Coldwater Campground
Coldwater Creek Campground Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States
Overview
Coldwater Campground is located in Inyo National Forest on the southeast side of Lake Mary. The campground offers 74 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers, and it remains open from the end of May through the middle of September. There are no group sites at this location.
Amenities at Coldwater Campground include flush toilets, water, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof boxes for storing food. Showers are available for a fee at the nearby Twin Lakes General Store. Dogs are allowed in the campground and the national forest as long as they’re leashed at all times.
Best Campsites at Coldwater Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Coldwater Campground.
Most Private: Sites #21, #47
- Located closer to the end of the loop
- Distanced from neighboring sites
- Not far from water, restrooms, and trash
Closest to Amenities: Sites #59, #61, #63
- Somewhat more spread out than other sites
- Close to water, trash, and restrooms
- Easy access to parking lot
- Closest in the campground to Duck Pass Trailhead
- Downside: farthest from the lake and marina
Closest to Lake Mary: Sites #1, #14, #15
- Short distance to the water
- Not far from water, trash, and restrooms
- Easy access to the roads and marina
- Downside: may be more noise from the entrance station
Unique Experiences
- For an intermediate 5-mile hike, take the Duck Pass Trail through the scenic hillside forests next to the campground and enjoy unbeatable views of the lakes in this gorgeous region of Inyo National Forest.
- Bring your bait and tackle for a refreshing afternoon of fishing for trout in the pristine mountain waters of Lake Mary.
- Get in touch with Rock Creek Pack Station to schedule your half-day or full-day trail ride and experience the enchanting charm of Inyo National Forest from horseback.
Coldwater Campground Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
43 feetMax Length of Stay
14 daysMax People per Site
6Max Vehicles per Site
2Fires Allowed
YesColdwater Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
NoReservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 by phone, or $3 in person. Sites at Coldwater Campground are $29 for most nights or $31 on holidays.
Sites can accommodate up to 6 guests and 2 vehicles. The maximum length for trailers and RVs is 43 feet.
Group Camping Reservations
There is no group camp at Coldwater Campground, but there are all several spread throughout the rest of Inyo National Forest. Guests are welcome to reserve adjoining individual sites to function as shared space, but all individual requirements for reservations and use will apply.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Changes or cancellations can be requested through www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. A $10 fee will apply. For late cancellations within 1 calendar day of arrival, guests will also forfeit the cost of a single night in the campground.
Coldwater Campground Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$29Activities
Fishing
Swimming
Bike Trails
Hiking
Boating
Horseback Riding
Photography
Canoeing / Kayaking
Climbing
Picnicking
Backpacking
Stargazing
Wildlife Viewing
Historic Sites
Nature Trails
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Campfire Rings
Grills
Campground Host
Wood for Sale
Picnic Tables
Potable Water
Storage Lockers
Restrooms
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Coldwater Campground
Coldwater Campground has very basic amenities, so it’s not the best option for guests who prefer luxuries such as showers, a dump station, or hookups. Some amenities may be available at other campgrounds in Inyo National Forest or at nearby private businesses.
There are no ADA-accessible sites at Coldwater Campground, and the ground can be rough and rocky in some places while off the paved pads. Therefore, disabled guests may prefer to seek out designated accessible sites or sites that are more level at other campgrounds. Large groups are also more likely to be comfortable at designated group sites offered at other locations.
One of the most appealing parts of Coldwater Campground is its surroundings. The campground is nestled in a pine forest at an elevation of almost 9,000 feet. The trees provide more shade and privacy compared to many other locations. Coldwater Campground is also convenient to Lake Mary, one of the most popular lakes in the area. Guests who prefer a more private experience on the water may prefer to stay by one of the smaller lakes that don’t have crowds.
Lake Mary Campground
Lake Mary Campground is located on the north side of the lake, giving guests convenient access to both Lake Mary and Lake Mamie. It features 48 sites, and amenities include flush toilets, water, trash, fuel sales, and fire pits. This campground is farther from major trail networks compared to Coldwater Campground.
Twin Lakes Campground
Twin Lakes Campground is located next to Twin Lakes and offers 93 sites with access to picnic tables, flush toilets, fire rings, and drinking water. The nearby general store sells firewood and rents boats. It also has paid showers. Guests who prefer convenient ancillary amenities like routine access to firewood may prefer to stay at Twin Lakes instead of Coldwater Campground.
Sherwin Creek Campground
Sherwin Creek Campground is another campground located in Inyo National Forest, but it’s more remote than many alternatives. The campground features 70 sites with access to drinking water, trash, and vault toilets. There are also 15 hike-in campsites. Sherwin Creek can be a wonderful option for guests who hope to avoid the crowds at popular lakes and marinas.
Pine Glen Campground
Pine Glen is another option at Inyo National Forest. It’s much smaller than Coldwater Campground since it only has 9 individual sites. However, this is the preferred location for groups since Pine Glen has 2 small group sites for up to 15 guests and 6 larger sites for up to 30 people. The cost is $66 and $132 per night, respectively.
Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and flush toilets. Pine Glen isn’t far from a dump station and paid showers, but they will require leaving the campground. It’s incredibly close to town for easy shopping and in-town experiences.
New Shady Rest Campground
New Shady Rest Campground has 92 sites and offers drinking water, flush toilets, a dump station, and bear boxes. The nearby Mammoth Mountain RV Park has paid showers available for $8. Like Old Shady Rest and Pine Glen, this campground is located on the outskirts of town, making it convenient for anyone who enjoys mixing shopping, eating out, and day trips into their wilderness experiences.
Old Shady Rest Campground
Old Shady Rest is relatively close to New Shady Rest and Pine Glen. It features 45 sites with access to flush toilets, bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings. It has easy access to the paid showers and dump station located outside the campground. It’s also close to the town of Mammoth Lakes for trips to stores and restaurants.
