Tuff Campground

Star4.18
157 reviews
INYO

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

The campground typic...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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
Tuff Campground
$33.00 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $33 per night during peak season. Additional reservation fees apply, including $8 online, $9 via the contact center, and $3 in...
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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
760-935-4026
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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 157 reviews

71 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadewell-maintained

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews for Tuff Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.25. Highlights include the campground's cleanliness, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and the relaxing environment provided by Rock Creek."

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Campground Map

INYO

Tuff Campground

INYO

Driving directionsFrom Mammoth Lakes or Bishop, California: Take U.S. Highway 395 to the Owens Gorge Road exit at Tom's Place (25 miles north of Bishop and 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes). Drive 200 yards east to the gravel road and continue north a short distance to the campground along Rock Creek. Follow signs.
The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 395, and the road to the campground is gravel but convenient for trailers and RVs. High elevation warnings are noted for travelers coming from lower elevations. Road noise may be an issue due to proximity to Highway 395.
Nearby places
Bishop (25 miles), Mammoth Lakes (13 miles)
Nearby supplies
Tom's Place within a mile offers fee showers, firewood, and other camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Tuff Campground

The high-country climate here dances between extremes, offering sun-drenched summer days that give way to refreshingly cool nights perfect for sleeping under the stars. Early season adventurers should come prepared for spring's whimsical moods—snow may dust the landscape well into May, adding an unexpected touch of winter magic. The mountain winds that sweep through the sagebrush create nature's own soundtrack, occasionally joined by the distant hum of Highway 395, a gentle reminder of civilization's proximity. Each season paints the landscape in different hues, from spring's tender greens to autumn's golden aspens.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Sun-drenched days and cool nights make summer pleasant; fishing can be hit-or-miss.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into October; cooler temps and likely good fall color from quaking aspens.

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

Spring/early summer favored: cooler temps, fewer insects and very popular review season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground typically closed in winter due to snow (open late Apr–Oct).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 25, 2025 - October 25, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground typically opens the last weekend in April and closes in October, depending on weather conditions.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions can occur based on weather conditions.

About Tuff Campground

Nestled along the babbling waters of Rock Creek in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tuff Campground offers a perfect balance of accessibility and mountain tranquility. This thoughtfully designed facility spreads across three distinct loops, where gravel roads wind between level tent sites that make setting up camp a breeze. Each site comes equipped with its own shaded picnic table—a welcome respite from the mountain sun—along with a fire ring featuring an adjustable grill for those memorable campfire meals. Secure bear boxes protect your provisions, while conveniently placed water spigots mean you're never far from fresh water. The immaculately maintained vault toilets have earned consistent praise from visitors, proving that roughing it doesn't mean sacrificing cleanliness.
Tuff Campground accommodates a mix of camping styles, including tent camping, small RVs, and group camping. The first 10 campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while the rest are reservable.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by checkout time (noon) the day following arrival.
Check-out
Noon
Stay Limit
Visitors can stay for up to 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

Tuff Campground provides a range of recreational activities that include fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The creek running through the campground adds to the charm, and its proximity to nearby lakes makes it a favorable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant in the surrounding Rock Creek area, with trails offering options from easy to challenging levels. Hikes in the region provide scenic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, volcanic rock formations, and diverse wildlife.
FishingFishing is a popular activity here, with Rock Creek and nearby lakes offering catches of brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout. Some users noted fluctuating fishing conditions, citing reasons such as overfishing or seasonal changes.
SwimmingSwimming areas are available along Rock Creek, providing a refreshing option for visitors during warmer months.
BikingThe area's trails also cater to mountain bikers, with challenging terrains and beautiful landscapes.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, pine martens, and various bird species, offering excellent viewing opportunities for nature lovers.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters with black bears and mountain lions are noted. Camping at high elevation requires caution for travelers transitioning from lower elevations.
Active AlertsFire restrictions can occur based on weather conditions.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are available at each campsite for food storage.

Weather at Tuff Campground

Reviews

4.2
157 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Tuff Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Tuff Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.25. Highlights include the campground's cleanliness, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and the relaxing environment provided by Rock Creek.
Review Summaries
Based on 157 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, well-maintained facilities, hospitable camp hosts, shaded picnic tables at each site, and availability of firewood for purchase. Visitors also appreciated the proximity to Rock...
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Based on 157 reviews

Common Concerns

Proximity to Highway 395 causes road noise for some sites, limited shade at certain locations, and the inconvenience of a single trash disposal point at the entrance.
Based on 157 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs if sensitive to road noise. For better privacy and reduced road noise, choose sites in the first or second loop. Utilize bear-proof storage lockers effectively to avoid wildlife...
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Based on 157 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer are favorite times to visit due to cooler temperatures and fewer insects. Some users note fishing conditions as hit-or-miss during the summer.
Based on 157 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Some of the cleanest camping bathrooms I’ve ever seen.' - Elijah Zuniga. 2. 'The creek is so pretty, with lots of places to sit near it.' - Sanaz S. 3. 'Great place for a limited stay; the river...
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Based on 157 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many users praised specific sites like Site 29 for its grassy area beside the creek, and Site 14 for accommodating a 29-foot trailer. Sites close to the creek provide soothing water sounds but may be...
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Based on 157 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user feedback on accessibility features was provided.
Based on 157 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with a two-pet limit per site. Reviews did not detail specific pet-related facilities or challenges.
Based on 157 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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