At 8,900 feet, Coldwater Campground is the biggest campground in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. It sits right by Lake Mary and the Duck Pass trailhead, so it’s a great spot to stay if you’re planning to spend your time hiking or fishing.
The best sites are the ones right on the banks of Coldwater Creek or Mammoth Creek, which both flow right past the campground. You get plenty of shade and the sound of the water all night, which makes it one of the more peaceful places to camp. It feels remote once you’re settled in, even though Mammoth Lakes is only a 10-minute drive back down the road.
Just keep in mind the elevation. It stays much cooler here than in the valley or in town, so while the days are great, you should expect afternoon thunderstorms and nights that can drop below freezing.
Distance to Town: 5.5 miles (10 min drive)
Elevation: 8,900 ft
Best For: Fishing (Lake Mary), Hiking (Duck Pass), and creek-side camping
Quick Navigation
- At a Glance
- Amenities & Rules
- Campground Map
- Fees & Reservations (2026)
- Getting Here
- Area Highlights
At a Glance
Coldwater is the largest and most popular campground in the basin. Unlike the desert campgrounds, this area is lush, green, and heavily shaded.
- Total Sites: 76 (Note: Many sites are sloped/uneven).
- Max RV Length: 30 feet (No hookups).
- 2026 Season: May 22, 2026 – September 26, 2026
- Reservations: Essential. 100% of sites are reservable 6 months in advance.
- First-Come, First-Served: None. (Cancellations may be available at the camp host entrance booth, but do not rely on this).
Amenities & Rules
Available Amenities
- Flush Toilets: Yes, available throughout the campground.
- Potable Water: Spigots are available throughout the campground.
- Bear Lockers: Large metal lockers at every site. Mandatory for all food/toiletries.
- Fire Rings: Yes, with grates.
- Picnic Tables: Standard heavy wood tables.
Restrictions & Notes
- Hookups: None. Dry camping only.
- Showers: None on-site. (Showers available for a fee at the nearby Twin Lakes Store).
- Cell Service: Spotty/Poor. AT&T sometimes works; Verizon is often dead.
- Generator Hours: Strictly enforced (usually 8am-10am and 5pm-8pm).
Campground Map
Coldwater Campground is arranged in several loops between the two creeks. Use the map below to find prime waterfront sites, such as Sites 8–15 (Mammoth Creek side) or Sites 29–31 (Coldwater Creek side).
Note on Map Labels: This map may label some sites as “First Come First Serve” (FF). Please ignore these labels. As of 2026, all sites are 100% reservable.
Fees & Reservations (2026 Season)
Season Dates: May 22, 2026 – September 26, 2026
| Site Type | Nightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard Nonelectric | $33.00 |
| Tent Only Nonelectric | $33.00 |
| Walk-To | $33.00 |
| Extra Vehicle Fee | $10.00 / night |
When to Book
Reservations open at 7:00 AM PST on a rolling 6-month basis.
To book for the opening weekend (May 22, 2026), you need to be online on November 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM PST.
Your reservation covers 1 vehicle. If you bring a second car, you must pay the $10/night fee to the camp host upon arrival.
Ready to Book?
Check Availability on Recreation.gov
Getting Here
- From Highway 395, turn WEST on Highway 203 towards Mammoth Lakes.
- Stay on Highway 203 as it drives through town. It eventually becomes Lake Mary Road.
- Continue for 7.4 miles (passing Twin Lakes and Lake Mary). Look for the sign for “Coldwater Campground” and turn LEFT onto Around Lake Mary Road.
- Drive 0.6 miles. The campground entrance will be on your LEFT.
Area Highlights
- Duck Pass Trail: The trailhead is literally at the back of the campground. One of the best day hikes in the Sierra.
- Lake Mary: The largest lake in the basin. Note that swimming is prohibited (it’s drinking water), but it is a trout fishing paradise.
- Marinas: Both Pokonobe Lodge and Lake Mary Marina offer boat rentals, tackle, and general store supplies just down the road.
- Mammoth Consolidated Mine: A cool historic ghost town/mining site located just across the Duck Pass Trailhead parking lot.
Nearby Campgrounds
| Campground Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Pine City Campground | 0.5 miles |
| Lake George Campground | 0.83 miles |
| Lake Mary Campground | 0.85 miles |
| Twin Lakes Campground | 1.42 miles |
| Old Shady Rest Campground | 3.92 miles |
Nearby Fishing
| Spot Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Lake Mary | 0.54 miles |
| Lake Barrett | 0.64 miles |
| TJ Lake | 0.81 miles |
| Lake George | 0.91 miles |
| Lake Mamie | 1.08 miles |