Rock Creek Lake in California is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Covered by miles and miles of pine, oak, juniper and spruce trees, the Sierra Nevada mountains are home to wildlife such as bears, owls and bighorn sheep. Rock Creek Lake offers skiing, hiking, cycling, boating and camping as well as a selection of nearby cabins, ranging from rustic to luxurious.
The cabins offered at Rock Creek Lakes Resort aren’t for you if you plan to spend your vacation lounging about. The allure of these cabins is their practical simplicity, secluded locations and access to hiking, cycling and fishing.
All the cabins include bathrooms and kitchens with gas heat, but they do not have telephones or TVs, which might distract from the beautiful setting.
Boat rentals are available from Rock Creek Lakes Resort, and it has a general store and tackle shop. Open from mid-May through mid-October, expect friendly staff and an emphasis on the outdoors. Prices begin at $160 nightly (February 2010 prices) for two to four people.
Rock Creek Lakes Resort
P.O. Box 727
Bishop, CA 93515
760-935-4311
RockCreekLake.com/resort
Tom’s Place originally was built in 1917, and in its 90-year history has served vacationers heading for Yosemite and fishing destinations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is now run by the Layne family, who emphasize potlucks, live concerts and holiday festivities at the resort.
The cabins at Tom’s Place come with linens and include their own kitchens. It does not have maid service, but it does offer full breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it is open year-round.
Prices for the cabins begin at $65 per night (February 2010 prices). These cabins aren’t fancy, but they are historic and quaint, having been built in the 1930s.
Tom’s Place Resort
8180 Crowley Lake Drive
Crowley Lake, CA 93546
760-935-4239
TomsPlaceResort.com/index.html
Convict Lake Resort is located within hiking distance of Rock Creek Lake. It provides the third-closest set of cabins to Rock Creek Lake. It is open year-round and features access to skiing and to Convict Lake.
Hot springs, horseback riding, ghost-town tours and boating also are featured activities. With cabins suitable for large wedding parties or cozy couples, Convict Lake has something for everyone, unless you want to get away from it all. All cabins have satellite TVs and DVD players.
Convict Lake Resort is pet-friendly. Cabin prices begin at $129 per night (February 2010 prices).
Convict Lake Resort
Route One, Box 24
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
760-934-3800
ConvictLake.com/index.php
