Palisade Group Campground

For Californian groups and large families seeking an unforgettable high-elevation adventure in the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada, Palisade Group Campground near Mammoth Lakes offers an exceptional and highly sought-after destination. Nestled along the beautiful Rock Creek, within the vast Inyo National Forest, this campground provides a dedicated space for groups to gather, relax, and explore some of California's most breathtaking outdoor landscapes. Its popularity stems from its prime location, group-friendly amenities, and unparalleled access to fishing, hiking, and the iconic lakes of the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Palisade Group Campground is designed to facilitate shared outdoor experiences, making it an ideal choice for reunions, organizational outings, or multiple families camping together. The commitment to providing a clean and well-maintained environment, complete with a private bathroom for the group, significantly enhances the comfort of a high-country camping trip. While securing a reservation, especially during peak summer, requires foresight due to its popularity, the reward is an immersive Sierra Nevada experience. For locals, Palisade Group Campground represents a cherished opportunity to create lasting memories amidst stunning natural beauty, from the tranquil sounds of Rock Creek to the panoramic views of alpine lakes and peaks.

Palisade Group Campground is located on Rock Creek Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA. This places it within the beautiful Rock Creek Canyon area of the Inyo National Forest, approximately 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and 30 miles north of Bishop, directly off U.S. Highway 395. The campground sits at a high elevation, around 8,600 to 8,800 feet, at the bottom of a steep canyon adjacent to Rock Creek.

Access to Palisade Group Campground is straightforward from Highway 395. Visitors take the Tom's Place exit and then follow Rock Creek Road for about six miles to reach the campground, which will be on the right. The road is generally well-maintained, accommodating vehicles up to 40 feet. Due to its high elevation, the campground's open season typically runs from late May to mid-October, heavily dependent on snowmelt and early snowfall. Early season visits, particularly in May, may still encounter significant snow, with lakes like Lake Mary potentially still frozen or slushy. Campers traveling from lower elevations should exercise caution and allow for acclimatization. Parking within the campground is limited; additional vehicle parking instructions are available from the host or on a bulletin board.

• Group Campsites: The campground is specifically designed for groups, featuring 5 designated sites. It can accommodate groups of up to 25 people, making it ideal for large families or small organizational gatherings.
• Private Restroom: A significant amenity for a group campground, Palisade offers a private bathroom, often a vault toilet, which is a major convenience for larger parties.
• Picnic Tables: Each group site is equipped with multiple picnic tables, ensuring ample space for dining and group activities. There are typically five tables per group area.
• Campfire Rings: Fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Bear Boxes / Food Storage Lockers: Critically, each site comes with bear-proof food storage lockers (typical size 48" x 30" x 36"). This is essential for safely securing food and scented items in an active bear area, and their use is mandatory.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the campground, easily accessible from various spigots.
• No Electrical/Water Hookups: As a National Forest campground, individual sites do not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups. It provides a more traditional camping experience.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site to assist campers, provide information, and ensure compliance with campground rules.
• Boat Launch: While not at the campground itself, boat launches are available at nearby lakes, offering access for boating and fishing activities.

• Dedicated Group Camping Experience: Palisade Group Campground's design specifically caters to groups, offering a private loop and ample space, which is a rare find in popular camping destinations.
• Premier Fishing Destination: The campground lies along Rock Creek, renowned for exceptional trout fishing, including brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout. Nearby lakes like Lake Mary, Upper Twin Lake, and Lake Crowley (which can be less trafficked) also offer prime fishing opportunities.
• Stunning Alpine Scenery: Situated amidst aspen and lodgepole pine trees at the bottom of a steep canyon, the campground offers picturesque views. The surrounding Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures.
• Extensive Hiking Opportunities: Numerous hiking trails abound in and around Rock Creek Canyon, including those that meander around high-elevation alpine lakes. Access to the Inyo Wilderness (which requires a special permit) opens up even more challenging backpacking options.
• Active Wildlife Area: The area is teeming with diverse wildlife, including black bears (hence the mandatory bear boxes), mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika, and various species of fish and birds.
• Proximity to Mammoth Lakes and Bishop: Its location provides convenient access to the amenities, restaurants, and attractions of both Mammoth Lakes (e.g., Mammoth Jazz Jubilee) and Bishop (e.g., Mule Days), allowing for a balanced outdoor and town experience.
• Seclusion and Shade: Despite its popularity, the campground offers ample shade from the lodgepole pines and a sense of seclusion within its private group loops.
• High-Elevation Experience: For those accustomed to lower elevations, Palisade offers a true high-country experience, which can be part of the appeal, though it requires awareness of potential altitude effects.

Address: Rock Creek Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (National Recreation Reservation Service)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777 (National Recreation Reservation Service)

For facility-specific information or current conditions at Palisade Group Campground, it is recommended to call (760) 935-4824, which is the local ranger district number (White Mountain Ranger Station and Visitor Center in Bishop, CA). Reservations for Palisade Group Campground are highly recommended and can be made up to a year in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling the toll-free reservation line. Due to its popularity, especially during peak summer, booking far in advance is crucial.

For Californians, Palisade Group Campground is an unparalleled destination for large family gatherings, friend groups, or organized outings in the magnificent Eastern Sierra. Its design as a group-specific campground with dedicated amenities like a private bathroom makes it uniquely suitable for collective outdoor adventures, a convenience not often found in individual campsites.

Locals who frequent the Sierra will appreciate its prime location along Rock Creek, offering superb fishing and a gateway to countless hiking trails around alpine lakes. The chance to immerse oneself in a high-elevation environment, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, provides a profound sense of escape and rejuvenation. While early season snow or the need for advance reservations require planning, the reward is a comfortable and highly memorable group camping experience. Palisade Group Campground allows Californians to effortlessly connect with nature, foster community bonds, and create lasting memories in one of the state's most iconic outdoor playgrounds, solidifying its place as a cherished and vital resource for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Palisade Group Campground

Rock Creek Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA