USDA Forest Service · California
Tuff Campground
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 34
- Hookups
- 33 no hookups
- Season
- April 24 to October 24
- Max RV length
- 45 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 6,991 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile good · AT&T good · Verizon good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- NFSR 04S38W · native material · high clearance vehicles
- Lake
- Inyo National Forest
- Nearest town
- Sunny Slopes
- Address
- INYO, CA
- Phone
- 760-935-4026
- Activities
- Camping, Fishing, Hiking
34 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Tuff Campground is situated along Rock Creek in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is convenient to Tom's Place and U.S. Highway 395.
At an elevation of 7,000 ft., it is lower than many of the region's campgrounds and thus frequently one of the first campgrounds to open in the spring.
Popular activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and viewing the area's volcanic rock formations.
Opening and closing dates for the season are dependent on weather. The campground usually opens the last weekend in April to coincide with the first day of fishing in the Sierras.
Recreation
Rock Creek and nearby Rock Creek Lake and Crawley Lake are hot spots for trout fishing. A catch from the creek may including brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout.
The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers.
Facilities
This moderate-sized facility is well spread out over three loops. Some campsites sit in the shade along Rock Creek, and those at the foot of the Tuff rock formations receive more sun.
There is space for small trailers and RVs, as well as some very nice level sites for tents. The campground has gravel roads.
Firewood is available on-site for purchase, and Tom's Place has other supplies and fee showers within a short drive.
Natural Features
This campground is named for the Tuff rock formations that lie in and around it. Most campsites are situated in an open sagebrush landscape, with aspens, cottonwood and Jeffrey pine trees surrounding the area.
The clear, cold and cascading Rock Creek runs alongside the campsites, offering a relaxing sound for campers.
The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.
Nearby Attractions
For campers interested in local events, Mule Days are held in nearby Bishop over Memorial Day weekend, and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth in mid-July.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39° | 23° | 6° | 60° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 38° | 22° | 8° | 55° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 41° | 25° | 5° | 68° | 9 of 11 |
| April | 48° | 29° | 10° | 62° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 61° | 39° | 23° | 75° | 5 of 11 |
| June | 76° | 50° | 31° | 86° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 84° | 58° | 49° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 82° | 57° | 49° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 74° | 51° | 41° | 82° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 64° | 41° | 18° | 76° | 4 of 10 |
| November | 53° | 35° | 11° | 70° | 7 of 10 |
| December | 42° | 25° | 8° | 58° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- French Camp · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 84 sites
- Aspen Group (Inyo) · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi · 1 sites
- Iris Meadow Campground · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi
- Big Meadows Campground · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi
- Palisade Group Camp · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.