This is the review that I'm going to be disowned for writing. The upside of writing about different campsites across California (and someday the entire United States of America) is that it'll get you out exploring the different campgrounds in the state. The downside is that I'll have to compete with you for some of my favorite camping locations and face the possibility of being disowned by the Michalak family.
The Michalak's call this campground "Rob Creek." They have been hosting their family reunions here for at least 30 years. I was fortunate enough to have married into the fun. Grandma Debbie has the date set on her calendar 6 months in advance and stays up until midnight to book the 4 campsites that make for the best 14 days of camping ever.
Each of these sites (I'm talking about our favorite 4) sits right on Robinson Creek, which is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. If you have a skilled or lucky angler hand, you might catch one of the native brown trout. According to Tom Steinstra, Twin Lakes (two miles up the road) is known for some of the largest brown trout in the west. Wading through the cool creek, searching for the perfect pocket where fish may be hiding, feels fantastic in the scorching summer heat. Rafting (haha! We're seriously just inner tubing) the level 1 "rapids" of the creek is another fun activity.
For the younger kids, we've made little swimming holes lined with river rock on the banks of the creek.
A few years ago, Uncle Billy hit the jackpot of ideas and rented an RV from Bridgeport Vacation Trailer Rentals. He was able to get the site across from our normal walk-in sites, which is zoned for tent or RV camping. The rental company dropped off the RV for the week and then picked it back up for cleaning after he left. He took it a step further the next year by bringing dehydrated food and simply boiling water for each meal. I'm telling you, this guy is a genius. He spent his entire vacation relaxing in nature without adding on extra chores or responsibilities. #hero
The landscape of each Robinson Creek campsite varies greatly. It's easiest to break the campground down into northern and southern sides.
Robinson Creek North
The northern side of Robinson Creek Campground is primarily intended for RV or trailer campers. There are 27 sites in total, one is the camp hosts' site. 8 of these can be reserved and the other 18 are first-come-first-served. The sites are intended for up to 6 people with the exception of site 40 which is a multiple family campsite and will fit up to 12 people. Some of the sites in Robinson Creek North don't fit a tent, others will fit one or two small tests.
Most of the campsites on this side of Robinson Creek are in direct sun, with few pine trees shading the area. You can see what I mean by clicking here. Prepared RV campers bring pop-ups for some shade. Most just leave their sites for the day and enjoy the activities in the area. Parking spurs and the campground road are paved. Most sites feel private and are spaced well apart from each other.
Robinson Creek South
The best campsites are found on the southern end of Robinson Creek Campground We try to get 11-14 which are walk-in sites at the southernmost end of the campground. When we are able to get all 4 sites, a magical family reunion is created. All of these sites are well shaded by Jeffrey pine trees and are large in size. some fitting 3 tents. Don't be fooled though, you are only allowed to have 6 people at any of the spots. You can see the sites here.
Robinson Creek South has a mixture of RV only, RV and tent and tent-only sites. There are 21 reservable campsites here. 2 of the campsites are first-come, first-served only. Even with the shade, these sites can get hot in the summer heat and you'll want to plan some water play for the day time.
Bonus Amenities
For the people who like to shower in this world, have to fear. Though there are no showers at this campground, there are coin-operated showers at Twin Lakes Resort (Annett's Mono Village) about two miles south on Twin Lakes Road. If that's too far, there are also showers and laundry one mile down Twin Lakes Road on the right (just before Lower Twin Lake). I don't recall it having a name but it's the only building that exists between Robinson Creek Campground and Twin Lakes.
Activities
The Boys' Hike Into Hoover Wilderness 2006
This is not an exhaustive list but it's a pretty darn good one -
- Hiking (the Hoover Wilderness is incredible)
- Dirt biking
- Climbing
- Fishing (lake and stream)
- Horseback riding
- OHV trail riding
- Hot spring dipping ( don't miss out on this adventure...especially at night when you can see all of the stars)
- Day trips to Bodie Ghost Town or Bridgeport
- Boating on Twin Lakes
REI has an article that maps out some of the great hiking and biking trails and some of the climbing locations in the area.
What to Bring
Fishing pole, hiking shoes, bathing suit, inner tube, mosquito spray, pop up tent.
Reviews
People are giving this campground a 5/5 star rating! By people, I mean both of them. Each of these reviews is from families that have been camping here for years.
Favorite Sites
11-16
Pick your own favorite sites or check these out here.