Crowley Lake Campground
4.3119 reviews.
Crowley Lake Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Cost is $10 per night, with a 50% discount available for America the Beautiful pass holders (resulting in $5 per night).
About this campground
Perched high above the eastern Sierra landscape, Crowley Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 47 thoughtfully designed sites where modern comfort meets untamed wilderness. Each camping spot comes equipped with essential amenities—crackling fire pits for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for memorable meals, and traditional lantern holders that cast a warm glow as darkness falls. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without electrical hook-ups, fresh potable water flows throughout the grounds, and a convenient dump station serves RV travelers. From every angle, breathtaking vistas unfold: the shimmering expanse of Crowley Lake stretches below, while the ancient Glass Mountains rise to the east and the majestic Sierra Nevada peaks tower to the west.
Crowley Lake Campground accommodates both RVs and tents across its 47 sites, with no designated group or luxury camping options.
Historical SignificanceThe lands surrounding this remarkable campground hold stories yet to be fully told, where ancient geological forces and human history intertwine across the centuries.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here tells its own dramatic story, with conditions that can shift from gentle morning mists to afternoon snow flurries that dust the surrounding peaks. During peak season, daytime temperatures typically reach a crisp 38.7°F, perfect for invigorating hikes, while nights drop to a cozy 21.8°F—ideal for gathering around the campfire. The predominantly dry air and calm winds create a serene atmosphere, though Mother Nature occasionally adds variety with light rain showers or moderate snowfall that transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. This ever-changing weather tapestry means every visit offers a unique experience.
ElevationThe campground's strategic hilltop position serves as nature's own observation deck, elevating visitors above the valley floor to capture unobstructed, 360-degree views that stretch for miles in every direction. This elevated vantage point not only provides cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes but also positions campers perfectly to witness spectacular sunrises painting the Glass Mountains gold and equally stunning sunsets casting alpenglow across the Sierra Nevada peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom its commanding hillside perch, the campground delivers a front-row seat to one of California's most spectacular natural theaters. To the north, Crowley Lake mirrors the sky in its vast waters, creating a stunning centerpiece for the valley below. Eastward, the ancient Glass Mountains reveal their volcanic heritage in rugged ridgelines and colorful rock formations. Westward, the Sierra Nevada range dominates the horizon, with McGee Mountain standing sentinel over its namesake canyon—a dramatic glacial gorge that cuts deep into the range. This diverse ecosystem supports an array of wildlife, from the haunting calls of coyotes echoing across the valley at dusk to the occasional black bear foraging in the distance, reminding visitors they're sharing this magnificent landscape with its original inhabitants.
Geological RegionNestled within the geologically fascinating Alabama Hills region, the campground sits at the intersection of three distinct mountain systems, each telling a different chapter in Earth's ancient story. The Glass Mountains to the east showcase their volcanic origins with obsidian outcroppings and pumice fields, while the granite spires of the Sierra Nevada to the west stand as monuments to tectonic forces and glacial sculpting. Below, Crowley Lake fills a natural basin created by the Long Valley Caldera, one of Earth's largest volcanic features. McGee Mountain and Canyon add their own dramatic punctuation to this geological symphony, where glaciers once carved deep valleys and left behind the stunning alpine scenery that draws visitors from around the world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNot explicitly mentioned in the source material.
Sites SizeSites are sized to accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. User Steve Dickerson noted, "We had site 37 with our 32 ft. 5th wheel, 2500 ram tow vehicle, with Toyota 4runner, all fit inside the site," indicating some sites are spacious.
Sites PrivacySite privacy is generally adequate with spaces between campsites. User Walt observed, "Decent space between campsites."
Total Campsites47 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites for views or larger rigs depending on needs. Slot 5 offers lake views; site 37 suitable for large vehicles.
Best CampsitesUser reviews mention slot 5 as having a good view of Crowley Lake. Site 37 accommodated a large 5th wheel and tow vehicles.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- First-come, first-served
- no specific check-in time mentioned.
Check-out
- First-come, first-served
- no specific check-out time mentioned.
Stay Limit
14 days per campground, not to exceed 28 days per calendar year across all Bishop Field Office campgrounds.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified in detail.
Groups
Group camping sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spaced out nicely according to user reviews, with pull-through sites available for motorhomes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from April 27, 2025, to October 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through Scan & Pay system; no online or phone reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served; most reviews suggest availability even during busy seasons like June and holidays.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan & Pay payments. This is equivalent to cash payment into fee tubes.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Crowley Lake Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities including lake and stream fishing, boating, hiking, windsurfing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. "Great views all around," as one reviewer noted, and another highlighted the "stunning views of Crowley Lake and the Glass Mountains."
Hiking
Stunning hiking opportunities include trails with views of Crowley Lake, McGee Mountain, and the Sierra Nevada.Fishing
Lake and stream fishing are popular activities at Crowley Lake. Specific details on types of fish or peak seasons were not provided.Boating
Boating is a recommended activity, with available lake access at Crowley Lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted as a popular activity. Specific species were not mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter recreational activities are not mentioned in the source material.Water Sports
Water sports activities like windsurfing are popular at Crowley Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within established fire rings. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews note presence of bears and snakes. Coyotes howling at night reported as a treat by visitors.
Active alertsActive alerts not explicitly mentioned, but seasonal fire restrictions may apply.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned; nearest population center is Crowley (2 miles south).
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 27, 2025 - October 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available at the campground. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNear Crowley Lake; views of the lake praised in user reviews.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of toilet paper in pit toilets and uneven ground at some sites.
HostHost information not specified.
Campground Map
.
Driving directions.
Gravel road from entrance to campsite is accessible with a sedan, but may be bumpy (as noted in user reviews).Nearby places
Crowley (2 miles south), Mammoth Lakes (10 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Closest amenities are available in Crowley (2 miles south) and Mammoth Lakes (10 miles north). Groceries, fuel, and general camping supplies likely available in these towns.
Camper Reviews
4.3
19 reviews
Crowley Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground averages a sentiment rating of 4.31, with frequent praise for its stunning views, affordability, and cleanliness. Issues such as windy conditions and restroom maintenance were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Common highlights include the stunning views of Crowley Lake and the surrounding mountains, clean facilities, and the affordable $10 nightly fee. Some reviewers also appreciated the spacious sites...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints included the windy conditions making tent use difficult, the occasional absence of toilet paper in vault toilets, and uneven campsite ground at some locations.
Based on 19 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing extra toilet paper due to occasional shortages, preparing for windy conditions, and ensuring cash availability for the first-come, first-serve, Scan and Pay system. A...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is noted as having ample availability for sites despite being busy, with reviewers finding spots even on holiday weekends. Windy conditions were highlighted during hot weather, providing a...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great campground, great view, and great price $8/day," - Paul521. "Potable water, pit toilets, and fire pits," - V l. "Coyotes howling at night was a treat," - Franke j.
Based on 19 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 37 was noted to accommodate a 32 ft. 5th wheel and two additional vehicles. Site 5 offers views of Crowley Lake. Sites are generally spacious with adequate privacy.
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features were not explicitly discussed in user reviews.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and one user mentioned, "Good walking trails with dogs in the winter."
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025