Lost Creek Group Campground

Overview

If you’re bringing a crowd, this is the group-camping sweet spot on the north side of the park. Lost Creek Group Campground is reservation-only with just eight group sites, tucked under big ponderosa pines about five miles south of Manzanita Lake. It’s simple, quiet, and puts you close to several marquee areas without the bustle of the bigger campgrounds.

Campsites and Amenities

Each group site is built for 10–25 people and allows up to six cars or one bus/RV. RVs and trailers are fine up to 40 feet, but there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. You get the essentials: picnic tables, campfire rings, and bear-resistant food lockers, plus potable water and vault toilets. The nearest dump station is up at Manzanita Lake.

Setting and Vibe

Shaded by tall pines near little Lost Creek, this is classic high-country forest camping at about 5,700 feet. Expect cool nights even in summer, and a mellow, communal feel—perfect for multi-family trips, scout groups, and meetups that want space to spread out without losing that back-to-nature vibe.

What’s Nearby

You’re a quick drive from Manzanita Lake for non-motorized boating and barbless, artificial-only, catch-and-release trout fishing. The Devastated Area and Summit Lake are close by, with trailheads peppered up and down the highway. Loomis Museum is an easy hop, while Kohm Yah‑mah‑nee Visitor Center is roughly a 45-minute drive on the park road.

Wildlife Notes

Bear lockers aren’t for show—store all food and scented items. Around camp you’ll hear and see forest birds, and dusk/dawn are the liveliest times. Keep a clean site and you’ll keep wildlife wild.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot once the park highway opens. With only eight group sites, prime weekends book out fast; weekdays are calmer. For nearby lake time and photography, early mornings and late afternoons bring softer light and calmer water at Manzanita Lake.

Know Before You Go

• Reservation-only group campground; have your confirmation ready.
• No hookups or showers; vault toilets only.
• Potable water is provided in season; in late-season cold snaps it may be off for freeze protection.
• Little to no cell coverage—download maps and plans ahead of time.
• A park entrance fee is required for all vehicles.
• Pets are allowed in camp on a 6-foot leash but not on park trails.