Camping in the High Sierras is not as easy as it once was, however this fact offers one the ability to explore and remove oneself from their comfort zone. Â French Camp campground was the result of just this fact for me and as result, I found a little gem in the High Sierra. Â
On our last trip, we planned on visiting and exploring the High Sierra. Immediately, we planned on returning to Convict Lake. Perhaps Lake Mary or Twin Lakes Campground in Mammoth Mountain however all of these campgrounds where sold out for our time period. I did not want to relocate our campsite during the course of our trip.
Each campsite had quite a bit of room and the undergrowth was such that you did have a bit of privacy. There was a lot of trees to offer shade on a warm June day. Each location had a table and fire ring. The soil is sanding and this old campground has quiet a bit of soot and charcoal mixed into to it from years of fires. This could mean an interesting and frequent clean up period with children.
The flush bathrooms were centrally located and cleaned on a regulate basis. Rock creek ran along the northern side of the campground and allowed for easy creek access for fishing.
French Camp , like many High Sierra Campgrounds does have California Black Bear from time to time. During our stay, there was bear activity. One report had a bear come into camp while a family was having dinner. This bear apparently helped itself to several rolls while the family looked on.
French Camp Campground is just one a string the campgrounds along Rock Creek. The campground host at French Camp was a very personable man, who did a great job keeping the place clean and greeting the campers.
Directions
From Bishop go north on Hwy 395 approximately 23 miles to Tom’s Place. Turn southwest on Rock Creek Road and go approximately one mile to the campground on the right.
Campground Summary
| Campground Name | French Camp |
| Latitude, Longitude | 37.552500, -118.679167 |
| Sites | 86 |
| Elevation | 7200 ft |
| Ammenities | Bear Boxes, Fire rings, Table, Flust Toilets, Shower, Water, Camp host |