Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground
02 reviews798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514
Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Perched along the crystalline waters of Rock Creek, Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground serves as your launching pad into the legendary John Muir Wilderness. This intimate walk-in campground offers 10 secluded sites nestled among ancient lodgepole pines and granite boulders, where backpackers gather for one night before embarking on their alpine adventures. Previous visitors rave about the breathtaking mountain vistas that greet you at dawn and the convenient trailhead access that puts you mere steps away from some of the Eastern Sierra's most spectacular backcountry.
The campground is strictly for walk-in tent camping for backpackers preparing for wilderness trips.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping at the doorstep of the John Muir Wilderness, a pristine landscape that inspired one of America's greatest conservationists. This protected wilderness embodies the very spirit of preservation that John Muir championed, offering modern adventurers the same untouched beauty that captivated early Sierra explorers and continues to shape our understanding of wild places worth protecting.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Mother Nature keeps you on your toes with dynamic mountain weather. Early and late season adventurers might wake to a dusting of snow on their tents, while midsummer brings crisp, clear days with temperatures climbing to a comfortable mid-60s°F. As darkness falls, the thin mountain air cools quickly to the mid-40s°F, making that sleeping bag feel extra cozy under a canopy of stars.
ElevationAt a breathtaking 10,200 feet above sea level, this campground puts you in the realm of the alpine giants. The thin mountain air here tells your body you've entered a different world—one where every breath reminds you of the altitude, where morning coffee takes a bit longer to brew, and where the proximity to the sky makes the stars seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle murmur of Rock Creek as it tumbles past your tent, carrying fresh snowmelt from the peaks above. Towering lodgepole pines provide natural shelter while massive granite boulders create private alcoves for each campsite. From here, trails wind upward into a landscape of alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and meadows that burst with wildflowers, offering endless opportunities for photographers and nature lovers to capture the raw beauty of the John Muir Wilderness.
Geological RegionThe Eastern Sierra Nevada reveals its dramatic geological story at every turn around Mosquito Flat. This is a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic forces, where massive granite formations rise from forests of hardy lodgepole pines. Crystal-clear streams fed by snowfields high above have carved their paths through this rugged terrain, creating the spectacular high-altitude ecosystem that defines one of California's most treasured mountain regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeThe sites are standard-sized, walk-in only, and designed for up to 10 single tents.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are tucked among Lodgepole pines and boulders along the east bank of Rock Creek, providing some natural cover and privacy.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Rock Creek may offer better views and ambiance due to proximity to the snowmelt-fed stream.
Best CampsitesAll 10 campsites are similar in layout and accessibility, catering primarily to backpackers.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Single night use only.
Groups
There are no designated group sites at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features walk-in sites clustered along the east bank of Rock Creek amidst lodgepole pines and boulders.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through November 3.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; walk-in basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-in only; first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers access to extensive hiking trails and fishing opportunities in the scenic Rock Creek area. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment and the wildlife around the area.
Hiking
Access to the Rock Creek Trail, an 8-mile trail leading into the John Muir Wilderness, is available. This trail provides connections to a network of other trails, offering beautiful views and a variety of hiking experiences.Fishing
Fishing is available in the snowmelt-fed Rock Creek and nearby lakes, with species such as Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Alpers trout.Wildlife viewing
The area is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned in the materials.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned. Note that access to the campground is closed in winter as Rock Creek Road closes seasonally.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policy information provided.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground is in active bear country, requiring proper food storage in bear boxes to avoid fines.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 17.4 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, 798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514, Phone: (760) 873-2500.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through November.
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers are likely expected to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Rock Creek, a snowmelt-fed stream.
Common complaintsPotential for mosquitoes, as noted in user reviews: 'The campground is well named—bring repellent.'
HostNo campground hosts are available at this site.
Campground Map
798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514
Driving directionsExit Highway 395 at Tom's Place (approximately 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, 30 miles north of Bishop). Follow Rock Creek Road (FS 12) to the end, about 10 miles. This road is closed in winter.
The campground is accessible via Rock Creek Road, a paved road that is closed during the winter season.Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes, approximately 13 miles south
Bishop, approximately 30 miles north.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found at Tom's Place near the Highway 395 exit, approximately 10 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Mosquito Flat Backpacker Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Campers appreciate the campground's pristine natural environment and proximity to hiking trails. However, the high altitude and lack of amenities are potential challenges for some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the 'beautiful views' and the convenience of using the site as a base for hikes. The proximity to trailheads and the serene environment were commonly highlighted.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users mentioned the 'altitude will make you breathe heavy' and noted the lack of amenities such as drinking water and showers.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bear repellents and use the provided bear boxes to store food. Be prepared for high altitudes and bring enough water as there is no potable water available on-site.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to November 3. Reviewers enjoy the summer and early fall months when trails are accessible, but the site is closed in winter.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Hiking from here is great with beautiful views.' - Brian Etheridge.
2. 'Easy enough with kids, although the altitude will make you breathe heavy if you're not used to it.' - Brian Etheridge.
3....
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite reviews are provided, but all 10 sites seem to offer similar access and amenities.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are noted as wheelchair accessible; no further accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are permitted but must be leashed in all developed recreation areas.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025