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The Eastern Sierra landscape surrounding Big Pine, California encompasses diverse camping environments ranging from creek-side forest settings to high-altitude desert terrain. Big Pine Creek Campground serves as a popular basecamp for hikers exploring the John Muir Wilderness, while Grandview Campground offers stargazing opportunities at higher elevations near the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Within a 30-minute drive, campers find options spanning from primitive sites with vault toilets to developed campgrounds with hookups. Upper Sage Flat and Baker Creek campgrounds feature creek-adjacent sites that provide natural cooling in summer months. The region includes both Forest Service and BLM-managed lands, with most developed campgrounds operating seasonally from late spring through fall.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most higher-elevation sites closed during winter months. According to visitor reports, roads to remote areas like Eureka Dunes require high-clearance vehicles. "From Big Pine it is about a 3.5 hour drive, 40 miles of which is off-road. AWD or 4x4 is recommended, same with ground clearance," notes one camper about accessing Death Valley's backcountry from Big Pine. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most campgrounds, particularly at Big Pine Creek and Grandview. Bear boxes are standard at many sites due to wildlife activity. Campgrounds along creeks typically fill first, especially during summer weekends, while more remote locations offer greater solitude but fewer amenities.
Creek-side camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many highlighting the soothing sounds of rushing water. "I chose a site right along the creek which was wonderful to fall asleep to the sounds of rushing water," reports one camper at Big Pine Creek Campground. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer and small mammals, are common at forest campgrounds. Fishing opportunities exist at several locations, with trout ponds at Big Pine Creek and stream fishing at multiple sites. Hiking trails accessible from campgrounds receive special mention, particularly the trail to the glacial lakes from Big Pine Creek Campground. Visitors note that sites with shade are significantly cooler, while exposed sites can become extremely hot during summer days. Most campgrounds feature vault toilets rather than flush facilities, with showers available for a fee at nearby Glacier Lodge.
"We were planning to stay at Sage Flat campground on the road up from Big Pine, but didn’t like it so we continued on to Big Pine Creek CG and we were so pleased!"
"However, next to Big Pine Creek Campground is Glacier Lodge (they share the same entrance road and is privately owned)…and they will rent you a shower for $5/5 minutes."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"In Big Pine, I saw it was OPEN...so up I went. As a motorcycle traveler, 168 is some serious fun, but watch out for the 'tar-snakes'. "
"It's about a 45-minute to one-hour drive to Big Pine, the closest town for supplies."
"We showed up around 6 A.M. when it was still dark in the campground. I knew the general area of the campsite, so we drove around with only head lights to guide us."
"Each campsite has a table, BBQ and located next to Baker Creek. There is also a lovely pond for fishing and lots of shade. Cost is $14 per night."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"The first are lovely shaded sites with the rear of the site adjacent to Big Pine Creek. They have tree cover but are really open to the neighboring sites."
"We usually spend July up near Lee Vining, but we wanted to see what camping in October was like. Getting to Upper Sage isn’t tricky, it’s just very inconspicuous."
from $29 / night
Check Availability"Some have water dripping on trees and there were many wasps around them (16,18). Site 12 is primo. The campers at the sites near the entrance were noisy but it was much quieter on the east end."
"Over all such a perfect spot to stay away from a crowded campsite & for a fraction of the cost."
from $5 / night
Check Availability"Camp sites are pretty close together but all places seem to be around here."
"But we were driving all day and just wanting a nice place to crash for the night, this place was a nice choice."
"There are about 5 non reservable sites for people who just drive in like us and pick a spot. Small fee of $14 a night."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Access to trails. Wonderful views. Sites are spaced apart to where it feels like you’re the only one in the area."
"We wanted something near Bishop. Hardly anyone around, but other vans helped us know we were in the right place. A bit windy and cold though!"
"This campground is for those that love being deep in the woods and away from people."
"There is the most glorious aspen grove right next to some of the campsites and a nice home along the River. Beautiful and private camp sites."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Close To town(Bishop). Close to lots of lakes and tons to do and see. Very clean,"
"The staff is friendly all around from check in to grabbing a hot dog and a beer to the hardworking grounds crew."
from $27 - $32 / night
Check Availability
TravelerGreat little spot just before Mt. Whitney portal. Clean bathrooms. One side of the campsite has good shaded campsites. Some sites are on the smaller end but over all will be coming back again.
GuideI camped here in 2024 and it was a good location, apart from several off-road vehicles driving nearby especially on weekends. However this summer it's blocked off, with signs saying there's logging in process. Last tried to camp there 11 July and still no access.
ScoutGreat location in Bishop California. Very secluded area and beautiful sunset… Port-o-Johns were very clean. We were passing through Bishop California and needed a spot that was fairly close to the main road, and there wasn’t very busy.
GuidePlan to stay the max 14 days if you can, this site is def worth it.
GuideOne gorgeous site after the other, some rv accessible, some up the hills def not.
You have to get there early and, ideally, during the week if you want the best spots.
Lots of wildlife sightings and it is so quiet.
TravelerWe stayed in the lower campground, site 51 fit our 21' trailer and truck (Tundra crew cab). Most of the sites are shaded with old growth oak and pine trees. Independence Creek was flowing really good. Water was cool and there are rainbows. The only bathroom is at the entrance. There are several water spickets, with buckets to use on fire rings. Really enjoyed our stay and would come again. At $34 night wish the FS or ? would spend that on site improvements.
LegendGeneral: 88-site Forest Service campground. Only the host/manager site has hookups. Site Quality: All driveways are paved; some are longer than others. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, bear box, and fire pit. Some are very close to each other (75& 76, 85& 86) while others have more space between them. No hookups. Two best sites IMO are#2 and#88
Bath/Shower: Vault toilets only, but across the street at the resort, there are flush toilets, showers (need tokens;$3 for 3 minutes,$5 for 6), and laundry ($6.50 per load, wash and dry, but the washers are SMALL)
Activities: Easy direct access to Convict Lake. Hike around the lake is three miles. In season, there is a boat launch, and you can rent pontoon boats and kayaks. Fishing is big here. At the resort, there is also a food truck that serves breakfast and lunch, and an upscale but casual restaurant, and the food is very good.
GuideNice campground. Bathrooms are outdated but generally clean. Some spots are not very great- such as 156, but I was able to get my van in sideways.
ScoutGorgeous spot but unfortunately the hot springs didn't have any water in it
Dispersed camping options near Big Pine, California extend beyond established campgrounds into Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands where campers can find solitude. The area sits at elevations between 4,000 and 9,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations from season to season. Fall typically offers ideal camping conditions with daytime temperatures in the 70s and nighttime lows in the 40s.
Fishing opportunities: The area features stocked fishing ponds and creek-side angling spots at several campgrounds. At Baker Creek Campground, visitors enjoy both pond and stream fishing. "You could tell it has been stocked at the amount of fish that were super easy catching on the fly rod," notes one camper at Baker Creek.
Explore ancient trees: Take a day trip to Grandview Campground as a base for visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. "You have to do the Methuselah hike. It's short and there's not a lot of elevation gain but I did it on the first day at altitude so it was more challenging than expected," advises one visitor.
Stargazing sessions: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing opportunities. A Grandview camper describes the night sky as having "a bazillion stars" while another says it looks "like the angels kicked over multiple bottles of glitter."
Mountain biking access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to trail systems. Riders can explore service roads around campgrounds for easier riding or connect to more challenging trails. One camper at Grandview mentioned "riding our bikes on the service roads around the campground" as a highlight of their stay.
Creek-side sites: The sound of flowing water consistently ranks as a top feature. At Upper Sage Flat Campground, sites 16-19 offer direct creek access. One camper noted, "Sites 16-19 all had good water access, and I'm pretty sure a lot of the sites in the upper loop could access the river too."
Temperature relief: Higher elevation campgrounds provide escape from summer valley heat. A camper at Upper Sage Flat observed: "It was mid July and 105 degrees in Big Pine when we left the 395 highway, but temps had dropped to 88 by the time we got up to the campground due to elevation change."
Small, uncrowded campgrounds: Many visitors appreciate the intimate size of campgrounds in the area. One camper at Willow Campground notes it's "for those that love being deep in the woods and away from people" with "small and very woodsy" sites that have "plenty of distance and privacy between other sites."
Natural hot springs: Thermal features provide unique relaxation opportunities. Keoughs Hot Springs and Campground offers mineral pools that campers praise. One visitor mentioned that the "warm mineral water pool leaves your skin feeling amazing."
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating steep, narrow roads. The drive to Upper Sage Flat "is steep, narrow, and climbs almost 3500 feet over the course of 7 miles" with "no guard rails," according to one camper who advised to "make sure you have solid brakes for the way down."
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds have vault toilets only. At Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping, there are "no amenities here so pack in and pack out and bring water." However, a camper noted "decent cell reception for ATT and Verizon, not great, but usable."
Seasonal closures: Higher elevation campgrounds typically close during winter months. Check current status before planning trips, especially in shoulder seasons when weather can be unpredictable.
Wildlife presence: Campers should practice bear safety protocols. One visitor at Willow Campground noted "signage inside the vault stating the area is bear territory, and we needed to be bear aware."
Kid-friendly fishing: Several campgrounds offer easily accessible fishing opportunities perfect for children. At Big Pine Creek Campground, "there's a small trout pond for the kids" that gets positive reviews from families.
Altitude considerations: Families should plan for gradual acclimatization. A Grandview visitor advised: "We spent a few nights and days here while getting acclimated to decreased oxygen content at higher altitudes. Remember, you will be at approximately 8000 feet above sea level and the air is thinner up here. Plan your activities accordingly."
Educational opportunities: The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest offers ranger-led programs during summer months. A visitor recommends "listening to the ranger's talks at 11 and 2pm" when visiting the forest from Grandview Campground.
Protected swimming areas: Creeks provide natural water play areas. At Baker Creek, families can enjoy shallow creek sections while supervised. Look for wider, slower sections of creek for safer water access.
Tight access roads: RV accessibility varies significantly between campgrounds. One Upper Sage Flat camper with a 30-foot Class A motorhome reported: "The drive up the mountain was pretty scary! We have a 30 ft A-class and I was scared I wasn't going to make it. Steep windy drive and no guard rails."
Site selection research: Use satellite imagery to evaluate potential sites. A camper advised: "Strongly recommend using Google Earth to check the site you're reserving" at Upper Sage Flat, noting that roadside sites are "HOT AS BLAZES" with "almost no shade" while creek-side sites offer much more comfort.
Unlevel parking: Many campsites require leveling equipment. At Goodale Creek Campground, "sites are far western end were really nice" according to one RVer, though across the area, uneven parking pads are common.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management before arrival. A visitor noted the "free dump & water fill at the Speedway at the other end of town is really nice" when discussing services near Bishop and the Volcanic Tableland area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Big Pine Lakes and what permits are required?
While you can't camp directly at Big Pine Lakes, you can stay at nearby campgrounds like Big Pine Creek Campground that serve as excellent base camps for hiking to the lakes. Overnight wilderness permits are required for backpacking trips to Big Pine Lakes, which you can obtain through the Inyo National Forest. These permits have quotas during peak season (May-October) and should be reserved in advance. The North Fork trail from Big Pine Creek Campground leads to the lakes, making it a popular starting point for hikers. Day hikes to the lakes don't require permits, but parking passes may be needed at trailheads during busy periods.
Where are the best campgrounds in Big Pine, California?
Upper Sage Flat Campground offers beautiful sites with some located adjacent to Big Pine Creek, providing soothing water sounds and natural shade from trees. It's just a mile from the Big Pine Lakes trailhead, making it ideal for hikers. Glacier View Campground is another excellent option with 40 spaces featuring electricity and water hookups plus bathroom and shower facilities. It's conveniently located adjacent to Highway 395 in Big Pine. For those seeking alternatives, Baker Creek Campground is approximately 1 mile west of Highway 395 just north of Big Pine, with most sites positioned on opposite sides of a small creek.
What are the best times of year to go camping near Big Pine, CA?
Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the most pleasant camping conditions near Big Pine. Summer provides full access to high-elevation areas, but temperatures in the valley can exceed 90°F. Saline Valley Primitive Campground is especially popular in cooler months when its warm springs provide a welcome contrast to the desert air. Fall brings spectacular color changes and fewer crowds, with October camping at Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground offering solitude and stargazing opportunities. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, but higher campgrounds typically close due to snow. Spring brings wildflowers but can be unpredictable with occasional storms and varying temperatures.
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