French Camp Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing retreat into the heart of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, French Camp Campground near Toms Place offers an idyllic blend of convenience and pristine wilderness. Nestled in the picturesque Rock Creek Canyon, midway between the popular destinations of Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, this well-established campground provides a serene escape without being too far removed from essential services. It’s a cherished spot for those who appreciate clean facilities, spacious sites, and direct access to some of California's most spectacular outdoor activities.

French Camp Campground stands out as a prime destination for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike. Its thoughtful layout, complete with essential amenities like flush toilets and plentiful water stations, ensures a comfortable stay, even without electrical hookups. Visitors consistently praise the friendly camp hosts and the overall cleanliness of the grounds. For the local Californian, French Camp offers a perfect base for exploring the renowned fishing waters of Rock Creek, embarking on challenging hikes, or simply enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Inyo National Forest. It truly embodies the spirit of Sierra Nevada camping, providing a quiet, restorative environment that feels just "far enough to help you relax."

French Camp Campground is located on Rock Creek Rd, Toms Place, CA 93546, USA. This puts it at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet within the Rock Creek area of the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its strategic position along U.S. Highway 395, midway between the popular towns of Bishop to the south and Mammoth Lakes to the north, makes it an ideal overnight stop or a base camp for exploring the Eastern Sierra.

Access to the campground is straightforward from Highway 395, typically involving a short drive on Rock Creek Road. The roads within the campground are generally well-maintained, accommodating both tents and small to medium RVs and trailers. While not excessively remote, its setting in the Inyo National Forest provides a feeling of being immersed in nature. The opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather conditions, generally operating from mid-April to the end of October due to its high elevation. Campers should always check current conditions, especially for early or late season visits, as snow can linger into June and arrive early in October.

• Spacious & Clean Campsites: French Camp offers 85 well-maintained campsites that are generally spacious, allowing for comfortable setups. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a campfire ring. Some sites are situated along the banks of Rock Creek, offering a picturesque setting.
• Flush Toilets: The campground provides clean and well-maintained flush toilets throughout its loops, a highly valued amenity for campers. There are typically five restrooms with flush toilets.
• Potable Water Stations: Plenty of water spigots providing potable (drinkable) water are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access for campers to replenish their supply.
• RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is available on-site, providing convenience for recreational vehicle users.
• Bear Boxes / Food Storage Lockers: Each campsite is equipped with a large bear-proof food storage locker (typical size 48″ x 30″x 36″), which is crucial for safely storing food and scented items in this active bear area.
• Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are on-site, assisting with check-ins, answering questions, and ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, making it convenient for campers to enjoy a campfire (always adhere to current fire restrictions).
• No Electrical or Water Hookups: Campers should note that French Camp does not provide electrical or water hookups at individual sites, maintaining a more traditional camping experience.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection is provided, contributing to the overall cleanliness of the campground.

• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Rock Creek, which runs alongside the campground, is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, with brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout being common catches. Nearby lakes like Lake Crowley (with a less-trafficked, private beach) and Convict Lake also offer fantastic fishing.
• Stunning Sierra Nevada Scenery: The campground is set amidst beautiful pines, aspens, pinyon, ponderosa, and Jeffrey pines, offering picturesque views of the White Mountains and Rock Creek Canyon. The clear, cold, and cascading Rock Creek adds to the serene ambiance.
• Proximity to Mammoth Lakes and Bishop: Its central location provides easy access to these popular Eastern Sierra towns, allowing campers to explore local attractions, replenish supplies (Tom's Place is nearby for additional supplies and fee showers), or enjoy dining options.
• Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails: The majestic scenery and challenging trails in the Rock Creek area are a significant draw for hikers and mountain bikers, offering vast opportunities for exploration.
• Astrophotography Potential: With dark night skies, areas near French Camp, such as Lake Crowley, are excellent for astrophotography, allowing stargazers to capture stunning celestial images.
• Abundant Wildlife: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears (requiring strict adherence to food storage rules), mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika, and numerous bird species.
• Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Despite being well-established and accessible, the campground maintains a tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking to relax and de-stress, particularly during weekdays.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: The consistent praise for clean restrooms and overall campground maintenance highlights the dedication to providing a pleasant camping experience.

Address: Rock Creek Rd, Toms Place, CA 93546, USA

Phone: (760) 935-4824

Mobile Phone: +1 760-935-4824

For reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during peak season, visitors can book online at Recreation.gov or call the toll-free number 877-444-6777. For facility-specific information or current conditions, the direct phone number listed is a reliable contact.

For Californians, French Camp Campground in Toms Place is an exceptional destination that truly embodies the essence of Eastern Sierra Nevada outdoor recreation. Its prime location, nestled between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, makes it easily accessible for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, providing a convenient escape from urban life.

Locals will appreciate the well-established nature of the campground, boasting amenities like flush toilets, potable water, and bear boxes that significantly enhance comfort and safety without sacrificing the rustic camping feel. Whether you're an avid angler drawn to Rock Creek's legendary trout, a passionate hiker ready to explore challenging mountain trails, or a photographer seeking clear night skies for astrophotography, French Camp offers a perfect base. The quiet, spacious sites and the friendly camp hosts further contribute to a relaxing atmosphere that is just "far enough" to provide true relaxation. This campground is a beloved local gem, offering a consistent and rewarding experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities of California's magnificent Eastern Sierra.

French Camp Campground

Rock Creek Rd, Toms Place, CA 93546, USA