Iris Meadow Campground
4.3810 reviewsRock Creek Rd, California
Iris Meadow Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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
Overnight use is charged at $35 per single site, with a $10 charge per additional vehicle. America the Beautiful Access/Senior Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by the pass-holder only. Payments are accepted via cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled in a serene alpine meadow, this intimate 13-site campground forms a welcoming loop around a verdant grass clearing, with a peaceful spur extending toward the melodic waters of Rock Creek. While most sites bask in open sunshine and accommodate RVs up to 26 feet, sites 3-8 offer a cooler retreat beneath a natural canopy, creating perfect havens for tent campers and pop-up trailers. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with its own picnic table and grill, with firewood readily available for those crisp mountain evenings around the campfire.
Iris Meadow Campground features a variety of camping options including primitive tent sites and combined sites for small RVs and tents. No group or cabin accommodations are available.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty alpine perch, Mother Nature paints each season with dramatic brushstrokes. From late spring through early fall, temperatures dance between brisk 35°F mornings and pleasant 75°F afternoons, while afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through to water the wildflowers. Summer rewards visitors with crystalline blue skies and comfortable humidity levels, though wise campers always pack layers—snow can dust the landscape during shoulder seasons, reminding everyone of the mountain's wild heart.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,400 feet above sea level, this high-altitude sanctuary offers visitors a true alpine experience. Here, the thin mountain air carries the crisp scent of pine and sage, while the elevation creates a natural refuge from summer's heat, transforming ordinary camping into an extraordinary mountain retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of quaking aspens, aromatic sagebrush, and stately lodgepole pines embraces the campground, creating a diverse ecosystem that shifts with the seasons. Come late spring, the central meadow transforms into nature's own gallery as wild irises paint the landscape in brilliant purple hues. Throughout it all, Rock Creek provides the soundtrack—its crystalline waters rushing over ancient stones, creating a natural white noise that lulls campers to sleep. For those seeking solitude, the thoughtfully spaced sites offer surprising privacy, especially within the shaded embrace of sites 3-8.
Geological RegionCradled within the majestic Inyo National Forest, Iris Meadow Campground occupies a special pocket of high-altitude paradise where aspens shimmer like nature's wind chimes alongside graceful willows and towering lodgepole pines. This tranquil alpine ecosystem centers around a picturesque grass meadow bisected by the lively Rock Creek, creating a sanctuary renowned among those who seek peace, natural beauty, and the spectacular seasonal display of wildflower blooms that give the campground its poetic name.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available at this campground.
Sites SizeThe campground features sites of varying sizes suitable for tents and small RVs up to 26 feet in length. Sites 3-8 are shorter and better suited for tents or pop-up campers.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are well-spaced, offering good privacy. Sites on the spur are shaded by Aspen and Lodgepole pine trees, providing a secluded environment.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites 3-8 for shade and privacy; avoid creek-side sites if strict enforcement of distance rules is concerning (based on user reviews).
Best CampsitesSites 3-8 are noted for privacy and shade due to their location among aspens and lodgepole pines.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unspecified
Check-out
Unspecified
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days allowed per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unspecified
Groups
Group camping sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop encircling a meadow, with a spur featuring shaded sites suitable for tents and small campers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 11 through October 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are only available on a walk-up basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellation policies are not detailed.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Iris Meadow Campground is set against a serene natural backdrop with activities centered on enjoying the outdoors. The rushing sounds of Rock Creek provide a soothing ambiance, with fishing being a popular activity. Wildlife viewing is implicitly supported by the surrounding habitat of aspens and willows.
Fishing
The campground is close to Rock Creek and offers fishing opportunities for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Alpers trout. User reviews report mixed experiences with fishing; some found it enjoyable, while others described it as 'OK but not great.'Wildlife viewing
While wildlife viewing is not explicitly mentioned, the presence of aspens, willows, and Rock Creek suggests a rich natural environment conducive to spotting local fauna.Winter Activities
User reviews and official sources did not indicate any winter recreation options.Water Sports
Water sports are not available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is common; improper food storage could result in fines (minimum $150). Mosquitoes are noted as a nuisance during warmer months.
Active alertsSeasonal winter damage may cause closures (as noted by reviews).
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
White Mountain Public Lands Information Center; Address: 798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514; Phone: (760) 873-2500; Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through October.
Trash and recyclingThe authoritative sources and reviews do not provide specific information regarding trash and recycling facilities or schedules.
Proximity to water featuresRock Creek runs adjacent to the campground, offering sounds of rushing water and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include host enforcement of rules perceived as arbitrary (e.g., tent distance from creek) and high site fees relative to amenities provided.
HostUser reviews mention Robert as a well-regarded host but also describe instances of abrupt rule enforcement.
Campground Map
Rock Creek Rd, California
Driving directionsFrom Mammoth Lakes, CA, take State Rt. 203 east 0.9 miles to US Rt. 395. Bear right onto Rt. 395 (south) to Bishop and go 15.2 miles to Tom's Place sign. Turn right after sign onto Rock Creek Rd and go 4 miles to campground on right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though parking aprons are dirt. RV waste station facilities are located across from French Camp campground (no potable water). Maximum vehicle length is 26 feet.Nearby places
Bishop (approximately 23 miles north), Mammoth Lakes (approximately 15.2 miles south).
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at Rock Creek Lake Lodge (having a little store and offering breakfast and coffee). Additionally, larger grocery and camping supply stores are available in nearby Bishop, approximately 23 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Iris Meadow Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Iris Meadow Campground are mixed, offering insights into its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, but also highlighting issues such as the enforcement of rules and the campground's pricing.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to Rock Creek, and its peaceful atmosphere. Fall colors in October were noted as stunning, and the sound of the creek was deemed soothing.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include high pricing for the amenities offered, passive-aggressive behavior of the camp host, and the strict enforcement of rules such as maintaining a distance of 100 feet from the creek,...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent, being prepared for rule enforcement, and practicing safe food storage techniques given the active bear area. One user highlighted the convenience of...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Users highlighted the campground's beauty during fall, especially in October. Weather trends indicate that late spring and early summer are ideal for enjoying the blooming wild irises.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The campground was beautiful. There's a wonderful Creek that runs through it and the fall colors were amazing in October.' - User review by Luana Barajas
2. 'Nice and quiet and fairly small so...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 3-8 are shaded by Aspen and Lodgepole pine and offer more privacy, making them ideal for tents and pop-up campers. Sites on the loop are open and can accommodate larger RVs.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are minimal. Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed in all developed recreation sites.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025