Convict Lake Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Mammoth Lakes area, thanks to its prime location next to Convict Lake. The best part of the campground is its location at 7,500 feet, surrounded by towering mountain peaks, including Mount Morrison.
The campground features 85 campsites suitable for tents and RVs up to 40 feet, though no hookups are available. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-proof food storage locker. Firewood can be purchased on-site from the camp host. Cell phone reception is generally not available.
Some campsites are located near Convict Lake or sit along Convict Creek, which runs through the campground. Although direct views of the lake are limited, all sites are a short walk from the lakeshore.
While many sites are close together, aspen and cottonwood trees provide shade and privacy. Due to its location and layout, the campground can get windy.
Amenities at the campground include drinking water, flush and vault toilets, and a dump station on Convict Lake Road. Also nearby is Convict Lake Resort, which has cabins, a general store, horseback riding, restaurants, and hot showers for a fee.
There is also a marina with a boat ramp on the lake where you can rent pontoon boats, V-hull boats, kayaks, pedal kayaks, and pedal boats.
The campground generally opens mid-April and stays open until early October, depending on the weather. Since it’s popular, it tends to fill up fast, so making a reservation is a good idea.
Some campsites are available to reserve on recreation.gov or by calling their toll-free number, while others are first-come, first-served.
One of the best things about the campground is its location right next to Convict Lake, one of the most beautiful and easily accessible alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierra.
The 170-acre lake is popular with anglers who visit to try to catch one of the many massive trout, including rainbow and brown trout. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake regularly during fishing season.
Apart from fishing, the lake and surrounding areas are popular for hiking and biking, with many nearby trails. One of the highlights is the 2.5-mile Convict Lake Loop Trail, a family-friendly, relatively flat path that circles the lake. The views along the trail of the lake and surrounding mountains are unbeatable.
Nearby campgrounds include McGee Creek Campground and Crowley Lake Campground.
Fees
| Season Dates | Site Type | Nightly/Daily Rates |
|---|---|---|
| April 26, 2024 - October 26, 2024 (Peak Season) |
Standard Nonelectric | $33.00 |
| $2.00 /holiday additional | ||
| Tent Only Nonelectric | $33.00 | |
| $2.00 /holiday additional | ||
| April 25, 2025 - October 25, 2025 (Peak Season) |
Standard Nonelectric | $33.00 |
| $2.00 /holiday additional | ||
| Tent Only Nonelectric | $33.00 | |
| $2.00 /holiday additional | ||
| October 26, 2024 - April 25, 2025 (Out of Season - No Booking Available) |
N/A | |
Reservations can be made by visiting recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Season / Opening and Closing Dates
| Season Dates |
|---|
| April 26, 2024 - October 26, 2024 (Peak Season) |
| April 25, 2025 - October 25, 2025 (Peak Season) |
Directions
From the junction of Highway 395 and Highway 203 in Mammoth Lakes, drive south on Highway 395 for 4.5 miles to reach Convict Lake Road. Turn right on Convict Lake Road. Continue on Convict Lake Road for 2.4 miles to reach the turn off for the campground on the left.
GPS Coordinates: 37.59506,-118.84813
Map
Nearby Campgrounds
| Campground Name | Miles Away |
|---|---|
| McGee Creek Campground | 4.03 miles |
| Crowley Lake Campground | 4.65 miles |
| Sherwin Creek Campground | 5.38 miles |
| Pine Glen Campground | 7.02 miles |
| New Shady Rest Campground | 7.22 miles |
| Old Shady Rest Campground | 7.41 miles |
| Coldwater Campground | 8.06 miles |
| Pine City Campground | 8.35 miles |
| Lake Mary Campground | 8.7 miles |
| Twin Lakes Campground | 8.82 miles |
| Lake George Campground | 8.85 miles |
| Aspen Group Campground | 9.02 miles |
| Iris Meadow Campground | 9.13 miles |
| Big Meadow Campground | 9.4 miles |
| French Camp Campground | 9.48 miles |
| Holiday Campground | 9.88 miles |
| Tuff Campground | 9.95 miles |
Nearby Fishing
| Name | Miles Away |
|---|---|
| Convict Creek | 0.22 miles |
| Convict Lake | 0.65 miles |
| McGee Creek | 3.91 miles |
| Hot Creek | 4.68 miles |
| Sherwin Lakes | 5.42 miles |
| Sherwin Creek | 5.52 miles |
| Crowley Lake | 6.1 miles |
| Mammoth Creek | 6.96 miles |
| Lake Mary | 8.5 miles |
| Lake Barrett | 8.67 miles |
| TJ Lake | 8.74 miles |
| Twin Lakes | 8.92 miles |
| Lake Mamie | 8.94 miles |
| Lake George | 8.97 miles |
| Crystal Lake | 9.31 miles |
| Horseshoe Lake | 9.4 miles |