehicles. The campground operates seasonally, typically from late May to late September (May 23 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 spotty, with some carriers reporting weak reception (1-2 bars) due to the proximity to Highway 395, but most campers experience limited or no service, enhancing the off-the-grid atmosphere.

Nearby Amenities

Tom’s Place, just 1 mile away, features a rustic lodge with a market, café, and bar, offering convenient access to supplies, meals, and potable water. Rock Creek Lakes Resort, 8 miles up the road, provides a general store, a café serving breakfast and lunch, and cabin rentals. Nearby campgrounds, such as East Fork (1.5 miles away), Iris Meadow, Big Meadow, Upper Pine Grove, Lower Pine Grove, Palisades Group, and Rock Creek Lake, offer alternative camping options with additional amenities like toilets and water if needed.

Visitor Considerations

• Bear Safety: Black bears are active, 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 8,100 feet, campers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and monitor for altitude sickness symptoms, particularly during the first day or two.
• Limited Amenities: With no potable water or toilets on-site, campers must bring water or rely on nearby facilities at Tom’s Place or other campgrounds. Plan to pack out all trash if bins are unavailable.
• 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 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 5 sites, Aspen Campground 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. Forested sites provide more shade and seclusion.
• Accessibility: The lack of on-site toilets and uneven terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility needs. Check nearby campgrounds like East Fork for accessible facilities.

Visitor Feedback

Campers praise Aspen Campground for its small size, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to Tom’s Place and Rock Creek. Reviews highlight the beauty of the aspen groves, the relaxing sound of the creek, and the campground’s accessibility, with one camper noting, “Aspen is perfect for a quick getaway with just enough seclusion but close to amenities at Tom’s Place.” The lack of on-site water and toilets is a common drawback, but campers appreciate the low cost and intimate setting. The campground’s small size and first-come, first-served policy make it competitive, so early arrival is recommended. The vibrant fall colors and fishing opportunities are frequently cited as highlights.

Conclusion

Aspen Campground is a charming, minimalist retreat in the heart of Rock Creek Canyon, offering a quiet and scenic camping experience for tent campers and small RV users. With its creek-side sites, vibrant aspen groves, and easy access to world-class fishing and hiking in the John Muir Wilderness, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking simplicity and natural beauty. Despite the lack of on-site amenities, its proximity to Tom’s Place and other campgrounds makes it convenient for short stays. Whether fishing in Rock Creek, hiking to alpine lakes, or stargazing under a pristine Sierra sky, Aspen Campground delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience in one of California’s most scenic regions.