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Tuff Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — California · Inyo National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Inyo National Forest |
| Location | California · Inyo National Forest · 37.56250, -118.66417 · Map |
| Sites | 33 public sites counted from the federal listing — 33 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 33 sites Water hookups at 0 of 33 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 33 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 33 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 45 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 34 sites · 30 ft: 31 sites · 35 ft: 25 sites · 40 ft: 16 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 34 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 760-935-4026 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-09-01.
From the official listing
Overview Tuff Campground is situated along Rock Creek in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is convenient to Tom's Place and U.S. Highway 395.
At an elevation of 7,000 ft., it is lower than many of the region's campgrounds and thus frequently one of the first campgrounds to open in the spring.
Popular activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and viewing the area's volcanic rock formations.
Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather. The campground usually opens the last weekend in April to coincide with the first day of fishing in the Sierras. Recreation Rock Creek and nearby Rock Creek Lake and Crawley Lake are hot spots for trout fishing. A catch from the creek may including brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout.
The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers. Facilities This moderate-sized facility is well spread out over three loops. Some campsites sit in the shade along Rock Creek, and those at the foot of the Tuff rock formations receive more sun.
There is space for small trailers and RVs, as well as some very nice level sites for tents. The campground has gravel roads.
Firewood is available on-site for purchase, and Tom's Place has other supplies and fee showers within a short drive. Natural Features This campground is named for the Tuff rock formations that lie in and around it. Most campsites are situated in an open sagebrush landscape, with aspens, cottonwood and Jeffrey pine trees surrounding the area.
The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek runs alongside the campsites, offering a relaxing sound for campers.
The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. Nearby Attractions For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in nearby Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July.
Directions, from the listing
From Mammoth Lakes or Bishop, California: Take U.S. Highway 395 to the Owens Gorge Road exit at Tom's Place (25 miles north of Bishop and 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes). Drive 200 yards east to the gravel road and continue north a short distance to the campground along Rock Creek. Follow signs.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceAspen Group (Inyo)
4 mi straight-line · CaliforniaBLMBureau of Land ManagementCrowley Lake Campground
6 mi straight-line · CaliforniaBLMBureau of Land ManagementCrowley Lake Campground
6 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServicePalisades Group Campground
6 mi straight-line · Tom's Place California
Trip Card — Tuff Campground
California · Inyo National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | California · Inyo National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 45 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 33 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232241 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.