A gravel road curving into a high mountain valley at first light, the peaks catching the sun.

Forest Service campground

Sherwin Creek

Forest Service campground in Inyo National Forest, Mono County, California. About 7,600 feet. 2.8 miles from Mammoth Lakes.

Managed by
Forest Service Inyo National Forest
Elevation
About 7,600 ft As the Forest Service states
Sites
85 70 standard non-electric, 15 walk to
Longest rig
60 ft The longest vehicle any site is listed for
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Mono County

Overview

Sherwin Creek Campground is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains within 2 miles of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. Popular among anglers, hikers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts and photographers, the campground is near some of the most spectacular wilderness and outdoor recreation areas in the Sierras.

Recreation

With a motocross track and trails, Sherwin Creek is a hot spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The area's majestic scenery and challenging trails are also a draw for hikers. The Valentine Lake Trail and additional trailheads provide access to the John Muir Wilderness.

The eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. Anglers can try for rainbow trout in the creek.

Facilities

This large campground has campsites organized into three loops, all within walking distance of the creek. Several tent-only, walk-to sites make up another loop in a secluded area on either side of the creek. Sites have a native surface and plenty of shade.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in a shady forest of Jeffery pine, bordered by aspen-lined Sherwin Creek. The elevation is 7,600 feet. Wild roses and other flowers bring color to the landscape in spring and early summer.

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

For campers interested in local events, the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee is hosted in Mammoth annually in mid-July. Several other events and amenities are available in town.

Many great day trips for sightseers are available in the area, such as Yosemite National Park, Mono Basin and Devils Postpile National Monument.

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

What people do here

  • biking
  • boating
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • horseback riding
  • hunting
  • visitor center

The land around Sherwin Creek

The ringed pin is this 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 September 1, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.