Today’s write-up is based off of a known landmark called Toms place located up in Northern California. This small resort as it’s called, Is nestled up next to the base of the Sierras. It’s been a stopping point for millions of travelers since its inception in 1917. The property has changed hands multiple times since the original builder Hans Lof set it up, currently now in the hands of the Layne Family , whom apparently have done a fantastic job of keeping it up. The road nearby winds it’s way up into the mountains following Rock Creek all the way to the actual lake itself.
There are cabins, food and basic grocery necessities here. I don’t think I’ve ever driven by this place without stopping by at least . Even if I don’t need anything, I’ll always purchase something and mill about for a bit. Places like these need every bit of help they can get. Bishop, CA is only 25 miles south and they have everything you could possibly need right? Toms place is just like that corner store that Mom used to buy milk at. Except in his case, instead of serving the neighborhood kids cookies and lemonade, they serve the traveling world with good food and a rustic adventurist ambiance. Giving a place like this your business is just good karma.
What makes this place even more special is what it’s connected to. With the advent of google maps and the internet, hunting down camping spots in remote areas is pretty much like shooting fish in a bucket. But the details that we record while physically there are infinitely better then what stateliest imagery can display. Toms Place is conveniently located on route 395 and Rock Creek road. Technically this falls under the Zip code for Lake Crowley. (Excellent fishing!). Regardless of what is or isn’t nearby on Rock Creek Road, within 50 miles of this place you can find a spot so beautiful, you never want to leave. And these spots are around every corner just waiting for you and your gear to enjoy a weekend.
Rock Creek Road and the extended hiking trails offer no less than 8 campgrounds to choose from. In addition to the dispersed camping that is allowed on the trail head towards the Sierra lakes. As you leave Toms Place you hang a right and start driving up into the mountain Abyss. Within seconds you are greeted by your first camping opportunity that is French Camp.
French Camp has fresh drinking water, flush toilets and Bear Boxes. With a little over 50 sites available in the campground there is room for quite a few. Less than a third of the Campsites are actually near the creek. Due to the close proximity of Route 395, the southern portion of this campsite is more desirable because of the roadway noise. Directly across the road is Holiday campground, as far as I have seen it’s used as an overflow camping spot and I’ve personally never seen it open nor in use.
Exiting French Camp and heading up the mountain the next camp spot usually isn’t available as it’s a Group Camp. Aspen Group Camp to be exact, I would check with the forest service and or recreation.gov to find out availability on this one.
Moments after passing the group campground another one looms right around the next bend called Iris Meadows campground. With only 14 sites available at any time, this site does not take reservations so first to get there gets the spot. Like usual, there are multiple sites directly next to the water that make the small site atmosphere here even that much more pleasant. Fresh Drinking water and flush toilets adorn this site, as they do at most of the campsites located on Rock Creek Rd.
Next stop on our way to the top of this road is a place called Big Meadow Campground. The name Big Meadow fits well, but the campsite itself is not that large. Only 11 sites total, but with a few more sites next to the river, Flush Toilets and drinking water. It’s another camping opportunity that’s just waiting for us.
The next site we see up the mountain is a few miles away. There are actually two in a span of a few minutes. Palisades Group Campground, used to be a regular site for tourists. Unknown when they swapped to a group campground.
But no worries, right up the street are the, what I like to call the Camping Capitol of Rock Creek Road. East Fork campground is larger than most in the area with over 130 campsites to choose from.
This campsite is well taken care of, from trails, to roads to Bathrooms. Everything is virtually spotless. The hosts obviously change every year but I assume there must be some word of mouth that keeps bringing back the best camp hosts. The stream runs the entire length of the campground and almost year round one can find a few trout to catch.
If you’re lucky, you’ll snag one of the good spots on the river. With roughly 23 spots right along the creek, if you get here early enough you might even be able to get one without a reservation. Highly unlikely though as this once hidden campsite has been exposed as a quality, easily accessible spot. If you are heading up north and need a placed to sleep. This place will probably be your best chance to get a campsite without reservations, sans the on the river spots.
The next spot on Rock Creek Road that is available for us is called Pine Grove. And yes, before you ask, it is in a nice thick grove of Pines. No online reservations are taken, so get here early. No flush toilets, but plentiful amounts of safe drinking water. With 11 campsites total, the odds of a quick nap here are slim to none. The next place we see will have all the amenities we need.
Now we are reaching the end of the road, literally. Rock Creek Resort looms ahead right before the lake itself. Here you can get hot food, showers and any basic supply. When Toms place was doing renovations in the 1920’s this place was just being built. But it has withstood the test of time as well as the test of many winters completely snowed over.
The lake itself has 2 campgrounds, the group campground and the Family campground. These are by far the most popular sites on the mountain, don’t expect a walk up site here without a reservation unless it’s late in the season. With custom made BBQ sauce, Rental cabins and boar rentals. This is a must stop, even if it’s just to say you did. If you have an interest in fishing the local lakes the employees here are extremely knowledgeable. They produce a fish report on Rock Creek and the surrounding areas fairly often during peak season.
Finishing out the Mountain Road, there is another site that’s actually walking only. You can park at Rock Creek Lake parking and pack it in. Mosquito Flats has its name for a reason, though it’s not so much flat as a wonderful summer home for those blood sucking friends. Conveniently, the start to the Mosquito Flats Trail head is also located here. Just know this is considered a backpackers camp and stays are limited to one night only per camper.
From this trail head you can reach quite a few lakes in a short distance. Serene Lake, Eastern Brooke Lakes, Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake, and Chicken Foot Lake are within a 5 mile radius. If you want to expand your radius, there are even more lakes to explore just past the Morgan Pass.
All in all there is a ton of places to stop, stay and enjoy just on this small stretch of mountain road. Just remember a few things about the area. A lot of the sites are at the bottom of a steep canyon. It gets darker and colder a little faster than usual here. Wildlife is active; the bear boxes protect you from bears yes. But Squirrels, birds, and critters in general are highly deterred when the bear boxes are used.
Rock Creek Road and all the campsites sit above 8000 feet, dress appropriately and remember that weather stops for on one, so why should you stop for it. Be prepared and aware and nothing can stop you from enjoying your stay in the mountains.
Keep your fires small and your spirits high!
