Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground

Star4.73
15 reviews
798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

Quick Facts

10,200 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens White Mountain Public Lands Information Center site

Official Website
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Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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) 873-2500
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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Campers appreciate the campground's pristine natural environment and proximity to hiking trails. However, the high altitude and lack of amenities are potential challenges for some visitors."

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Campground Map

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

Driving directionsExit Highway 395 at Tom's Place (approximately 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, 30 miles north of Bishop). Follow Rock Creek Road (FS 12) to the end, about 10 miles. This road is closed in winter.
The campground is accessible via Rock Creek Road, a paved road that is closed during the winter season.
Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes, approximately 13 miles south
Bishop, approximately 30 miles north.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found at Tom's Place near the Highway 395 exit, approximately 10 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground

At this lofty elevation, Mother Nature keeps you on your toes with dynamic mountain weather. Early and late season adventurers might wake to a dusting of snow on their tents, while midsummer brings crisp, clear days with temperatures climbing to a comfortable mid-60s°F. As darkness falls, the thin mountain air cools quickly to the mid-40s°F, making that sleeping bag feel extra cozy under a canopy of stars.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and popular in midsummer; trails accessible and campers praise summer visits.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Nov 3; early fall praised for trails and scenery though weather can be variable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens Memorial Day weekend; late-spring access limited and variable with possible snow.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter; not available for winter camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through November 3.

About Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground

Perched along the crystalline waters of Rock Creek, Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground serves as your launching pad into the legendary John Muir Wilderness. This intimate walk-in campground offers 10 secluded sites nestled among ancient lodgepole pines and granite boulders, where backpackers gather for one night before embarking on their alpine adventures. Previous visitors rave about the breathtaking mountain vistas that greet you at dawn and the convenient trailhead access that puts you mere steps away from some of the Eastern Sierra's most spectacular backcountry.
The campground is strictly for walk-in tent camping for backpackers preparing for wilderness trips.
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Stay Limit
Single night use only.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to extensive hiking trails and fishing opportunities in the scenic Rock Creek area. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment and the wildlife around the area.
HikingAccess to the Rock Creek Trail, an 8-mile trail leading into the John Muir Wilderness, is available. This trail provides connections to a network of other trails, offering beautiful views and a variety of hiking experiences.
FishingFishing is available in the snowmelt-fed Rock Creek and nearby lakes, with species such as Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Alpers trout.
Wildlife viewingThe area is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned in the materials.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is in active bear country, requiring proper food storage in bear boxes to avoid fines.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food containers are located at the parking lot and are mandatory for use.

Weather at Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground

Reviews

4.7
15 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Campers appreciate the campground's pristine natural environment and proximity to hiking trails. However, the high altitude and lack of amenities are potential challenges for some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the 'beautiful views' and the convenience of using the site as a base for hikes. The proximity to trailheads and the serene environment were commonly highlighted.
Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned the 'altitude will make you breathe heavy' and noted the lack of amenities such as drinking water and showers.
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bear repellents and use the provided bear boxes to store food. Be prepared for high altitudes and bring enough water as there is no potable water available on-site.
Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to November 3. Reviewers enjoy the summer and early fall months when trails are accessible, but the site is closed in winter.
Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Hiking from here is great with beautiful views.' - Brian Etheridge. 2. 'Easy enough with kids, although the altitude will make you breathe heavy if you're not used to it.' - Brian Etheridge. 3....
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite reviews are provided, but all 10 sites seem to offer similar access and amenities.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are noted as wheelchair accessible; no further accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are permitted but must be leashed in all developed recreation areas.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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