Crowley Lake Campground

3.90

88 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,044 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Open from May to Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bishop Field Office - BLM site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,044 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Open from May to Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bishop Field Office - BLM site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Crowley Lake Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $10 per night ($5 with senior discounts). Dump station fee is $5.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

760-872-5000BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

3.90

Mixed Reviews

Based on 88 reviews

74 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouswater

"Crowley Lake Campground is frequently praised for its affordability, scenic views, and spacious sites. It is considered a quiet and clean campground, but some drawbacks include occasional lack of toilet paper and windiness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Crowley Lake Campground

37.5690, -118.7680

Driving directionsUS Highway 395 to Crowley Lake exit. Proceed west through the Crowley Lake Community for 2 miles. Turn north (right) at Crowley Lake Drive and proceed for 2 miles. Follow sign to campground.

Gravel road from entrance to campsite but doable with a sedan. 'Bumpy dirt road to get to sites.'

Nearby places

Crowley Lake - 2 miles south, Mammoth Lakes - 10 miles north.

Nearby supplies

Crowley Lake community, 2 miles south

Mammoth Lakes, 10 miles north, has additional supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Crowley Lake Campground

Experience the magic of the Eastern Sierra from May through October, when Crowley Lake Campground opens its gates to outdoor enthusiasts. Summer visitors often remark on the area's signature breezes – nature's own air conditioning that keeps temperatures comfortable even on the warmest days. These refreshing winds sweep across the lake, carrying the scent of sage and pine while providing relief from the high-altitude sun. As autumn approaches, the winds gentle, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire stories. When winter arrives, the campground rests beneath a blanket of snow, with cold temperatures transforming the landscape into a crystalline wonderland that awaits spring's return.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and popular May–Oct; mild weather and lake activities in summer, though windy at times.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through fall; visitors note tranquility and fewer crowds in autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open starting in May; early spring conditions variable and winds can be strong.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Oct; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May to October.

About Crowley Lake Campground

Nestled in the Eastern Sierra, Crowley Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 47 thoughtfully designed sites that welcome both RV travelers and tent campers. Each site, accommodating vehicles up to 30 feet, comes equipped with everything you need for the perfect outdoor experience: a crackling fire pit for evening gatherings, a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals under the stars, and a convenient lantern holder to light your way. Fresh drinking water flows throughout the campground, ensuring comfort in this spectacular wilderness setting. Wake up to breathtaking panoramas of shimmering Crowley Lake, the dramatic Glass Mountain ridgeline, and the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada, with McGee Mountain and Canyon painting the perfect backdrop. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, launching your boat for a day on the lake, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply watching for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home, every moment here promises adventure.

Crowley Lake Campground offers a mix of RV and tent camping with 47 first-come, first-served sites. No group camping, cabins, or glamping options are available.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of the Eastern Sierra from May through October, when Crowley Lake Campground opens its gates to outdoor enthusiasts. Summer visitors often remark on the area's signature breezes – nature's own air conditioning that keeps temperatures comfortable even on the warmest days. These refreshing winds sweep across the lake, carrying the scent of sage and pine while providing relief from the high-altitude sun. As autumn approaches, the winds gentle, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire stories. When winter arrives, the campground rests beneath a blanket of snow, with cold temperatures transforming the landscape into a crystalline wonderland that awaits spring's return.

ElevationPerched at a spectacular vantage point in the Eastern Sierra, this high-altitude campground offers the crisp, clean air and stunning visibility that only mountain elevations can provide.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be awestruck by nature's grandest theater at Crowley Lake Campground, where every campsite serves as a front-row seat to some of California's most spectacular scenery. The sparkling waters of Crowley Lake stretch out before you, reflecting the ever-changing moods of the Sierra sky. To the west, the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains rise dramatically from the valley floor, their granite faces catching the golden light of sunrise and sunset. Eastward, the ancient volcanic landscape of the Glass Mountains creates a stunning contrast with its otherworldly formations and rich geological history. McGee Mountain stands as a majestic sentinel, its slopes telling the story of millions of years of natural forces at work. As one visitor perfectly captured it: 'There's no campsite where you won't have great views' – a testament to the campground's extraordinary setting where nature's artistry surrounds you in every direction.

Geological RegionSituated in one of California's most geologically fascinating regions, Crowley Lake Campground sits at the crossroads of two magnificent mountain ranges. The ancient Glass Mountains to the east showcase volcanic origins with their distinctive formations and mineral-rich landscapes, while the younger, granite-hewn Sierra Nevada Mountains dominate the western horizon. This unique positioning offers campers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the dramatic geological story of the Eastern Sierra, where tectonic forces, volcanic activity, and glacial carving have created a landscape of unparalleled beauty and scientific interest. Crowley Lake itself fills a basin formed by these powerful natural forces, creating a stunning centerpiece for this remarkable high-desert ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 days at one campground
28 days per year across Bishop Field Office campgrounds.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites spaced out nicely. 'A whole row of pull-through campsites for motorhomes.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not offered.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve only. 'Typically, it's pretty easy to drive in, get a spot, and enjoy a few days at the lake.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the campground is first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are not explicitly mentioned, but vault toilets, potable water pumps, and the gravel road to campsites may affect accessibility.

Site SizeSites are spacious enough to accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. Larger RVs may fit in specific sites like Site 37, which managed to accommodate a 32-foot 5th wheel, tow vehicle, and additional car.

PrivacyThe sites are reported to be spaced out nicely, providing decent privacy. The landscape offers open views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Total Campsites47 campsites

Recommended SitesSites offer varying levels of shade and space; recommended sites mentioned include Site 5 and Site 37.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors frequently enjoy lake and stream fishing, boating, windsurfing, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal fire restrictions may impact campfire activities.

HikingHiking is popular in the area, with trails offering views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Crowley Lake.

FishingLake and stream fishing are popular activities, with the lake being a central feature of the recreation area.

BoatingThe lake provides opportunities for boating, including windsurfing.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a noted activity, with visitors reporting sightings of bears and coyotes. The area’s natural setting makes it ideal for observing local fauna.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWatch out for bears and snakes. Coyotes may be heard howling at night.

Active Alertsfire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. | fire restrictions or call the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within established fire rings; seasonal restrictions may apply during high fire danger.

Emergency ServicesBishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000 for emergencies. Nearest town Crowley Lake has amenities 2 miles south.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated near Crowley Lake with boating and fishing opportunities.

Weather at Crowley Lake Campground

Reviews

3.9

88 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Crowley Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Crowley Lake Campground is frequently praised for its affordability, scenic views, and spacious sites. It is considered a quiet and clean campground, but some drawbacks include occasional lack of toilet paper and windiness.

Review Summaries

Based on 88 reviews

What Campers Love

Many visitors highlight the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Crowley Lake, and McGee Mountain. Cleanliness and the tranquility of the site are frequently noted. Visitors also appreciate...

Based on 88 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include occasional lack of toilet paper in the vault toilets, uneven campsites, windiness, and the dirt road leading to the campground being bumpy.

Based on 88 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure sites as reservations are not available. Bring your own firewood as it is not sold on-site, and be prepared for wind if camping in a tent. A California...

Based on 88 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from May to October. Summer visitors appreciate the mild weather and the scenic views, while fall visitors mention the tranquility and fewer crowds. Windiness can be an issue...

Based on 88 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The landscape is just phenomenal. Potable water, pit toilets and fire pits." 2. "Great affordable camping. BLM land hosted. Cost $10 a night or $5 with an America the Beautiful card. Cash only."...

Based on 88 reviews