Best Dispersed Camping near Big Pine, CA
Several dispersed camping areas exist near Big Pine, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping area north of Big Pine permits free camping with no reservations required. Other nearby options include McGee Creek, Deep Canyon, White Mountains Dispersed, and Poleta OHV Upper Staging Area. These primitive sites are situated on public lands where campers can stay without formal facilities or designated campsites. Alabama Hills Recreation Area, while further south near Lone Pine, is another popular dispersed camping destination in the region.
Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved roads with varying conditions. Volcanic Tableland features heavily washboarded gravel roads that can be challenging but manageable for most vehicles, while other areas like McGee Creek may need higher clearance. Many reviewers note that standard passenger vehicles can reach most areas during dry weather, though some remote locations benefit from 4WD capability. Most sites have a 14-day camping limit. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with complete bans during summer months and fire permits required when allowed. No potable water, toilets, or trash services exist at these locations, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
The landscapes surrounding these dispersed sites provide dramatic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and unique desert terrain. Camping areas are typically spread out enough to maintain privacy even during busy periods. Cell service varies considerably by location and carrier. A visitor to Volcanic Tableland noted, "Even when it's busy, it seems like you can always find something. We love it here. So peaceful and absolutely quiet." Another camper at McGee Creek described it as "a hidden jewel" where they "camped right next to the stream and stayed one night and it was peaceful and far away from any highway." Rangers occasionally patrol these areas to enforce regulations and camping limits.
