A gray 4x4 Sprinter with a roof rack on a two-track through a wildflower meadow, cloud sitting on the mountains behind.

Forest Service group campground

Obsidian Flat

Forest Service group campground in Inyo National Forest, Mono County, California. About 7,800 feet. 7.7 miles from Mammoth Lakes.

Managed by
Forest Service Inyo National Forest
Elevation
About 7,800 ft As the Forest Service states
Sites
1 1 group standard non-electric
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Mono County

Overview

Obsidian Flat Group Campground, located just outside of Mammoth Lakes, California, provides an opportunity for a group to enjoy a secluded getaway in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. With a peaceful forested setting and mountain views, the campground's location is perfect for relaxing and spending time in nature.

The area is popular for exploring the surrounding forest and geology, as well as nearby hiking, bicycling, fishing and off-road vehicle riding options.

Recreation

The eastern Sierras are known for their exceptional trout fishing. Campers can try their luck in Deadman Creek.

The majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Deadman Creek Trail leads hikers into the spectacular Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Facilities

One group camping area can accommodate one group of up to 50 people, and up to five RVs (up to 40 feet in length) or 15 vehicles at a time. The site is fairly primitive and is equipped with a picnic table, vault toilet, campfire ring and bear-proof locker for food storage.

Natural Features

The campground is named after an obsidian lava flow nearby. It is situated in a pine forest at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Deadman Creek is adjacent to the facility, and several lakes are down the road.

Many species of wildlife call the mountains home, such as black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and numerous fish and birds.

Nearby Attractions

Hikers can access the scenic Ansel Adams Wilderness via nearby trails, and Yosemite National Park is a great day trip.

Ansel Adams Wilderness

Yosemite National Park

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • camping
  • hiking
  • off highway vehicle trails
  • wildlife viewing

The land around Obsidian Flat

The ringed pin is this group campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Interactive map. Drag to pan, scroll or pinch to zoom, and select any point to see which agency manages the land. Arrow keys pan and the plus and minus keys zoom when the map has focus. A list of every state with its share of federal land is on the Explore page.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated February 25, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.