Convict Lake Camping & Kayaking in the Eastern Sierra
Hi friends! I’ve spent the last month driving up and down Highway 395 chasing the fall colors, and last week I had an unforgettable camping and kayaking experience at Convict Lake in the Inyo National Forest. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this crystal-clear alpine lake is a paradise for photographers boaters, anglers, and campers alike. Whether you're pitching your tent at the scenic Convict Lake Campground or gliding across the serene waters in a kayak, the stunning mountain views and peaceful atmosphere make this an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With easy access to hiking trails, breathtaking scenery, and year-round recreational opportunities, Convict Lake is the ultimate destination for your next camping and kayaking trip in California’s Eastern Sierra. This travel guide will take you through my Convict Lake adventure, offering tips on how to plan your own trip, complete with recommendations for hiking, photography, and kayaking fun!
Kayaking on Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra
Location
Tucked away in Mono County and the Inyo National Forest, Convict Lake sits just 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, making it an easy and scenic drive from nearby towns. Whether you’re heading north from Bishop or south from Mammoth, the approach to Convict Lake will leave you in awe. The lake itself is framed by the striking Sherwin Range, with Mount Morrison towering over 12,000 feet in the background. As you turn off Highway 395 onto Convict Lake Road, you'll feel like you’re entering a slice of alpine paradise.
Convict Lake before sunrise with Eastern Sierra fall colors
Convict Lake History
The naming of this lake carries a wild, rugged history that only add to its allure. Long before miners arrived in the 1800s, it was called Wit-sa-nap by the Paiute people for it’s magical fish. Early prospectors in the region then dubbed the area Monte Diablo, “Mountain of the Devil” for reasons now unknown. Perhaps they wanted to scare other pioneers off and keep this beautiful spot to themselves! Regardless, you might be wondering—why is this breathtaking place now called Convict Lake? Well, back in 1871, a group of escaped convicts from Carson City, Nevada, fled into the Eastern Sierra and were pursued by a posse of lawmen. A violent gunfight ensued near the lake, giving it its infamous name. The drama and the majestic landscape feel like they’re straight out of a western, but today, Convict Lake is a peaceful retreat where outdoor enthusiasts can experience the best of the Eastern Sierra wilderness.
Kayaking on Convict Lake in Inyo National Forest
My Camping & Photography Gear
I get so many questions about what equipment we use on our adventures, so below I’ve listed out the gear we used on our Convict Lake camping adventure. 😊
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Convict Lake Campground in Inyo National Forest
Convict Lake Campground
The Convict Lake Campground is nestled in a wooded area just a short walk from the shoreline, and many campsites have clear views of the towering peaks that surround the lake. The 85 campsites are well-maintained, offering amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof storage lockers (yes, you’re in black bear country!). There are multiple bathroom facilities conveniently located throughout the grounds as well...and they even have flushing toilets! While some of the sites are great for RVs, there aren’t any hookups here, but you can still enjoy showers at the nearby Convict Lake Resort for a small fee. Convict Creek runs alongside the many of the sites, which is lined with aspen trees that glow brilliantly with yellows and oranges in peak fall season.
You can reserve sites in advance on Recreation.gov, or grab an open campsite on a first come/first serve basis depending on availability.
Astrophotography of the Milky Way over Convict Lake & the Sherwin Range
Sunrise aspenglow over Convict Lake
Convict Lake Photography
One of the best things about camping at Convict Lake is the ability to leisurely enjoy sunrise, sunset, and stargazing along the lake shore...and it makes setting up for photography a breeze (at least when the evening breeze isn’t too intense!). There are multiple spots to set up your tripod along the shoreline, as well as areas to venture down along the rocks to shoot freehand too. The composition from the east shore looking west is the most classic, especially from the marina. There are also a few clearings to the left of the marina that are flat and great for tripods and folding chairs. When there’s no wind, it’s quite a spectacular scene with the Sherwin Range reflecting off the still waters. Bring a wide angle lens to get the whole scene in one shot, and swap in a telephoto lens to capture details on the far side of the lake.
Sunrise: This is my favorite time of day to photograph Convict Lake. It’s the best time to experience glassy reflections before the breezes kick up later in the day. I’d recommend getting there early, at least 30-45 minutes before sunrise to get your composition set up. Use this pre-dawn time to capture some beautiful long exposure shots...the lighting is soft, there aren’t any harsh shadows, and the details on the unique cliff-sides are perfectly visible. Once the sun rises from behind you (and to the left), the sunlight slowly creeps down the peaks with remarkable aspenglow colors of pinks and oranges.
Midday: This is wnen the lake is most busy. People fishing along the shoreline and adventurers enjoying water activities. Depending on the cloud cover, the lighting can be a bit more harsh, but it’s hard to take a bad photo of this lake.
Sunset: Sunset at Convict Lake is pure magic, but it happens earlier than you might expect due to the tremendously tall peaks on the western edge of Convict Lake. The lighting can be difficult to manage since the sun sets in front of you, which causes much of the mountain details to disappear in the backlit environment. Once the sun sets though, those beautiful formations come back into view. Just know that the evening winds will often cause those desirable reflections to fade away.
Night: If you're into astrophotography or you just enjoy stargazing, the lack of light pollution makes Convict Lake a great location for capturing the night sky, shooting stars, and the Milky Way on clear nights. On our recent visit, the galactic center of the Milky Way lined up perfectly over the peaks across the lake, making for a stunning composition. The winds, however, were intense to say the least!...so all hopes of capturing the stars reflected in glassy waters were dashed.
Kayaking on Convict Lake after sunrise
Bestway Hydro-Force Inflatable Kayak on Convict Lake
Kayaking on Convict Lake
With our campsite so close the lakeshore, Nate & I were able to launch our kayaks on the lake early in the morning before anyone else was on the water. The water was so calm and glassy, the conditions were beyond ideal as we glided across the lake’s smooth surface. As we paddled along, the towering cliffs of Laurel Mountain and Mount Morrison loomed above us, their reflections dancing on the water. Fall colors lined the shore, and with the crisp breeze and absolute serenity of the lake, it felt like we were paddling through a dream. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or just love being on the water, Convict Lake is an idyllic spot for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boating. If you don’t have your own vessel, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats, and more at the Convict Lake Marina.
Bestway Hydro-Force Inflatable Kayaks: For this Convict Lake adventure, we brought our Bestway Hydro-Force Inflatable Kayaks. These are super easy to inflate, which only takes a few minutes, and they pack up nicely, making them a great option if you don’t have a vehicle that can accommodate carrying large traditional kayaks. I love these kayaks and have been using them for several months now. They have been extremely durable, scraping up against Yosemite granite boulders and enduring the extremely salty waters of Death Valley’s Badwater Basin. I highly recommend them for anyone just getting started with kayaking. If you’re interested in purchasing, you can find them on Amazon here.
Eastern Sierra fall colors at Convict Lake
Hiking Trails
If you’re a hiker at heart, Convict Lake is a gateway to some incredible trails, each offering unique perspectives of the Sierra landscape. The Convict Lake Loop Trail is a must-do, especially in the fall. This easy 2.5-mile trail circles the lake, offering stunning views of the water, mountains, and vibrant fall foliage. It’s perfect for a leisurely hike or a sunset stroll, with several spots to stop and soak in the scenery (and take photos, of course!).
For those looking for more of a challenge, the Convict Canyon Trail ventures deeper into the rugged beauty of the canyon. This 7-mile round trip hike climbs up from the lake into the heart of the Sierra, where you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks and dramatic rock formations. The hike is moderately strenuous but rewards you with incredible views and a sense of true wilderness. If you have time, this is a fantastic option for a day hike.
Other nearby hikes, like the Laurel Lakes Trail and McGee Creek Trail, are just a short drive away, offering even more opportunities to explore the Eastern Sierra’s diverse terrain. Whether you’re after a gentle walk or a more challenging trek, the hiking around the Convict Lake area truly has something for everyone.
Eastern Sierra fall colors along Convict Lake
Fall Colors
If you’re chasing fall colors in the Eastern Sierra, Convict Lake does not disappoint. The aspens and other Fall foliage around the lake typically peak around mid-October, casting a golden glow across the landscape. The loop trail that circles the lake offers endless views of the changing leaves, with every turn showcasing another breathtaking scene. The contrast between the bright yellows and the deep blue of the lake is simply stunning. You can also enjoy the aspen fall colors along Convict Creek, which parallels the drive from Highway 395 to the lake.
Aspen Grill at the Convict Lake Resort
Convict Lake Resort
If camping isn’t your style, Convict Lake Resort offers charming cabins and upscale amenities just a short walk from the lake. The cabins blend rustic mountain charm with modern comforts, making them the perfect base for exploring the area. After a morning on the lake, we treated ourselves to a delicious breakfast and lunch at the Aspen Grill, which is located on the resort property. The resort also has a general store packed with anything you might need during your stay, as well as fine-dining open in the evenings at the Restaurant at Convict Lake. Keep your eye out for wildlife around the resort...almost every time we drive by here, deer are hanging out on the resort grounds.
Mule deer grazing at the Convict Lake Campground
Know Before You Go
• Seasons and Closures: Convict Lake is open year-round, however the road leading here can be very icy and hazardous during the winter months, requiring chains. The campground typically closes for the season towards the end of October and opens again in mid-April (depending on weather).
• Camping: Campsites can be reserved in advance on Recreation.gov or can be obtained on a first come/first serve basis depending on availability. Check out the official Inyo National Forest website for more info.
• Weather: Weather in the Sierra can be unpredictable. Be prepared for cool mornings and evenings, and always check the forecast before your trip. As mentioned earlier, this area is prone to high winds in the late afternoon and evening, so plan accordingly...and make sure to secure your tent well 😄
• Kayaking: No permits are required for kayaking, but there are restrictions on where you can launch. The Convict Lake Marina is privately owned, so make sure to not enter or exit the water in the marina. There are plenty of areas though along the shoreline that work just fine, including a public boat launch to the right of the marina.
• Wildlife: This is black bear country, so always use bear boxes provided at the campground to store your food and scented items. Please also refrain from approaching or feeding wildlife. Deer is abundant here, so be extra cautious while driving.
• Leave No Trace: Please remember to Leave No Trace Principles and Mountain Manners on your adventures here to keep this wonderful area pristine.
Top 10 Sierra Lakes for Kayaking
Convict Lake
Mammoth Lakes
Twin Lakes (Bridgeport)
Convict Lake during winter
Convict Lake during a summer sunset
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in California’s Eastern Sierra. For a virtual visit of my camping and kayaking adventure at Convict Lake, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Convict Lake looking west from our kayaks
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Looking for the best spot to camp & kayak in the Eastern SIerra Nevada Mountains? Join me today as I share my complete travel guide to a camping & kayaking adventure at Convict Lake in the Inyo National Forest. Located in between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop along HIghway 395, this alpine lake is perfect for photography, fishing, boating, and camping, especially during autumn with the fall colors.