Is Crowley Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Crowley Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Crowley Lake Campground?

Crowley Lake Campground is open Open from May to October.. 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 Crowley Lake Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Crowley Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Crowley Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Crowley Lake Campground have?

Crowley Lake Campground has 47 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Crowley Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Crowley Lake Campground. 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 Crowley Lake Campground?

Crowley Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Crowley Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Crowley Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crowley Lake Campground

3.81

88 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,044 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Open from May to Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bishop Field Office - BLM Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,044 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Open from May to Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bishop Field Office - BLM Official Website

Get Directions

Crowley Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-872-5000BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Crowley Lake Campground

37.5690, -118.7680

Nearby places

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

Weather at Crowley Lake Campground

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

Best Time to Camp at Crowley Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and warm, comfortable days (typically mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with cool nights in the 30s–40s) making it ideal for boating, trout fishing, and extended hikes in the high desert/sierra interface. Lake breezes keep daytime heat pleasant and water-based activities are at their peak from late June through August, while the campground’s full services are available. Expect higher weekend crowds and book early; late summer may also bring fire restrictions so check r Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings most reliable conditions and is peak season with mild days/nights ideal for camping.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from May to October.

About Crowley Lake Campground

Crowley Lake Campground sits at high elevation in California's Eastern Sierra, managed by the BLM's Bishop Field Office. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with Sierra Nevada views, serving anglers and hikers exploring the high desert-sierra interface. The setting combines lake access with mountain backdrop, drawing visitors who value open space and affordability.

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 SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and warm, comfortable days (typically mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with cool nights in the 30s–40s) making it ideal for boating, trout fishing, and extended hikes in the high desert/sierra interface. Lake breezes keep daytime heat pleasant and water-based activities are at their peak from late June through August, while the campground’s full services are available. Expect higher weekend crowds and book early; late summer may also bring fire restrictions so check r Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7044 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Crowley Lake, a reservoir formed by tectonic and volcanic forces in the Eastern Sierra basin. The Glass Mountains rise to the east with distinctive volcanic formations and mineral-rich slopes. West, the Sierra Nevada's granite peaks dominate the skyline. McGee Mountain and Canyon frame views to the south. The landscape is high desert transitioning to montane terrain, with sage and scattered pine. Wind sweeps across the lake regularly, carrying sage scent and keeping temperatures moderate even in summer sun.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or cabins available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs offered at the campground.

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

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not offered.

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.

Best CampsitesSite 5 has direct views of Crowley Lake. Site 37 fits larger rigs and handled a 32-foot fifth wheel plus tow vehicle and an additional car. One row of pull-through sites works well for motorhomes.

Amenities available

Crowley Lake Campground offers 47 RV/tent sites, with each site equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, and a lantern holder. There are no hook-ups, and potable water is available via a pump on-site. The campground also features a dump station accessible for $5.00, with no passes accepted. Flush toilets are not available; the campground provides vault toilets instead. The campground is well-maintained but does not offer any amenities such as Wi-Fi or laundry facilities. Closest amenities can be found 2 miles south in Crowley or 10 miles north in Mammoth Lakes.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. The campground uses vault-style toilets.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.8

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 offers a view of Crowley Lake, and Site 37 is spacious enough for larger RVs (32-foot 5th wheel and two vehicles).

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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not explicitly addressed in reviews, though features like gravel roads and vault toilets may pose challenges for some users.

Based on 88 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific pet-friendly features are mentioned. One user noted good walking trails for dogs in the winter months.

Based on 88 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable lakeside access in the Eastern Sierra with room to spread out and fish.

Skip if

You need wind protection for tents or paved roads to your site.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.7

(92)

Crowley Lake Campground

Crowley Lake Campground sits at high elevation in the Alabama Hills near Crowley, California, operated by the Bishop Field Office. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with sweeping views of Crowley Lake and the surrounding mountains. Visitors come for shoreline fishing, fall aspen color, and crisp alpine air during the seasonal operating window.