Convict Lake and Crowley Lake, located in Mono County, California, are highly sought-after destinations for fishing enthusiasts, RV travelers, and outdoor adventurers who seek a serene retreat in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Convict Lake is set against the striking backdrop of Mount Morrison. Its pristine alpine environment sets the stage for world-class fishing, camping by the lakeside, and picturesque hiking. The lake area spans 168 acres, is 30 feet deep, and sits at an elevation of 7,580 feet. The turquoise-blue water and the dramatic mountains surrounding it make for a picture-perfect setting. A public launch ramp is available, making exploring the lake's natural beauty a breeze.
Crowley Lake, sprawling across 5,280 acres and boasting depths of up to 126 feet, is home to a variety of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout that will surely make your fishing experience unforgettable. Besides fishing, the Convict Lake Trail offers breathtaking views and moments of tranquility. The surrounding wilderness will delight outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for boating, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife photography.
Convict Lake and Crowley Lake offer an incredible experience waiting to be explored. Anglers can test their skills and create wonderful memories with every cast. And for nature enthusiasts, it's a canvas of exhilarating landscapes to be embraced. The magic of this region, the serenity, and the thrill of the catch are all here, waiting for you to savor! RV camping here can be a great way to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors for the ultimate adventure.
Feast Your Eyes: A Gallery of the Convict Lake and Crowley Lake Region
Campgrounds in Convict Lake and Crowley Lake
Welcome to Adventure in Camping, where we help enhance your camping experience and connect you with the beauty of Convict Lake and Crowley Lake!
We understand the importance of creating lasting memories with your loved ones and strive to make your camping trips as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, we have something for everyone.
Discover the comfort and joy of the Convict Lake and Crowley Lake campgrounds we serve!
Please be advised that if you plan to rent a generator for use at a campground located at an altitude greater than 7,000 feet, you may need to upgrade to a larger generator. This is necessary for the proper functioning of both the generator and trailer during your stay. It is important to ensure your equipment works correctly throughout your stay to avoid any unnecessary interruptions.
For more information, contact us at (844) 385-1863, send us a message.
Convict Lake and Crowley Lake Camping
The family-operated campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra are widely regarded as some of the best RV and tent-camping facilities in the Western United States. The owners are dedicated to keeping the premises clean and inviting and are famous for their warm hospitality. Visitors can be confident they will have a stress-free and pleasant camping experience at these campgrounds.
The Owens River, just a few steps away from your campsite, is a great place for fishing. Nature enthusiasts can savor the panoramic views of the Sierra sunset every evening. Other activities you can enjoy include swimming, mountain biking, off-road, hiking trails, and wide-open space for kite flying (with no power lines for miles).
Campground Facilities:
- The campground offers over 80 RV and tent sites, RV storage, and handicapped facilities.
- Coin-operated laundry and hot showers are exclusively for guest use.
- There is a camp store and cafe and ice, fishing tackle, wood, and fire pits are available for purchase.
- Peaceful surroundings are valued, and there are designated quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. During these hours, using generators, playing music, or making noise are discouraged.
- Dogs are allowed but should be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
- The campground and store are open from late April through September 30th.
Directions:
Drive North on Highway 395 past Crowley Lake. Then turn right at the Green Church onto Benton Crossing Road.
Convict Lake Campground is located a short walk from Convict Lake and is situated along Convict Creek. It sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet, providing stunning lake views and mountain scenery. The area is filled with shrubs and low vegetation, and tall aspen and cottonwood trees grow along the creek.
The area is abundant with wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika, and many species of fish and birds. The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for exceptional trout fishing, and anglers can cast a line for rainbow and brown trout in the creek or lake. Power boats are limited to electric motors on the lake (six horsepower or less).
The campground and nearby resort offer many amenities for a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. The lake and surrounding national forest provide many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation, and relaxation. In addition, the 3.5-mile Lake Trail can be accessed from the campground, and many other trails are in nearby John Muir Wilderness.
Campground Facilities:
- The campground offers campsites with bear lockers.
- While many sites are flat and suitable for RVs, there are no hookups available.
- Showers may be purchased at nearby Convict Lake Resort.
- A dump station is located along Convict Lake Road, just 1/4 mile from the campground.
- Other features include a designated area for setting up a tent, a fire pit for cooking or warmth, a message system for alerting occupants with special needs, and accessibility options.
Directions:
Convict Lake Campground is 34 miles north of Bishop, California, on Highway 395. To reach the campground from Bishop, take Highway 395 North and look out for the well-signed turnoff across from Mammoth Yosemite Airport. If you are coming from Mammoth Lakes, travel south on Highway 395 for 5 miles and then turn west off the highway.
Camping at Crowley Lake Fish Camp gets you in the middle of all the action. You can quickly access the biggest fish on the Eastside and be just a short drive away from Convict, Rock Creek, McGee, and the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Campground Facilities:
- There are RV sites with full hook-ups and some dry camping options.
- Fires are permitted, and generators are approved between 7 am and 10 pm.
- The Crowley Lake Marina offers fuel, ice vending, fishing tackle, restrooms, and showers.
- For your convenience, there is also a snack bar and a small convenience store on-site.
Directions:
To get to Crowley Lake Fish Camp from downtown Mammoth Lakes, head southeast on CA 203 S/Main St. Turn left onto Crowley Lake Dr. Continue onto South Landing Road. You will reach Crowley Lake Fish Camp after following South Landing Road.
Crowley Lake RV Park, which is open year-round, is a great central location to explore the many fishing spots in the area. You can enjoy a wide range of fishing techniques, such as fly-fishing, bait fishing, trolling, and lure fishing, from shore, on a float tube, on a boat, or by walking along a stream. And if you need to rent a boat, the area offers several options, and local tackle shops cover all your fishing needs.
This area caters to hikers as well, with many wonderful day hikes ranging from 2 to 15 miles away. You can explore the Eastern Sierras in the backcountry. Meanwhile, if water sports are your thing, Crowley Lake offers waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and sailing. Finally, if you're looking to slow down, you can simply enjoy nature, birdwatching, sunrises, sunsets, and wildlife — or just hang out!
Campground Facilities:
- The campground offers three types of camping areas: full hook-ups (water, electricity, CATV and sewer), water and electricity sites, and tent camping.
- The facility provides clean showers and restrooms, as well as coin-operated laundry services and sewer drain per site.
- Fire circles, grills, and picnic tables are available for outdoor activities.
- There is a general store across the street for shopping essentials (including great pizza!)
- Wi-Fi access is available to stay connected with the world, and a 24-channel cable TV covers your entertainment.
Directions:
To reach Crowley Lake RV Park, head southeast on Highway 395 South, then turn left onto Crowley Lake Dr. Continue onto South Landing Road and keep going until you arrive at your destination.
Looking for a place for your next family camping? McGee Campground offers a sunny and pleasant location for outdoor activities. The campground's proximity to Highway 395 and the adjacent John Muir Wilderness makes it a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, fishing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, hunting, photography, and geology study.
The campground is in a vast area filled with silvery white sagebrush and is close to a meadow lined with aspens, which offers a magnificent view of the high mountain peaks in the John Muir Wilderness. Accompanied by the flowing waters of McGee Creek, with some sites located along the banks of the water, the campground is at an elevation of 7,600 feet.
The area is known for its jaw-dropping scenery and challenging trails, attracting hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The McGee Creek Trailhead, which is just two miles away from the campground, is a well-liked route. In addition, the fishing at McGee Creek and nearby Crowley Lake is among the finest in the area. And the area's unique geology draws people who enjoy rock collecting!
Campground Facilities:
- Each site has a picnic shelter, bear-proof lockers are provided for food storage, and firewood can be purchased on-site.
- The roads and camping spurs are paved.
Directions:
From Highway 395, you can reach McGee Creek Campground by taking the McGee Creek exit. This exit is 8 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and 37 miles north of Bishop. Once you take the exit, proceed 2 miles south up the paved McGee Creek Road. You will find the campground on the left side of the road.
McGee Creek RV Park and Campground is in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,800 feet. Surrounded by tall trees and serene fish ponds, it makes a great spot for a peaceful stay. The camp hosts are renowned for their exceptional hospitality and will ensure you have a comfy and grand time in the Sierras.
Campground Facilities:
- The campground offers RV sites for those with or without hookups, as well as tent camping options.
- Enjoy easy access to hot water showers during your stay.
- For a modest fee and with no license required, guests can fish in our privately owned ponds.
- Bring your furry friends along on a leash to enjoy the park, or let them run free in the dog park.
- Open from the last week of April until the first week of October.
Directions:
Start at McGee Creek Road in Crowley Lake, then head southeast on McGee Creek Road. Continue straight to stay on it. You will arrive at McGee Creek RV Park and Campground on your right.
Immerse Yourself in the Thrilling Outdoor Experiences Convict Lake and Crowley Lake Have in Store!
Adventure in Camping is here to help guide you through selecting the perfect campground and trailer for your next outdoor adventure.
Contact us to learn more about our trailer rental options and begin planning your trip! Call (844) 385-1863 today.
Nearby Attractions
Explore the captivating attractions near your Convict Lake and Crowley Lake campgrounds, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and diverse points of interest.
- Mammoth Lakes
- Lake Sabrina, South Lake, North Lake
- Bishop Country Golf Club
- Bristlecone Pines
- Owens Valley Gorge
- The Happy Boulders
- John Muir Wilderness
- Hill Top Hot Springs
- Hot Creek Geological Site
- Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow
Convict Lake and Crowley Lake Camping Reservations: Details To Be Aware Of
Please note that Adventure in Camping does not own the campgrounds but rather rents trailers that are parked in the campground of your choice within our service areas. Each campground has its own rules and regulations, and you and Adventure in Camping are obligated to abide by those rules.
It’s possible and recommended to book campsites in advance, and you are responsible for making your reservations. Sometimes, the campsite you desire may not be available; Adventure in Camping can help make recommendations on other camping spots if such is the case. Also, keep in mind that some campgrounds only allow a certain percentage of sites to be reserved, while the rest are kept open for walk-up or "first come, first served" camping.
To make reservations at privately owned campgrounds, you can call the campground directly, go through a reservation service, or book through their websites. For Forest Service campgrounds, you can call 877-444-6777 or go online and book at https://www.recreation.gov.
When renting a trailer, the chosen campsite must be able to accommodate it safely. We also recommend considering the grade of the campsite. A steep grade can cause the trailer steps to be high off the ground, making it difficult to enter. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide additional steps at the campsite. Also, there are no refunds or credits if we are unable to park and set up the trailer safely at your chosen campsite.
Adventure in Camping is pretty familiar with the campgrounds and most campsites. If you are unsure if the trailer you are renting will fit, give us a call. We’re happy to help!
If you are having trouble deciding where to camp, please feel free to call our reservation office for assistance. We may suggest alternative campgrounds close to your desired area but not on a reservation program or are already full.
Camp safe by making sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency situation with the ReadyMono Emergency Management and Mono County’s Emergency Services.
Any questions? Find the answers to help you plan your next getaway in our Frequestly Asked Questions.
Hear It From Our Happy Campers!
From Our Family to Yours, Happy Camping!
Adventure in Camping is a family business that started in 1959 under the name June Lake Junction Trailer Rentals. Initially, we had around ten primitive travel trailers, which were located at June Lake Junction (US 395 and South State Route 158 junction). These trailers had no running water, flush toilets, or operating refrigerators and were only slightly better than a tent.
Today, Adventure in Camping has evolved into a provider of unique and easy camping experiences. You can select from over 15 different models of vacation travel trailers; then, we will park the trailer of your choice at any of the 80 campgrounds in the Sierras!
Camping has always been a cherished tradition in our family, and we are delighted to share it with our customers. Thank you for considering our services, and we hope you enjoy your outdoor adventure as much as we do!
If you’re looking for a stress-free camping adventure, we’ve got you! Kickstart your Convict Lake and Crowley Lake camping by reaching out to us via email at reservations@adventureincamping.com or by calling (844) 385-1863.