Sitting at roughly 8,000 feet in Inyo National Forest, Grandview Campground is the closest overnight option to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, just five miles up the road from the Schulman Grove visitor center. The campground runs in one large loop with around two dozen sites, most of them separated by pinyon pine and scrub brush that provide both visual privacy and a natural windbreak on breezy nights. Sites at the western end of the loop face the Sierra Nevada, giving campers open sightlines toward the range.
Bring all the water you need. There are no water spigots on-site, and that detail catches some visitors off guard. Vault toilets are on-site and reviewers consistently describe them as clean and stocked. No cell service reaches the campsites, though one reviewer noted a signal at a vista point up the road. The campground is designated a minimal-noise area, and that standard appears to hold in practice: multiple campers report that even on busy weekend nights, the sites stayed quiet.
The night sky is the other reason people come here. At this elevation, well away from valley light pollution, the Milky Way is visible on clear nights, and the dark conditions have drawn members of the White Mountain Astronomy Club to the area. Amy and Alan R. called it "gorgeous night skies for star watching," and that assessment appears consistently across reviews. Midweek visits tend to mean fewer neighbors; weekends draw more campers, though the loop empties out again by Sunday morning.
Highway 168 up from Big Pine is paved the entire way but winding, narrow, and steep, gaining roughly 4,000 feet over about 25 miles. RVs up to 22 feet have made the drive, though passing opportunities along the road are limited. Cedar Flat Group Campground lies a few miles southeast for groups needing dedicated group sites. The campground operates year-round, but the Bristlecone Forest itself closes when snow covers the upper road, so spring timing depends on conditions. A donation of around $10 is requested at the fee box.
Grandview suits self-sufficient campers who can haul in water and supplies, and who are visiting specifically to access the Bristlecone groves or the White Mountains backcountry.
Description
Grandview Campground is nestled in low hills covered with Pinyon and Juniper. A large open area in the middle of the campground gives a truly grand view of the night sky. The combination of 8,600 foot elevation and no intrusive city lights make this a popular site for star gazers and astronomy groups. Campers are asked to minimize their use of generators and lights so everyone in camp can enjoy a peaceful night of stargazing. Grandview is also the nearest campground to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, just 5 miles to Schulman Grove. The campground has 23 sites spaced on two loop roads. Most sites are flat and sandy with ample shade. Each site has a table, fire ring, and parking for one or two vehicles. Firewood sources are limited. Do not collect wood from live or standing trees.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGrandview Campground is located in California near Bishop
Directions
From Big Pine go east on Highway 168 approximately 12 miles. Turn left on White Mountain Road and drive 5 miles. The campground will be on your left. Highway 168 is very narrow and steep.
Coordinates
37.33351917 N
118.187267 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/21/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/21/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
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
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 39 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 47 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 8 min from Merced, CA
- 5 hrs 9 min from Fresno, CA



































