Bishop, CA

East Fork Campground – Inyo National Forest (CA)

Mountain viewsForestRiverside / CreeksideAlpineHikingFishingMountain bikingWildlife watchingBear box / lockerFirewood for sale

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

Overview

East Fork Canyon is in a beautiful wooded section of Rock Creek Canyon, near Lower Rock Creek. Anglers, hikers and photographers enjoy this scenic location in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The facility is large and accommodating, with several loops of campsites.Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather.

Recreation

Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. A catch from the creek may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers in the backcountry are treated to populations of golden trout. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers. There are several trails in and around Rock Creek Canyon, some of which meander around high-elevation alpine lakes.

Facilities

The campground has four loops. Some campsites are close together, and some sit along the banks of the creek. There is a mix of sun and shade. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. Bears inhabit the area; bear-proof lockers for food storage are located throughout the campground.

Natural Features

This beautifully wooded area is dense with pine and fir trees, with aspens that turn golden and shimmer in the fall. Sitting at an elevation of 8,900 ft., East Fork offers views of the taller mountain peaks that surround it. The campground is adjacent to the clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek, which originates in the John Muir Wilderness and runs for 22 miles through the bottom of Rock Creek Canyon. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 935-4012.

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.

Typical weather

Rock Creek

Estimated
Average water temperature
Average water temperature for Rock Creek, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.34°JJanuary: average water temperature 34°F35°FFebruary: average water temperature 35°F38°MMarch: average water temperature 38°F42°AApril: average water temperature 42°F48°MMay: average water temperature 48°F55°JJune: average water temperature 55°F59°JJuly: average water temperature 59°F58°AAugust: average water temperature 58°F52°SSeptember: average water temperature 52°F45°OOctober: average water temperature 45°F38°NNovember: average water temperature 38°F35°DDecember: average water temperature 35°F

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