Convict Lake Campground

Convict Lake Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States

Contact: 7609245500

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234311

$30per night

RV/TrailersThis campground allows RVs or Trailers at some campsites

This campground has NO Electric hookups

This campground has NO sewer hookups

This campground has NO water hookups

This campground has NO showers on site

This campground is pet-friendly. Bring your pals!

This campground does NOT have accessibility campsites and features

Updated 2023-04-26

Overview

Convict Lake is one of several campgrounds located within Inyo National Forest. There is no group site at this location, and individual sites are limited to 6 people per reservation. The campground is open from late April through the middle of October.

Amenities include flush toilets, water, fire rings, and a dump station. Convict Lake has 75 sites for tents or RVs and 10 sites that are for tents only. The nearby Convict Lake Resort has paid showers, a restaurant, a store, and other amenities beyond those offered at the campground.

Dogs are allowed in the campground as long as they’re on a leash at all times. They can also be taken onto trails and into day-use areas throughout Inyo National Forest.

Best Campsites at Convict Lake Campground

Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Convict Lake Campground.

Closest to the Water: Sites #2, #88

Easy access to day-use parking
Not far from the water
Convenient to marina roads

Most Private: Sites #57, #53

Located at the end of the campground loop
Farthest from the entrance/marina noise
Downside: longer drive/walk to the lake and marina

Best Accessible Sites: #72, #81

Slightly more private
Easy access to day-use parking
Not far from the entrance and marina

Unique Experiences

Grab your fishing pole to take advantage of the famous trout-fishing opportunities in Convict Lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
For hiking enthusiasts, the scenic Lake Trail connects to the campground for a 3.5-mile journey through the natural splendor of the area.
Head over to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest for a chance to see magnificent trees that are thousands of years old.

Convict Lake Campground Campground Rules

Pet Friendly

Yes

Max Trailer/RV Length

45 feet

Max Length of Stay

14 nights

Max People per Site

Max Vehicles per Site

Fires Allowed

Yes

Convict Lake Campground Reservation Information

Reservations Allowed?

Reservations Required?

Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. All sites are $30 per night and can accommodate up to 6 people and 2 vehicles. The maximum vehicle length may vary by site but extends up to 45 feet at the longest.

Guests must stay at least two nights to reserve a Friday or Saturday stay or three nights over a holiday weekend. There is a 14-day limit for the entire year.

Group Camping Reservations

There is no group site available at Convict Lake, but group camps are spread throughout Inyo National Forest. Guests may also reserve adjoining individual sites to use as a shared space. In that case, all rules for individual reservations apply.

Campsite Reservation Cancellations

Cancellations must be made on www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. Changes or cancellations will be charged a $10 fee. Late cancellations that occur within 1 calendar day of arrival will also be charged the cost of a single night’s stay at Convict Lake Campground.

Convict Lake Campground Campground Cost

Standard Campsite

$30

Activities

Backpacking

Bike Trails

Fishing

Swimming

Hiking

Boating

Canoeing / Kayaking

Photography

Picnicking

Historic Sites

Nature Trails

Stargazing

Wildlife Viewing

Horseback Riding

Amenities

RV/Trailers

Hookups

Pull Through Spots

Pet Friendly

ADA Sites

Showers

Grills

Campfire Rings

Visitors/Rec Center

Picnic Tables

Wood for Sale

Boat Ramp

Campground Host

Potable Water

Cell Service

Showers

Restrooms

Storage Lockers

Convict Lake Campground Campground Map

VIEW IN FULL SCREEN

Directions

FAQs

Is Convict Lake Open For Camping?

Can You Swim At Convict Lake?

Do You Have To Pay To Go To Convict Lake?

What Time Is Check In For Convict Lake Campground?

Does Convict Lake Have Restrooms?

Can You Camp At Convict Lake Winter?

Are Dogs Allowed At Convict Lake Campground?

Are There Showers At Convict Lake Campground?

Are Fires Allowed At Convict Lake Campground?

Are There Hookups At Convict Lake Campground?

Nearby Campgrounds to Convict Lake Campground

Compared to other campgrounds, Convict Lake is the perfect balance between primitive camping and luxury. The campground offers flush toilets, drinking water, trash, fire rings, and a dump station. The nearby resort also has a store, paid showers, a restaurant, and boat rentals for guests who prefer convenient access to more upscale amenities.

Convict Lake is a wonderful location for swimming, fishing, hiking, and exploring nature. Although it doesn’t have a beach environment like many California campgrounds, guests can choose between the creek and Convict Lake. However, there is no group site, so campers traveling in large groups may prefer to stay elsewhere.

Lastly, Convict Lake Campground is located in a dog-friendly and horse-friendly national forest. Many parks don’t allow dogs or horses, so this can be a fantastic option for guests who prefer to spend time with their four-legged companions.

Mcgee Creek Campground

Mcgee Creek Campground is located in Inyo National Forest in between Convict Lake and Lake Crowley. There are 28 sites, but none of them are ADA-accessible. Amenities are limited to food storage boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings. This is far more primitive than Convict Lake. RVs and trailers are limited to a length of 28 feet.

Sherwin Creek Campground

As part of Inyo National Forest, Sherwin Creek shares many policies with Convict Lake Campground. Sherwin Creek has 70 sites, and amenities include trash, vault toilets, and water. There are also 15 hike-in campsites available at this location. There is no access to the lake, but the campground isn’t far from Sherwin Creek and Mammoth Creek. It’s closer to town than Convict Lake for guests who prefer easy access to more civilized areas with only a short drive.

Pine Glen Campground

Pine Glen is also located in Inyo National Forest. It’s much smaller than Convict Lake, with 9 individual sites, 2 small group sites for up to 15 people, and 6 large group sites for up to 30 people. Amenities are similar, but the dump station and showers are outside of the main campground area. Pine Glen is convenient to the nearby town, but there are no water sources around it for swimming or fishing.

New Shady Rest Campground

New Shady Rest Campground is also located in the same park, but it’s closer to Mammoth Lakes. It includes 92 campsites for tents or RVs. Amenities are comparable to Convict Lake, and the campground is very close to the main town. Convict Lake is more secluded and offers access to a creek and the lake.