Convict Lake Campground

Star4.62
820 reviews
HCR 79, BOX 54, CROWLEY LAKE, CA 93546, USA
Scenic ViewsFishingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

88 campsites

Season

Open season is April...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Recreation Resource Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Convict Lake Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
All sites are $35 during the peak season (April 25 - October 25). No discounts are reflected in this rate.
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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

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Provider
760-924-5771
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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 820 reviews

165 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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Some mention

noise

"Convict Lake Campground receives highly positive reviews overall, with standout mentions for cleanliness, scenic beauty, and convenience. The lake, hiking trails, and well-maintained facilities make it a favorite destination for campers of all ages."

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Campground Map

HCR 79, BOX 54, CROWLEY LAKE, CA 93546, USA

Convict Lake Campground

HCR 79, BOX 54, CROWLEY LAKE, CA 93546, USA

Driving directionsConvict Lake Campground is about 34 miles north of Bishop, California on Highway 395. From Bishop, travel north on 395. The turnoff to the campground is across from Mammoth Yosemite Airport and is well-signed. From Mammoth Lakes, travel on Highway 395 south for 5 miles. Turn west off of Highway 395.
The campground is accessible via well-signed roads directly off Highway 395. The road conditions are generally good, but high elevation snow is common until late May or early June, which may impact accessibility.
Nearby places
Bishop (34 miles, approximately 45 minutes), Mammoth Lakes (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Crowley Lake (null)
Nearby supplies
Convict Lake Resort provides supplies such as firewood, food, and camping essentials. Mammoth Lakes, 5 miles away, offers a range of grocery stores and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Convict Lake Campground

Mountain weather here dances between extremes, keeping visitors on their toes with nature's ever-changing moods. Summer days warm the soul with temperatures reaching a pleasant 75-80°F, perfect for hiking and fishing, while evenings cool to a refreshing 50-55°F, ideal for campfire gatherings. But don't let the sunshine fool you – afternoon winds sweep through the canyon with surprising intensity, reminding everyone of the mountain's wild spirit. Winter's grip often lingers well into spring, with snow patches decorating the landscape until late May or early June, creating a spectacular backdrop for early season adventurers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm days (75–80°F) enable hiking, boating, fishing; can be busy and windy afternoons.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Praised for mild weather and fewer crowds; strong season for scenery and fishing.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring praised for mild weather and lower crowds; good for fishing/hiking early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 25–Oct 25; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 25th - October 25th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is April 25th - October 25th annually. Closed outside of these dates.

About Convict Lake Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Convict Lake Campground beckons adventurers with its stunning alpine setting and crystal-clear waters. Here, where jagged peaks reflect in the mirror-like surface of Convict Lake, campers find the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. Choose from reservable sites for peace of mind or try your luck with first-come, first-served spots. Modern amenities include flush toilets, fresh drinking water, secure food storage lockers to protect against wildlife, and a convenient dump station. Just a short walk away, Convict Lake Resort enhances your stay with hot showers, boat rentals for lake exploration, and a well-stocked store for any forgotten essentials.
Convict Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including standard, tent-only sites and group camping areas. It is suitable for both RV and tent camping, offering options for casual campers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Convict Lake Campground offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Convict Lake and surrounding trails makes it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake's clear waters and the dramatic mountain backdrop enhance the outdoor experience.
HikingMultiple trails are accessible from the campground, including the 3.5-mile Lake Trail around Convict Lake. Reviews describe the hike as 'easy to moderate' and highly scenic, offering clear views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
FishingKnown for exceptional trout fishing, Convict Lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Several reviews mention fishing as a highlight, with trout fishing being particularly enjoyable. The lake is restricted to power boats with electric motors (6 horsepower or less).
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in Convict Lake. While the water is clear and inviting, the temperature is often described as cold, even in summer.
BikingBiking is a popular activity both around the campground and the nearby trails. Some reviews highlight biking as a family-friendly activity.
BoatingBoating is permitted on Convict Lake, with rentals available at the nearby marina. Only non-wake boats with electric motors (up to 6 horsepower) are allowed. Canoeing and kayaking are common.
Wildlife viewingThe area is abundant with wildlife, including deer, mule deer, marmots, and numerous bird species. Deer are often seen wandering through campsites, and they are noted to be very accustomed to people.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, high winds, and elevation-related challenges for those unused to high altitudes.
Food Storage RequiredAll sites are equipped with bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure visitor safety.

Weather at Convict Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
820 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Convict Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Convict Lake Campground receives highly positive reviews overall, with standout mentions for cleanliness, scenic beauty, and convenience. The lake, hiking trails, and well-maintained facilities make it a favorite destination for campers of all ages.
Review Summaries
Based on 820 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, scenic views of Convict Lake, ample wildlife sightings, and friendly camp hosts are commonly praised. The proximity to the resort for additional amenities is also noted as a...
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Based on 820 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers noted limited shade at certain sites, noise from the resort during events, and high winds in the afternoons. A few reviewers also mentioned the occasional overcrowding of fishing spots...
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Based on 820 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing shade structures due to limited natural cover and making reservations early for the best sites near the lake. Be prepared for afternoon winds and potentially limited cell...
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Based on 820 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are particularly praised for mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer can be hot with high winds. Winter activities are limited due to the campground closure but are still...
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Based on 820 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The bathrooms were nice and clean. Real toilets and mirrors are always nice.' - Doug Rosson. 'The campground loops around at the end and was a beautiful walk.' - Preston Treadwell. 'The lake and...
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Based on 820 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 is mentioned for its convenient location near restrooms and recycling bins. Site #32 received criticism for having a problematic fire ring placement. Sites closer to the lake are described as...
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Based on 820 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is generally accessible, though uneven terrain at some sites may pose challenges. Camp hosts are noted for being very helpful to all campers.
Based on 820 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific guidelines include keeping them leashed. Some reviewers found the abundance of wildlife and thorny vegetation challenging for pets.
Based on 820 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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