Accessible via paved road with a $34 nightly fee, Grays Meadows operates from late April through October with reservations available through the Forest Service. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet and provides drinking water, restrooms, and firewood for purchase.
Independence Creek flows through the property, creating distinct camping zones that reviewers consistently mention. The lower section offers shaded sites near the creek with larger spaces, while the upper area provides more open terrain with valley views. Val R. notes the lower campground has "wonderful shade and the stream roaring by" with sites that are "very private with large growth around us." Site spacing varies considerably, with some accommodating multiple tents while others prove tight for even two.
Camp hosts maintain the facilities and assist with site selection. Reviews mention oak trees and willows lining the creek, which contains trout according to multiple visitors. The campground serves as a staging area for Kearsarge Pass hikes, located about five minutes down the road. Wildlife activity requires proper food storage, and yellowjackets can be problematic in late summer.
For regional options, campers can explore camping near Seven Pines. Book early for creek-side sites, which fill quickly during peak season.
Description
Overview
Grays Meadows Campground is situated along Independence Creek in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its location on the creek and proximity to the rugged John Muir Wilderness make it a popular hub for hikers, anglers, spring skiers and snowboarders. Opening and closing dates may be dependent on weather conditions.
Recreation
Majestic mountain scenery and challenging trails draw campers to the Onion Valley area for hiking and horseback riding. The well-known and demanding Shepherd Pass Trail, which can be reached just west of Grays Meadows Campground, heads up to alpine lakes and the high peaks of the John Muir Wilderness. Independence Creek is regularly stocked with trophy-size rainbow trout. Anglers flock to the creek for its early trout fishing season, which starts the first weekend in March, ahead of much of the area.
Facilities
The facility consists of an upper and lower campground. The creek borders one side; sites 10, 12, 13, 14, 40, 41, 46 and 51 are closest to the water. Most of the campground is located in a large oak grove, providing shade. The area is frequented by bears so campers must store food in the bear-proof lockers provided on-site. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground.
Natural Features
Grays Meadows Campground offers a wandering creek, both sunny and shaded campsites and a high-desert landscape. It sits at an elevation 6,100 ft. and is bordered on the west by Mt. Williamson and Mt. Whitney, the highest peaks in the contiguous United States. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.
Nearby Attractions
Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGrays Meadows is located in California near Seven Pines
Directions
Grays Meadows is 6 miles west of the town of Independence, California. Take U.S. Highway 395 to Independence. Turn west on Market Street (which turns into Onion Valley Road) and follow for 6 miles. The first gate accesses sites 36-52. The second gate is 0.25 miles up the road and accesses sites 1-35. Campground manager is at site 7.
Address
Independence
CA
Coordinates
36.7688889 N
118.295 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 users
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 users
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
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 5 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 4 hrs 7 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 15 min from Hanford, CA
- 4 hrs 37 min from Fresno, CA
