Crowley Lake Campground
4.3119 reviewsCrowley Lake Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $10 per night ($5 with senior discounts). Dump station fee is $5.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-872-5000BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov
About this campground
Nestled in the Eastern Sierra, Crowley Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 47 thoughtfully designed sites that welcome both RV travelers and tent campers. Each site, accommodating vehicles up to 30 feet, comes equipped with everything you need for the perfect outdoor experience: a crackling fire pit for evening gatherings, a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals under the stars, and a convenient lantern holder to light your way. Fresh drinking water flows throughout the campground, ensuring comfort in this spectacular wilderness setting. Wake up to breathtaking panoramas of shimmering Crowley Lake, the dramatic Glass Mountain ridgeline, and the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada, with McGee Mountain and Canyon painting the perfect backdrop. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, launching your boat for a day on the lake, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply watching for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home, every moment here promises adventure.
Crowley Lake Campground offers a mix of RV and tent camping with 47 first-come, first-served sites. No group camping, cabins, or glamping options are available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of the Eastern Sierra from May through October, when Crowley Lake Campground opens its gates to outdoor enthusiasts. Summer visitors often remark on the area's signature breezes – nature's own air conditioning that keeps temperatures comfortable even on the warmest days. These refreshing winds sweep across the lake, carrying the scent of sage and pine while providing relief from the high-altitude sun. As autumn approaches, the winds gentle, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire stories. When winter arrives, the campground rests beneath a blanket of snow, with cold temperatures transforming the landscape into a crystalline wonderland that awaits spring's return.
ElevationPerched at a spectacular vantage point in the Eastern Sierra, this high-altitude campground offers the crisp, clean air and stunning visibility that only mountain elevations can provide.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be awestruck by nature's grandest theater at Crowley Lake Campground, where every campsite serves as a front-row seat to some of California's most spectacular scenery. The sparkling waters of Crowley Lake stretch out before you, reflecting the ever-changing moods of the Sierra sky. To the west, the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains rise dramatically from the valley floor, their granite faces catching the golden light of sunrise and sunset. Eastward, the ancient volcanic landscape of the Glass Mountains creates a stunning contrast with its otherworldly formations and rich geological history. McGee Mountain stands as a majestic sentinel, its slopes telling the story of millions of years of natural forces at work. As one visitor perfectly captured it: 'There's no campsite where you won't have great views' – a testament to the campground's extraordinary setting where nature's artistry surrounds you in every direction.
Geological RegionSituated in one of California's most geologically fascinating regions, Crowley Lake Campground sits at the crossroads of two magnificent mountain ranges. The ancient Glass Mountains to the east showcase volcanic origins with their distinctive formations and mineral-rich landscapes, while the younger, granite-hewn Sierra Nevada Mountains dominate the western horizon. This unique positioning offers campers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the dramatic geological story of the Eastern Sierra, where tectonic forces, volcanic activity, and glacial carving have created a landscape of unparalleled beauty and scientific interest. Crowley Lake itself fills a basin formed by these powerful natural forces, creating a stunning centerpiece for this remarkable high-desert ecosystem.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not explicitly mentioned, but vault toilets, potable water pumps, and the gravel road to campsites may affect accessibility.
Sites SizeSites are spacious enough to accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. Larger RVs may fit in specific sites like Site 37, which managed to accommodate a 32-foot 5th wheel, tow vehicle, and additional car.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are reported to be spaced out nicely, providing decent privacy. The landscape offers open views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Total Campsites47 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites offer varying levels of shade and space; recommended sites mentioned include Site 5 and Site 37.
Best CampsitesSite 5 offers excellent views of Crowley Lake. Site 37 accommodates larger RVs (32 ft 5th wheel, tow vehicles).
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- Maximum of 14 days at one campground
- 28 days per year across Bishop Field Office campgrounds.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites spaced out nicely. 'A whole row of pull-through campsites for motorhomes.'
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May to October.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not offered.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve only. 'Typically, it's pretty easy to drive in, get a spot, and enjoy a few days at the lake.'
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the campground is first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors frequently enjoy lake and stream fishing, boating, windsurfing, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal fire restrictions may impact campfire activities.
Hiking
Hiking is popular in the area, with trails offering views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Crowley Lake.Fishing
Lake and stream fishing are popular activities, with the lake being a central feature of the recreation area.Boating
The lake provides opportunities for boating, including windsurfing.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a noted activity, with visitors reporting sightings of bears and coyotes. The area’s natural setting makes it ideal for observing local fauna.Winter Activities
A user noted good walking trails in the area during winter, though no other winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Windsurfing is specifically mentioned as a popular activity on the lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within established fire rings; seasonal restrictions may apply during high fire danger.
Hazards
General hazardsWatch out for bears and snakes. Coyotes may be heard howling at night.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000 for emergencies. Nearest town Crowley Lake has amenities 2 miles south.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay to October.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Crowley Lake with boating and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsOccasional lack of toilet paper reported. Windy conditions may make tent setup difficult. Gravel and bumpy dirt roads may pose challenges.
Campground Map
Driving directionsUS Highway 395 to Crowley Lake exit. Proceed west through the Crowley Lake Community for 2 miles. Turn north (right) at Crowley Lake Drive and proceed for 2 miles. Follow sign to campground.
Gravel road from entrance to campsite but doable with a sedan. 'Bumpy dirt road to get to sites.'Nearby places
Crowley Lake - 2 miles south, Mammoth Lakes - 10 miles north.
Nearby supplies
Crowley Lake community, 2 miles south
Mammoth Lakes, 10 miles north, has additional supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.3
19 reviews
Crowley Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Crowley Lake Campground is frequently praised for its affordability, scenic views, and spacious sites. It is considered a quiet and clean campground, but some drawbacks include occasional lack of toilet paper and windiness.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Many visitors highlight the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Crowley Lake, and McGee Mountain. Cleanliness and the tranquility of the site are frequently noted. Visitors also appreciate...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include occasional lack of toilet paper in the vault toilets, uneven campsites, windiness, and the dirt road leading to the campground being bumpy.
Based on 19 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure sites as reservations are not available. Bring your own firewood as it is not sold on-site, and be prepared for wind if camping in a tent. A California...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open from May to October. Summer visitors appreciate the mild weather and the scenic views, while fall visitors mention the tranquility and fewer crowds. Windiness can be an issue...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "The landscape is just phenomenal. Potable water, pit toilets and fire pits." 2. "Great affordable camping. BLM land hosted. Cost $10 a night or $5 with an America the Beautiful card. Cash only."...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 5 offers a view of Crowley Lake, and Site 37 is spacious enough for larger RVs (32-foot 5th wheel and two vehicles).
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not explicitly addressed in reviews, though features like gravel roads and vault toilets may pose challenges for some users.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific pet-friendly features are mentioned. One user noted good walking trails for dogs in the winter months.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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