Fishing, creek-side walks, and natural springs draw campers to Big Springs Campground in Inyo National Forest, where a creek running close to the sites gives the area a distinct character that reviewers consistently mention. The campground sits at roughly 25 to 26 sites, all first-come, first-served, with no reservation system in place. It operates seasonally from April through November, and at least one visitor found it closed by mid-October, so arriving earlier in the season is the safer bet.
Shade varies considerably from one site to the next. Some sites sit under large conifers, and as Paul C. notes, "trees are big and provide shade," though others are fully exposed. The ground throughout much of the campground is loose dirt, which can become dusty, particularly when off-highway vehicles are active in the area. Site leveling is inconsistent. RVs up to 40 feet are technically accommodated, but maneuvering into some spots requires skill. A camp host is typically on-site during the season.
Cell coverage is weak. Most campers report one bar or none without a signal booster, so plan accordingly if you need connectivity. Vault restrooms are on-site and have been noted as clean. Pets are welcome. For those planning a broader trip through the region, the places to camp around Inyo National Forest include dispersed options nearby, such as Owens River Road Dispersed just 0.4 miles east, which may suit campers wanting more space or solitude. Arriving midweek during summer improves your odds of securing a site with both shade and creek proximity.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Springs Campground is located in California near Inyo National Forest
Directions
From Mammoth Lakes, CA take State Rt. 203 east 1 mile to US Rt. 395. Bear left onto Rt. 395 (north) to Lee Vining and go 7.3 miles to Owens River Rd sign. Turn right at sign and go 2.1 miles to campground on left.
Coordinates
37.74900073 N
118.94000075 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/4/26- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/4/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 8/4/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/4/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 8/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 47 min from Merced, CA
- 4 hrs 37 min from Fresno, CA
- 5 hrs 6 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 8 min from Hanford, CA
