USDA Forest Service · California

Tuff Campground

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

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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

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January39°23°6°60°11 of 11
February38°22°8°55°11 of 11
March41°25°5°68°9 of 11
April48°29°10°62°11 of 11
May61°39°23°75°5 of 11
June76°50°31°86°1 of 11
July84°58°49°92°0 of 11
August82°57°49°87°0 of 11
September74°51°41°82°0 of 11
October64°41°18°76°4 of 10
November53°35°11°70°7 of 10
December42°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

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.