How much does camping cost at Sherwin Creek?

Camping fees at Sherwin Creek range from $32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sherwin Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Sherwin Creek 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 Sherwin Creek before I book?

Yes! Sherwin Creek 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 Sherwin Creek?

Sherwin Creek is open May 15 to September 11. 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 Sherwin Creek?

Sherwin Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Sherwin Creek?

Cell phone service at Sherwin Creek is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Sherwin Creek have?

Sherwin Creek has 93 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sherwin Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sherwin Creek. 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 Sherwin Creek?

Sherwin Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Sherwin Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sherwin Creek?

Fire policies at Sherwin Creek: 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.

4.40

301 reviews

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Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

May 16 – September 6...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation (formerly CLM Services)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

May 16 – September 6...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation (formerly CLM Services)Official Website

Get Directions

Sherwin Creek

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $32.00; WALK TO: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$32.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

nullclm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Sherwin Creek

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Nearby places

Mammoth Lakes (~2 miles, 5 minutes)

Weather at Sherwin Creek

Current alerts(14)

Access is via 1.5 miles on a two-lane gravel road
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
Campers bringing off-road vehicles must see the campground host regarding rules
Campground usually not clear of snow until late May or early June

Best Time to Camp at Sherwin Creek

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliably accessible and comfortable conditions at 7,600 ft — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and crisp nights often dipping into the 30s–40s°F, perfect for sleeping bags and campfires. Trails, dirt roads, and trailheads are snow-free so hiking, mountain biking, and high-elevation fishing are at their peak, and wildflower displays from late June into July are excellent. Expect moderate to busy crowds on holiday weekends and in July–early August, so make a Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Aspen color in September and quieter camp experience noted by reviewers; fall is peaceful and scenic.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 16 – September 6 (reservable). Out-of-season camping is not bookable.

About Sherwin Creek

Sherwin Creek sits at 7,600 feet in Inyo National Forest, just outside Mammoth Lakes. Operated by Vista Recreation, this high-elevation alpine campground offers spacious sites along a creek with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers hike nearby trails, fish the creek, and mountain bike forest roads during the summer season when snow clears and wildflowers bloom.

Sherwin Creek Campground caters to a range of campers, offering standard nonelectric sites, walk-to tent sites, and areas suitable for RVs. It is well-suited for those seeking a rustic camping experience in a scenic mountain setting.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliably accessible and comfortable conditions at 7,600 ft — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and crisp nights often dipping into the 30s–40s°F, perfect for sleeping bags and campfires. Trails, dirt roads, and trailheads are snow-free so hiking, mountain biking, and high-elevation fishing are at their peak, and wildflower displays from late June into July are excellent. Expect moderate to busy crowds on holiday weekends and in July–early August, so make a Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation7600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryJeffrey pines tower over the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and gnarled crowns marking decades of high-altitude winters. Sherwin Creek runs cold and clear through the lower loop, bordered by aspens that turn gold in September. Wildflowers bloom from late June into July. Black bears pass through regularly. Camp hosts stress using the bear lockers. Mule deer browse at dawn and dusk. The granite peaks of the eastern Sierra form the western skyline, glowing pink in alpenglow at sunset.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available within the campground. The area primarily caters to tent and RV campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are mentioned, though the area's natural features offer informal learning opportunities.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights. Visitors may stay up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

No designated group sites are mentioned, and no information about group size or vehicle limits is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, via Recreation.gov, or through the contact center.

AccessibilityVault toilets and campsites are accessible, but detailed accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly paths were not described.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating both small tents and larger RVs. However, some reviewers noted that navigating with larger rigs can be challenging due to trees and narrow roads.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site, with some being well-spaced apart and secluded while others are closer together. Sites in the tent-only, walk-to loop were noted for their seclusion.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose walk-in sites for privacy and proximity to Sherwin Creek. Sites in Loop SHER near the creek are ideal for those looking to fish or relax by running water.

Best CampsitesSites #68 and several walk-in spots near the creek. #008 and #015 specifically. Get consistent praise for privacy and proximity to water. The tent-only loop trades vehicle access for seclusion and the sound of moving water. Some sites in the main loops sit closer together, and maneuvering large rigs through the pines can be tight on narrow interior roads.

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Amenities available

Sherwin Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities catering to both tent and RV campers. The campsites are organized into three loops, with additional tent-only, walk-to sites in a secluded area near the creek. Each site includes a bear locker, fire pit, and picnic table. Vault toilets and water spigots are available throughout the campground. "The vault toilets were clean and well-maintained," according to several reviewers, though some noted they could be smelly during warmer weather. Campground roads and signage could use maintenance, with some reviewers describing the roads as rough and dusty. Cell phone reception is available and was described as "acceptable" by some, with good signals for Verizon and T-Mobile. Firewood is sold on-site by the camp host.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sherwin Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, off-road vehicle use, and photography. The campground's proximity to the John Muir Wilderness and Valentine Lake Trail makes it a favorite among hikers. The nearby motocross track attracts off-road enthusiasts, while the creek offers opportunities for trout fishing. Wildlife viewing is a prominent activity, with frequent bear sightings reported.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead, which some users found clean but occasionally smelly.

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided at every campsite. Campers are advised to store all food and scented items to prevent bear encounters.

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 collection facilities are available, though some reviewers noted that dumpsters can occasionally become full. Recycling options were described as limited, with bins in the non-walk-in sites having small openings that can be inconvenient.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is described as acceptable for Verizon and T-Mobile users. Some reviewers noted good connectivity, while others mentioned limited to no service in certain areas of the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

301 reviews

Recommended

Sherwin Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Sherwin Creek Campground receives a mix of reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.27 out of 5 for campground-specific experiences. Many campers praised the scenic surroundings, friendly camp hosts, and proximity to Mammoth Lakes, while concerns included bear activity, noise from off-road vehicles, and occasional overcrowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 301 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 301 reviews.

Site 063Loved
Specific campsites receive varied reviews: Site 063 was described as secluded and clean, while Site 024 was criticized for poor maintenance and lack of privacy.
Site 008Mentioned
The walk-in sites, particularly Site 008, are popular for their proximity to the creek.

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlighted the beautiful scenery, "spacious and well-maintained campsites," clean bathrooms, and friendly camp hosts. The creek and nearby hiking trails are major attractions,...

Based on 301 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included issues with noise from off-road vehicles, dusty roads, occasional unfriendly camp hosts, full dumpsters, and frequent bear activity that some found unsettling. Some RV campers...

Based on 301 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend using the bear lockers diligently, especially given the frequent bear activity. They also suggest taking the route via Old Mammoth Road for easier access. Many reviewers advised...

Based on 301 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is busiest during the summer months, with some complaints about noise and overcrowding during peak season. The fall season is noted for quieter and more peaceful...

Based on 301 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We loved this campsite, and the nighttime sounds of running water." — Lital W. "The camp host was amazing and kept the bathrooms clean." — Rhonda S. "Be very bear aware, they are active here." —...

Based on 301 reviews

Accessibility Features

Few reviews specifically address accessibility features. Campers noted the vault toilets were functional, but the rocky and uneven terrain may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 301 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows pets, but there are no detailed reviews about pet-specific features. Campers with pets should exercise caution due to frequent bear activity.

Based on 301 reviews

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Go if

You want spacious sites near town with creek fishing, trail access, and summer wildflowers at elevation.

Skip if

You need level sites, quiet nights away from OHV traffic, or frequently cleaned restrooms.

Nearby Campgrounds

Pine Glen is a very small, high-elevation alpine campground in Inyo National Forest near Mammoth Lakes, operated by Vista Recreation during peak summer months. The handful of sites offer flush toilets, potable water, and spacious, tree-shaded spacing that campers consistently praise for cleanliness and privacy. Hiking, fishing, and biking access make it a base for high-country recreation, with crisp nights and warm summer days ideal for stargazing and wildlife viewing.