California
About
Cedar Flat Group Campground
Cedar Flat Group sites are popular with academic institutions for geology field trips. With no nearby light sources, the night sky is brilliant for star gazing and night photography.
Natural Features:
Cedar Flat is in the Inyo National Forest, east of the Owens Valley in the White Mountains. The campsites are at an elevation of 7,300ft. and located in an arid landscape dotted with pinyon and juniper trees, rabbit brush and sage.
Recreation:
A perfect location for star gazing, geology and hiking.
Facilities:
Three large group camp sites can accommodate between 25 and 50 people. Each has a picnic shelter with table, campfire ring and vault toilet. There is no water at this location nor is there a natural water source. The nearest source for water, food, or fuel is 12 miles away in the town of Big Pine, CA.
Nearby Attractions:
White Mountain Peak is the third highest peak in California at 14,246 feet. Trails in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest lead to the oldest living trees in the world.
Access
Drive In
Operator
USDA Forest Service
Contact
Location
Cedar Flat Group Campground
is located in
California
Directions
From Big Pine go east on Highway 168 APPROXIMATELY 11.5 miles and turn left into the campground entrance. The junction of 168 and White Mt Road (to the BRISTLECONE PINES) is about 1/2 mile beyond the campground entrance. Highway 168 is narrow and steep. RVs and large vehicles should note a section of the road is a single lane with very limited visibility. UPHILL traffic has the right of way, BUT BE prepared to stop and back up to the last wide spot if necessary.
1 Review of Cedar Flat Group Campground
First to Review
This campground may not be best for the average camper, but is designed for geology field camps. Close to many wonderful geologic hot spots, this campground has three very large group sites perfect for classes. There are large common areas with picnic tables and fire rings and several pit toilets. I spent a month here in summer 2012 and the weather was great! My class was mapping most of the week in the infamous poleta folds with several field trips to other interesting and relevant sites. The campground was our home base. While there are no showers, there is an accessible section of the Owens River that is nice for a swim and a quick rinse with eco-friendly water safe soaps (like dr. bronners). The infrastructure of the camp was central to the site meaning there were small tent villages spreading in all directions from the tables and toilets. This ensured that the class didn't get too annoyed with each other. Again while i wouldn't recommend this for most campers - there are other campgrounds not too farther up the road - this is a great site for classes and large groups.