Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Star4.57
537 reviews
Great HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Inyo National Forest 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
Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)
$33.00 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric sites cost $33 per night during the peak season (May 23 – September 20). Rates do not include taxes, service fees, or...
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Standard Site Fee$33.00
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
760-934-5795clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 537 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioushiking

"Users frequently praise Coldwater Campground for its cleanliness, proximity to trails and lakes, and helpful camp hosts. Criticisms include uneven sites, bear activity, and narrow roads."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

37.5995, -118.9967

Driving directionsFollow U.S. Highway 395 to the junction of State Highway 203. Turn west on 203 and drive 7 miles through the town of Mammoth Lakes. Highway 203 becomes Main Street, then Lake Mary Road, which will lead to the Lakes Basin. Continue on Lake Mary Road to the Coldwater Campground cutoff on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Highway 395 and Lake Mary Road. Seasonal snow may limit access until late May or early June.
Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes – approximately 7 miles, Reno – approximately 180 miles, Los Angeles – approximately 320 miles.
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel are available in Mammoth Lakes, approximately 7 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

At nearly 9,000 feet, Coldwater lives up to its name with refreshingly cool summer days that offer sweet relief from valley heat. Mountain mornings arrive with a crisp bite that sends campers reaching for their fleece jackets and wrapping hands around steaming coffee mugs. As evening shadows lengthen across the forest floor, temperatures drop quickly, making campfires not just romantic but genuinely warming. Winter's grip lingers long here—patches of snow often hide in shaded hollows until late May or early June, creating a compressed but glorious camping season that makes each summer day feel precious.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Sep with cool days, great hiking and lake access; mosquitoes and crowds in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall offers crisp air and fewer crowds, but campground closes Sep 20 (limited season).

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Mostly closed until May 23; spring snow/cold make it off-season for this campground.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Sep 20–May 22; not available for winter camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 – September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 20 during peak season. Closed during the out-of-season period from September 20 to May 22.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed due to weather conditions. Contact local visitor centers for updates.

About Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Perched high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Coldwater Campground beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. This beloved mountain retreat spreads across two thoughtfully designed loops, where towering pines create a natural cathedral overhead. Just steps away, the crystalline waters of Lake Mary glimmer through the trees, while a network of legendary hiking trails radiates outward like spokes on a wheel, each promising its own alpine adventure. Families gather here summer after summer, drawn by the campground's welcoming atmosphere and the endless possibilities that await beyond each tent site.
Coldwater Campground offers multiple camping options, including tent and RV camping, as well as group sites. Sites vary in size and privacy, catering to different needs.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by noon the day following your arrival date to hold the reservation.
Check-out
Noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit and 14 nights total per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Coldwater Campground offers diverse activities catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking opportunities are abundant, with trails leading to destinations like Duck Pass and Emerald Lake. Anglers can fish for rainbow, brook, and brown trout in nearby Lake Mary. Wildlife viewing is common, and boating is accessible in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
HikingHighlighted trails include the 5-mile Duck Pass Trail, which leads through forested hillsides and past several lakes to connect with the John Muir Trail. Emerald Lake Trail is another popular option located at the campground's rear.
FishingFishing in Lake Mary offers opportunities for catching rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Barney Lake, accessible via a 2.7-mile hike from the campground, provides additional fishing opportunities.
BikingThe Mammoth Lakes Basin has dedicated bike paths, including trails leading downhill to Mammoth Village. Some reviewers noted that uphill climbs could be challenging.
BoatingBoating is available in nearby Lake Mary, which has marina facilities offering rentals, such as kayaks and motorboats.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently observe wildlife such as black bears, mule deer, and birds. Wildlife encounters, including with the local bear nicknamed 'Victor,' are common.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife, including black bears, are a concern, especially for food storage. Sloped and rocky campsites may pose challenges for pitching tents or parking RVs.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed due to weather conditions. Contact local visitor centers for updates.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each campsite and are mandatory to use for food safety.

Weather at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Reviews

4.6
537 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users frequently praise Coldwater Campground for its cleanliness, proximity to trails and lakes, and helpful camp hosts. Criticisms include uneven sites, bear activity, and narrow roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 537 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, helpful hosts, proximity to hiking trails and lakes, spacious sites, and quiet surroundings were commonly praised.
Based on 537 reviews

Common Concerns

Uneven and rocky sites, bear activity concerns, overcrowding, mosquitoes, and narrow, poorly maintained roads are among the most cited complaints.
Based on 537 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing creekside sites for privacy, using bear boxes diligently, bringing mosquito repellent, and considering sites higher up for more space and shade.
Based on 537 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are noted for heavy mosquito activity and bear sightings. Fall offers crisp air and less crowding, while spring may feature snow, requiring preparation for cold conditions.
Based on 537 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spotless facilities. And the host (Eric and Tina) were the greatest!" "The bathrooms were well kept and cleaned each day. They didn’t even smell." "Flushable toilets are available and potable water...
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Based on 537 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #16 was between two creeks but challenging for tents due to the rocky ground. Site #17 was spacious but close to the road. Site #75 was large and well-shaded, accommodating multiple tents.
Based on 537 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground has uneven and sloped sites, which could pose challenges for accessibility. Long uphill grades may make navigation difficult for individuals with mobility concerns.
Based on 537 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users mentioned the need to manage them carefully due to wildlife, including bears.
Based on 537 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)