Palisades Group Campground
03 reviews170 Rock Creek Rd #54, Tom's Place, CA 93546, USA
Palisades Group Campground
$95.00 - $95.00 / 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$95.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for group standard non-electric sites during peak season is $95. Rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges. Reservation service fees include $8 for online bookings, $9 for contact center bookings, and $3 for in-person bookings.
About this campground
Tucked into the heart of Inyo National Forest, Palisades Group Campground offers an intimate escape where Rock Creek's gentle murmur provides the soundtrack to your mountain adventure. This spacious retreat, designed with large families and groups in mind, features a thoughtfully arranged loop of campsites that balance togetherness with privacy. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, exploring scenic mountain trails, or simply gathering around the campfire under a canopy of stars, Palisades creates the perfect backdrop for making memories that last a lifetime.
Palisades Group Campground is designed primarily for group camping, accommodating up to 25 people. It includes features for tent camping and serves as overflow for nearby group sites.
Historical SignificanceThe surrounding region pulses with mountain culture and tradition. Each Memorial Day weekend, the nearby town of Bishop comes alive with the legendary Mule Days celebration, honoring the pack animals that helped build the American West. Come mid-July, jazz enthusiasts flock to the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee, where smooth melodies float through the mountain air, creating an unexpected but delightful fusion of alpine scenery and soulful sounds.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Palisades is nothing short of magical, with comfortable days hovering around 66°F and crisp nights dipping to a refreshing 43°F—perfect for campfire stories and cozy sleeping bags. The eastern Sierra's famous blue skies reign supreme here, with rainfall so rare it seems almost forgotten. As winter approaches, the campground transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, though access becomes challenging as nature reclaims the high country until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,800 feet above sea level, Palisades sits in the realm where the air grows thin and the views grow spectacular. This high-altitude haven demands respect—visitors should take time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and listen to their bodies as they adjust to the mountain environment. The elevation that makes this campground so special also requires a bit of mindfulness to fully enjoy.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 8,800 feet, Palisades Group Campground occupies a dramatic steep canyon where Rock Creek has carved its path through millennia. Towering lodgepole pines and shimmering aspens create a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. This is wild country, where black bears amble through the underbrush, mountain lions patrol distant ridgelines, and mule deer graze in meadow clearings. Listen carefully and you might hear the sharp whistle of pikas among the rocks or catch a glimpse of a pine marten darting through the trees, while overhead, a symphony of mountain birds fills the air with song.
Geological RegionPalisades rests within the majestic eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers into a masterpiece of steep canyons, pristine alpine lakes, and soaring granite peaks. This geological wonderland tells a story written in stone—of ice ages past, of mountains thrust skyward, and of patient streams carving their signatures into the earth. Every vista reveals another chapter in the Sierra's epic geological narrative, making this campground a basecamp for both adventure and wonder.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the source materials or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe group campground accommodates up to 25 people, making it suitable for larger groups.
Sites PrivacyThe private loop provides a degree of seclusion for group campers.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIdeal for groups up to 25. Recommended to reserve a year in advance for best summer availability.
Best CampsitesGroup site for up to 25 guests surrounded by aspen trees and lodgepole pines.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in by noon of the scheduled arrival date.
Check-out
Check-out by noon the day following arrival.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay: 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 25 guests per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 25 people and features five tables and campfire rings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is a private loop with five tables and campfire rings. It is designed for group use.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16th to October 11th during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, through their app, or by contacting the call center.
Walk-in AvailabilityReserved sites will be held until noon the day following the scheduled arrival date. Sites must be occupied by checkout time to retain reservation.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before scheduled arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations less than 14 days before arrival also forfeit the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, especially fishing and hiking. Local lakes and streams provide excellent trout fishing, while hiking trails wind through Rock Creek Canyon and around alpine lakes. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with abundant species in the area.
Hiking
Several trails are available in Rock Creek Canyon, featuring high-elevation alpine lakes and picturesque scenery. These trails are accessible within walking or driving distance.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight at the campground. Anglers can catch brook, brown, rainbow, and stocked Alpers trout in Rock Creek, and possibly golden trout in the backcountry.Boating
Boating activities are mentioned as part of the recreational opportunities, although specific details such as types of boats allowed are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and various species of fish and birds. Visitors often engage in wildlife photography and observation.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby events like Mule Days in Bishop over Memorial Day weekend and the Mammoth Jazz Jubilee in mid-July offer cultural enrichment.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not addressed in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not explicitly mentioned, but boating activities suggest some potential.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be enforced due to dry weather conditions. Campfires allowed only in designated rings during unrestricted times.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wild animals such as black bears and mountain lions, steep terrain, and altitude sickness due to the high elevation.
Active alertsSeasonal fire restrictions may limit campfires and charcoal use.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17.6 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
Available emergency services include the hospital and police station in Bishop, California, approximately 30 miles away. Additionally, a ranger station is located nearby within Inyo National Forest.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16th to October 11th for 2025 and similar dates in 2026.
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned; visitors are generally expected to keep a clean camp and mitigate environmental impacts.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Rock Creek and within driving distance of alpine lakes.
Common complaintsLimited lighting at night; campers are recommended to bring additional light sources. Parking can be restrictive during busy periods.
HostCampground hosts are available to assist visitors.
Campground Map
170 Rock Creek Rd #54, Tom's Place, CA 93546, USA
Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 395, take the Tom's Place exit, 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes or 30 miles north of Bishop. Turn left on Rock Creek Road and follow for about 6 miles to Palisades Group Campground on the right.
The road is accessible year-round except for seasonal weather closures. Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, impacting campfires or charcoal fires.Nearby places
Mammoth Lakes - 13 miles (approximately 20 minutes)
Bishop - 30 miles (approximately 40 minutes)
Tom's Place - within 6 miles.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be accessed in Tom’s Place within 6 miles or in Bishop, 30 miles away. Mammoth Lakes also offers a variety of supply options within 13 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Palisades Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest a highly positive experience, emphasizing the cleanliness of the facilities, the scenic environment, and the availability of flush toilets. The campground is prized for its group-friendly setup and proximity to nature activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms, the private and well-shaded camping setup, and the helpfulness of the campground host.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
A few users suggest bringing additional lighting for evening hours due to dim lighting conditions.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers recommend reserving well in advance to secure preferred dates during peak season. Campers should bring proper lighting and ensure food is stored securely due to wildlife.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months receive high praise due to favorable weather and accessibility to outdoor activities. Winter seasons may see reduced usability due to high elevation and potential road closures.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
'The bathrooms were very well kept and clean it was nice to have flushable toilets up here.' - JACLENE A; 'Cool location with nice water nearby.' - IAN J; 'You need to reserve a year in advance for...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user reviewed campsite G01 in the group loop positively, highlighting the overall management and environment of the campground.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not provide specific insights into pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025