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Camper submitted image from Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground

Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground

Independence Creek flows directly behind this 38-site campground, providing a soundtrack of running water and opportunities for trout fishing. Located six miles up the road from Independence, the campground divides into upper and lower sections, with some sites positioned right along the creek beneath riparian trees while others sit within the surrounding sagebrush.

Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box, with several featuring distinctive rock ovens. Site configurations vary considerably - some offer privacy surrounded by brush while others provide more open arrangements. The narrow layout accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, though one reviewer noted the longest trailer should be 24 feet. Clean restroom facilities serve both sections of the campground.

Laura M. found "a really nice small creek runs behind the campground" during her late March visit when she had the entire place to herself initially. Cell service proves inconsistent, particularly for Verizon and T-Mobile users, though AT&T typically maintains 1-2 bars of 4G coverage.

The campground operates from March through October with full services including drinking water and a camp host during peak season. Winter operation continues with reduced amenities and no fees. The location provides access to surrounding mountain exploration while remaining close enough to Independence for supplies.

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Location

Public Campground

Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground is located in California

Directions

Take Highway 395 to Independence. Turn west on Market Street (that turns into Onion Valley Road) and follow road 6 miles. First gate accesses sites 36-52. Second gate is 1/4 mile up road and accesses sites 1-35. Manager is on site #7.

Coordinates

36.78165025 N
118.28554075 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 4 users

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 4 users

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+18774446777

Drive Time

3 hrs 7 min from Bakersfield, CA
4 hrs 10 min from Visalia, CA
4 hrs 17 min from Hanford, CA
4 hrs 39 min from Fresno, CA

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the beautiful mountain setting with well-spaced sites along Independence Creek and clean facilities. Space constraints limit larger RVs, and seasonal operations affect services during winter months.

Randy W.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 9, 2025

Upper gray meadows

Has 38 sights mix of rv and tent sights very narrow sights longest trailer 24 feet beautiful view trees and a creek

Siteb28

Month of VisitOctober

Laura M.

Legend

Reviewed Mar. 31, 2021

Beautiful mountain views

Beautiful small campground at the foot of the mountains, easily accessed from the small town of Independence and about 45 min drive north to Bishop.

Campground is currently open (March), but in winter operation mode. No water, no host, no firewood, and no fees. Campground open date is April 25, not sure when winter season starts. Price is $25 when open.

There are toilets but they are closed at this time and there are porta potties instead.

There are trash bins that are unlocked, but the website says that there is no trash service during the winter season so be prepared to pack out your trash if needed.

Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear box. Some sites have a cool rock oven/stove. Each site has a unique configuration, some being more private and surrounded by brush, and some more out in the open.

A really nice small creek runs behind the campground.

We arrived on a Monday in late March and had the entire place to ourselves for a night. The next day several other campers showed up.

Cell service is very iffy, especially for Verizon and T-Mobile. AT&T mostly had 1-2 bars of 4G. However, just a few miles down the road on the way to Independence there is excellent service from all carriers.

Really nice campground. $25 seems a bit high but this would be a great place to stay while exploring the surrounding mountains.

Site43

Month of VisitMarch

(7) View All

Tod F.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 14, 2020

Nice setting below Onion Valley

Nice spaced out sites with trees for shade. 6 miles up the road from Independence. This campground was still open early Nov when others up the road were closed. Very attractive.

John P.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2020

Perfect low Sierra campground!

The campground is split into upper and lower sections. Both of which have some sites located right along Independence Creek and beneath the canopy of the riparian corridor. There other sites are located within the sagebrush. Clean facilities and trout fishing from an appropriately placed hammock within the right campsite.

Site13

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Grays Meadow Campground located and how do I get there?

Grays Meadow Campground is located about 6 miles up the road from the small town of Independence in the Eastern Sierra region. The campground sits at the foot of the mountains and is split into upper and lower sections. It's easily accessible by car from Highway 395, making it a convenient stop when exploring the area. The location offers a beautiful mountain setting with Independence Creek running through the campground, and is about a 45-minute drive north to the larger town of Bishop.

What amenities and facilities are available at Grays Meadow Campground?

Grays Meadow Campground offers clean restroom facilities and campsites with varying levels of shade. The sites are well-spaced, with some located directly along Independence Creek in the riparian corridor, while others are situated in sagebrush areas. During the main season, amenities typically include water, a campground host, and firewood for purchase. However, during winter operations (which can include March), these services are reduced with no water, host, or firewood available, and camping fees are typically waived. The campground provides access to trout fishing in Independence Creek.

What do reviews say about Grays Meadow Campground?

Grays Meadow Campground receives positive feedback for its beautiful mountain setting and attractive environment. Campers appreciate the well-spaced sites with trees providing good shade. The campground's location along Independence Creek is highly valued, especially sites in the riparian corridor. Visitors note the clean facilities and enjoy recreational activities like trout fishing. The campground's extended seasonal availability is also highlighted, with some visitors noting it remains open in early November when other nearby campgrounds have closed for the season.

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