Coldwater Campground - Inyo NF (CA)
federal · CA
- dump station3.8 mi
- fuel station3.6 mi

CLM · Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
Overview Coldwater Campground is located high in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The surrounding national forest provides many opportunities for family fun, outdoor recreation and relaxation. Hiking, fishing, road cycling and picnicking are just some of the favorite activities available to campers. Recreation Coldwater offers easy access to fishing for rainbow, brook and brown trout in Lake Mary. Major trailheads lead into the backcountry. Several interesting trails offer a variety of hikes, including the 5-mile Duck Pass Trail, which climbs the forested hillside behind the campground and passes several lakes before heading over Duck Pass to join the John Muir Trail. Facilities Campsites are organized into two loops, with sites fairly close together and near either creek. Pressurized water spigots and flush toilets are provided throughout the facility, and there are picnic tables, campfire rings and bear-proof food storage lockers at each campsite. Natural Features This campground sits in a pine forest at an elevation of 8,900 feet. Large and small boulders are strewn about the campground. Coldwater and Mammoth Creeks run alongside the campsites. Crystal clear Lake Mary, one of several lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, is nearby. The Eastern Sierras are abundant with wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds. Nearby Attractions Visitors can explore the magnificent John Muir Wilderness, which stretches 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially-carved terrain. Hiking and horseback riding trails are abundant. Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- 3.8 mi
dump station
Dump station
- 3.6 mi
fuel station
Norco Texaco
- 3.2 mi
grocery
Vons
- 1.8 mi
potable water
Potable water
- 0.4 mi
trailhead
T.j. Lake Trailhead
- 1.0 mi
attraction
Viewpoint
- 0.6 mi
recreation site
Lake Mary Fishing Site
Contact & access
- CA
Reservations & demand
June weekends are typically reserved about 96 days ahead.
Based on 264 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/6/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.

