- Forest Thinning (Summer 2026): The Coldwater area is part of an active forest restoration project. Expect potential chainsaw and chipper noise, along with dust, near the campground loops during weekdays as crews work to thin the forest density.
- Construction Note: Reds Meadow Road is under construction and hopes to open in 2026. However, at this time, it is unknown if the campgrounds in the Reds Meadow Valley will open. This potential closure affects nearly 150 campsites in the area, meaning displaced campers will likely flood Coldwater Campground. Book exactly 6 months out.
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. You get plenty of shade and the sound of the water all night.
Bear Safety: This entire basin is active bear country, so food storage rules are strict everywhere. However, Site 009 is particularly notorious. This was the location of the 2025 incident involving “Victor,” a well-known local bear who was sadly euthanized after getting a little too close to campers and their food. If you book this site (or any site), keep your camp clean and use the lockers. Don’t be the reason another bear gets in trouble.
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
- Fees & Reservations (2026)
- Campground Map
- Amenities & Rules
- 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 recommended. (Expert Note: While Recreation.gov lists sites like #29 as 38ft, the driveway grade is classified as “Severe.” Trailers over 30ft risk grounding out their jacks/bumpers on the granite incline).
- 2026 Season: May 22, 2026 – September 26, 2026
- Reservations: Essential. 100% of sites are reservable 6 months in advance.
- First-Come, First-Served: None.
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
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.
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: Variable. Verizon is dead in the canyon. T-Mobile users often get usable LTE/5G signal due to line-of-sight with the Chair 25 towers on Mammoth Mountain.
- Generator Hours: Strictly enforced (usually 8am-10am and 5pm-8pm).
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 located inside the campground (near Site 35). Pro Tip: Hike just 1.5 miles to Skelton Lake. It is stunning, easy for families, and unlike Lake Mary, you are allowed to swim there.
- Creek Fishing: You don’t need to drive to fish. Anglers frequently catch small brook and rainbow trout right from the banks of Coldwater Creek. (Note: Clean fish at the nearby marina, never at your campsite!)
- Lake Mary: The largest lake in the basin is a short walk away. Note that swimming is prohibited (it’s drinking water), but it’s a great spot for renting pontoon boats and trolling for trophy trout.
- Mammoth Consolidated Mine: A preserved 1920s mining camp located just across the Duck Pass Trailhead parking lot. It’s a flat, easy history walk that feels like a ghost town.
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 |
| Sherwin Creek Campground | 3.93 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 |