Established Camping
Grays Meadows
Grays Meadows, near Independence, California, is a charming campground tucked away in the Inyo National Forest, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. With its picturesque setting alongside Independence Creek, you’ll find a mix of shaded spots under oak trees and open areas that offer stunning views of the Sierra night sky.
This campground is pet-friendly and allows campfires, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to unwind together. Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the facilities and the welcoming campground hosts, who go out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay. One camper noted, “The campground managers are amazing and were so welcoming,” which speaks volumes about the atmosphere here.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Grays Meadows is an ideal base for hiking, especially for those tackling the Kearsarge Pass. The nearby creek is not just a beautiful backdrop; it’s also stocked with trout, adding a little fishing adventure to your trip. Just be mindful of the wildlife—keeping your food secured is a must!
While some sites may be a bit tight for larger groups, many campers have enjoyed the privacy and tranquility that this location offers. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Grays Meadows provides a refreshing retreat into nature.
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.
Location
Grays Meadows is located in California
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
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 5 min from Bakersfield
- 4 hrs 7 min from Visalia
- 4 hrs 15 min from Hanford
- 4 hrs 37 min from Fresno
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
