Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Big Pine, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Big Pine, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Big Pine, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$26 / night
"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."
"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."
$14 / night
"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."
"the seven lakes hike is nearby and amazing but difficult. Dog friendly is also a plus."
"If you want hot springs with peace and quiet just walking out the entrance to the free pools. The pool in the campground also has a snack bar. Very friendly folks here."
"Camp sites are pretty close together but all places seem to be around here."
$29 - $31 / night
"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."
$14 / night
"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."
$25 / night
"This campground is for those that love being deep in the woods and away from people."
"There’s a cool little abandoned road trail between this camp and patchers that is a nice morning stroll for any dogs. We didn’t run into anyone in the morning."
$27 - $32 / night
"The staff is friendly all around from check in to grabbing a hot dog and a beer to the hardworking grounds crew."
"Close To town(Bishop). Close to lots of lakes and tons to do and see. Very clean,"
"Watch your dog’s paws.
Decent cell reception for ATT and Verizon, not great, but usable."
"Access to trails. Wonderful views. Sites are
spaced apart to where it feels like you’re the only one in the area."
"Would recommend this camp to anyone looking to get away from the crowds you’ll find further north in the eastern sierras.
First come first serve."
TravelerBeautiful warm springs out in the middle of nowhere. The camping area can be crowded, and it can be hard to find spots, but it’s oh so worth it if you can. There are pit toilets, 5 different hot springs and plenty of stars. 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. Just follow signs for Saline Valley Warm Springs as there are a couple of turns. It is a long journey out there, but definitely worth it.
Ranger(My visit was in Feb. 2020) I drove in from Big Pine, it's not that bad of a drive, if you like rough roads. The drive in is no where nearly as bad as the road to the Racetrack. There are no facilities here, nothing, nada, zip, so be prepared. You are on your own as cell service is limited to nonexistent. The campsites are along the road so you can drive right up to the site. There are a few sites picnic tables and fire rings (BYOW).
RangerWe 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! They had 4 FCFS sites (sites 2-5) and we got site 4. It’s a nice site, but site 5 is really close. Someone took that site on our second night but they were quiet, fortunately. The creek is really pretty and the hike up to the lakes (lakes 1-5) is gorgeous. There are 2 beautiful waterfalls on the hike. The vault toilets were overfull and very stinky. There is a camp store at Glacier Point Lodge just a short walk up the road from the campground. You can get a 5 minute shower there for $7. No cell service but at the lodge you can get 24 hours of WiFi for $10. We stayed 3 nights and enjoyed it.
LegendThere are two types of campsites at Upper Sage Flat. 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. Honestly, would have thought they were pretty great if we hadn't stayed at nearby Big Pine Creek Campground (check it out).
The second are the sites on the roadside and they are HOT AS BLAZES. There is almost no shade and they are basically just dirt/sand/rock pads. It's like being in an entirely different campground. Strongly recommend using Google Earth to check the site you're reserving (or first come, first serve if at (lower) Sage Flat campground.
If you're in the river side sites you'll love it. There is a bridge over the river that leads to a trail heading north to the Big Pine Creek Trailhead. You can also walk up the road but the trail is a more interesting option. Plus, it is the narrowest part of the trail you'll run for about 5 miles. That's a good thing because if you make it that first 1/2 mile you'll be fine the rest of the way when it opens up into some pretty incredible trail after passing through Big Pine Creek Campground and Glacier Lodge Cabins & RV park.
Decent pit bathrooms but right in the sun all day so much nicer in the mornings than evenings as far as flies and smell go. Bear boxes, fire pits and picnic tables. ***So basically a 4 if you have river side and a 2 if not. Maybe a 1. Location alone is worth 2. Yep. At least that. But really, try to stay by the river.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW: Big Pine Creek Campground, CA
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20312&actid=31
As we traveled up Rt 395, along the Eastern Sierras, we searched for a campground offering trails into the wilderness…but also one with a shower, as they seem to be a rare commodity…and our last campground was primitive.
Reviews stated Big Pine Creek had showers and modern restrooms, so we drove through the night arriving at 7:00 Sunday morning…hoping for an available site. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
Turns out, the camper at site 2, beside the Host site, was packing up…so we claim jumped the site. Also turns out…after we paid $22 for the night…Big Pine Creek Campground does not have showers, nor modern restrooms.
So, to set the record straight…there are vault latrines and a river of cold glacier runoff of roughly 40F degrees. 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. For that $5 shower, you can use the modern toilet.
Don’t let that run you off, though. We loved Big Pine Creek Campground. The sites are spacious and the backdrop is gorgeous. Not many campgrounds offer stellar trails into the Inyo John Muir Wilderness…more on that later. Mule deer roam between campsites, ground squirrels and magpies are everywhere. We also noted a resident lizard.
Most sites are somewhat tiered because of the sloped terrain. Site 2 parking pad was large enough for our SUV, but little else. You have a large bear resistant locker in front of a large fixed picnic table, situated on a large, raised, leveled pad that also has the fire pit. Up a few steps is the raised timber tent pad. Numerous large pines and smaller hardwoods populate the sites. Our neighboring site was visible with little obstruction, but was occupied by a delightful French family on holiday, that we enjoyed.
Big Pine Creek Campground is often filled with campers from all over the world and makes for interesting conversations.
Drinking water was a little walk. Last year’s winter had an avalanche destroy their water lines, so others were rerouted. No electric. Also, no cell service. Perfect for unplugging, relaxing and meeting your fellow campers.
There is a trout pond near the entrance that folks were capitalizing on. They were also fishing the creek. The glacier fed creek is cold…like 38 degrees cold. The trails…in a word…Epic!
The North Trail was incredible. We started late and only went to the first and second of seven alpine glacier lakes. The water is so emerald green, it’s surreal. We hiked out and back in 6.5 hours, taking an hour respite for a polar bear plunge in the near freezing lake. I was advised we missed the most beautiful third lake…also referred to as Emerald Lake. The North Fork Trail into The John Muir Wilderness does require permits for backcountry camping…an easy process and well worth it…https://www.recreation.gov/permits/John_Muir_Trail_North_Of_Devils_Postpile_Aa10/r/entranceEntryExitDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72203&entranceId=315543&permitTypeId=1009473747&entryType=1
Of note, along the way is Lon Chaney’s (of Frankenstein, Werewolf and Hunchback of Notre Dame movie fame) backcountry cabin. Lon Chaney would bring guests back by horse and mule train. Upon his passing, it was gifted to the parks.
One horse/mule train passed us on the trail, returning after they deposited their riders and goods out into the wilderness.
The host couple were very helpful and a joy to glean local and trail information from.
A wonderful campground to visit.
TravelerNice campground with 40 spaces. Electricity and water, bathroom and showers. Adjacent to the 395 in Big Pine.
TravelerCampground has two access roads just north of Big Pine CA. The campground entrance is approximately 1 mile west of Highway 395. Take Baker Creek Road for a straight shot to the entrance and pay station kiosk. Most sites are located on opposite sides of A small creek that splits above the campground. Most sites have some type of fire pit and a picnic table and most have some shade. Bathrooms are pit toilets and in good condition. Access to the sites is not paved and on a slope. Sites very greatly by size and shape and some are uneven. Sites are $14 per night and can be reserved on recreation.gov, or walk in sites can be paid for at the kiosk with a credit card.
TravelerThis is a very nice and clean campground. It was nice to fall asleep listening to big pine creek and this campground gives you access to some great hiking trails. The campground was full with lots of families and people fishing in the creek.
TravelerHad a plot right next to the river. The water was so soothing and the trees helped keep the camp fairly cool until the sun peaked through around ten. The bridge by the river brings you right to a trail, and it’s just a mile down the road from the start of the Big Pine lakes trail. Also, the grounds keeper on the site keeps the bathrooms cleaner than I’ve ever seen at a camp sight.
Explore the beauty of the outdoors with your furry friends at various pet-friendly campgrounds near Big Pine, California. These spots offer a mix of amenities and activities that cater to both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Big Pine, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Big Pine, CA is Big Pine Creek Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Big Pine, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 166 dog-friendly camping locations near Big Pine, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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