How much does camping cost at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf?

Camping fees at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf range from $33/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf first-come first-served or reservation?

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf before I book?

Yes! Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf?

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf is open May 22 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf?

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf have?

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf?

Yes, pets are allowed at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf?

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf?

Popular activities at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf?

Fire policies at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 924-5500, or the Mono Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 647-3044.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.55

537 reviews

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Inyo National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Inyo National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

$33.00 - $33.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $33.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-934-5795clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

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Campground Map

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

37.5995, -118.9967

Nearby places

Mammoth Lakes – approximately 7 miles, Reno – approximately 180 miles, Los Angeles – approximately 320 miles.

Weather at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Current alerts(11)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $10.00 per vehicle, per night and will be collected by the camp host.
Inyo National Forest website

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

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of access, stable weather, and full use of Lake Mary and the trail network — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s at 8,900 ft. This is peak time for hiking, fishing, boating, and mountain biking, with wildflower meadows and clear alpine views; weekends can be busy, especially in July and early August. Bring layers for cool mornings/evenings and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms and late-spring snowmelt on higher, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Crisp air and fewer crowds make fall appealing, though season ends Sept 20.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 25. 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.

About Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Coldwater Campground sits at 8,900 feet in Inyo National Forest, minutes from Lake Mary and the Mammoth Lakes trail system. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers hike alpine trails, fish and boat on nearby lakes, and watch for wildlife in the high Sierra backcountry.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of access, stable weather, and full use of Lake Mary and the trail network — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s at 8,900 ft. This is peak time for hiking, fishing, boating, and mountain biking, with wildflower meadows and clear alpine views; weekends can be busy, especially in July and early August. Bring layers for cool mornings/evenings and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms and late-spring snowmelt on higher, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMassive pines tower over a landscape shaped by glaciers, with granite boulders scattered across the forest floor like geological breadcrumbs. Coldwater and Mammoth Creeks run through the campground, their clear water tumbling over rounded stones. Lake Mary sits close enough to glimpse through the trees, its surface reflecting the peaks above. The elevation means thinner air and bigger views. When the forest canopy breaks, you see the raw granite architecture of the Sierra. Morning alpenglow on the mountains is worth the cold wake-up.

Lodging & AccommodationsColdwater Campground does not provide hotel-style lodging. Camping options are limited to tents, RVs, and trailers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit and 14 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most campsites accommodate one RV with tow or one vehicle per tent site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground is moderately accessible. While some sites are level, others are sloped, which may pose challenges for campers with mobility issues. The long grade leading to the back of the campground could also be difficult for those with accessibility needs.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents, RVs, and trailers. Larger sites like #17 and #75 have been noted for their spaciousness.

PrivacySites along creeks are described as more private, while others are closer together. Reviewer comments suggest varying levels of privacy depending on site location.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creek-side sites for privacy and scenic beauty. Higher elevation sites in the second loop offer better shade and larger spaces.

Best CampsitesSites 16, 18, 30, and 43 get consistent mentions for privacy and creek proximity. Site 17 and 75 offer more space for larger setups. Creekside spots tend to be more secluded, while others sit closer together. Sites higher in the loops often have better shade and spacing.

Need help booking Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No showers or electric hookups available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each campsite and are mandatory to use for food safety.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 924-5500, or the Mono Lakes Visitor Center, (760) 647-3044.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, with locking trash cans and recycle bins provided to prevent wildlife access.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at Coldwater Campground is reportedly inconsistent. Some campers mentioned getting LTE signal in specific areas, but others experienced no reception.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

537 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 537 reviews.

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

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a clean, well-maintained base camp for hiking, fishing, and boating near Lake Mary with modern restroom facilities.

Skip if

You need level tent pads or want to avoid mosquitoes and occasional bear activity during summer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

Latitude: 37.6038 Longitude: -118.9999

Pine City Campground sits across the road from Lake Mary in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, offering 10 primitive sites at 8,900 feet elevation. Each site includes a bear-proof locker, picnic table, and fire ring on dirt and rock parking aprons. Sites run $34 per night. The small campground provides direct lake access and mountain views, though privacy between sites is limited.

Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

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Weather at Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Current alerts(11)

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

Planning Tips

About Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)

Current alerts(11)

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

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Coldwater Campground - Inyo Nf (Ca)?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns