The Eastern Sierra region around Big Pine sits at elevations between 3,989 and 8,000 feet, creating a diverse camping environment with significant temperature swings. RV camping options range from full-hookup resorts near town to more primitive sites tucked along creeks at higher elevations. Seasonal access varies dramatically, with many campgrounds closing completely during winter months due to mountain snowfall.
What to do
Fishing access points: Baker Creek Campground offers multiple fishing spots along its namesake creek and small pond. "I loved the fishing here. You could tell it has been stocked at the amount of fish that were super easy catching on the fly rod," notes one camper who appreciated the stream access.
Mountain hiking: Whitney Portal serves as the gateway to numerous alpine trails including Mount Whitney itself. "I'd camp here to hike Meysan Lakes and the start of the Whitney trail to Lone Pine Lake, neither of which require permits for day hikes. It's a great camp for acclimatization," shares a former ranger.
Stargazing opportunities: Boulder Creek RV Resort provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. According to one visitor, the site was "very quiet, very dark at night. The stars were amazing."
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Many campers specifically seek out water-adjacent sites at Baker Creek Campground. "Lots of shade babbling brooks all around you quiet and very beautiful," writes one visitor who called the location a "hidden gem."
Convenience to town: Highlands RV Park receives praise for its strategic location. "Convenient to Bishop with very nice people. The spaces are a little bit too close together, but on pavement with a picnic table at each site. Trash disposal available as well as a small area to take the dogs for their business," reports one reviewer.
On-site amenities: Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground offers facilities that tent campers particularly appreciate. "They have bathrooms and showers which are great for us RTT campers. The location is right near town and not a far drive from most of the lakes," notes a visitor who mentioned bear activity is common.
What you should know
Bear activity: Throughout the region, bear encounters require proper preparation. At Whitney Portal, one camper warns: "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions. So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service."
Weather extremes: Temperature fluctuations can be dramatic, especially in shoulder seasons. At Goodale Creek Campground, visitors note limited shade, making summer camping challenging. One camper mentioned, "Not really any shade so I would not recommend for summer months."
Cell service variations: Connectivity changes dramatically with elevation. At Creekside RV Park, a reviewer noted good connectivity, while other campgrounds have minimal service: "Site WiFi is legit as is T-Mobile and AT&T service."
Tips for camping with families
Stocked fishing ponds: Creekside RV Park features a fishing pond specifically designed for younger anglers. "There's a stocked pond for fishing that is really good for kids," mentions one family who camped there with children.
Safety around water: Baker Creek Campground has multiple stream crossings that require supervision. One visitor cautions: "The creek is lovely and rushes by with the nice sounds of a creek. Be aware that the water is fast and cold. There are not a lot of spots for kids to play so unless they're older (and maybe even then) you'd want to watch them."
Bathroom access considerations: Many campgrounds have limited facilities. One reviewer at Creekside notes: "There is a shower available (but be aware it's a bit of a tight squeeze as it shares space with the toilet.) It's four quarters for five minutes for the shower."
Tips from RVers
Elevation and vehicle strain: Access roads to campgrounds like Mammoth Mountain RV Park require careful navigation. "The road getting up is steep, narrow, and climbs almost 3500 feet over the course of 7 miles. If you are towing a trailer or driving a big rig get ready to burn some gas," cautions one RVer.
Dump station availability: Boulder Creek RV Resort's dump station can create congestion during peak checkout times. A camper advises: "Upon leaving, the access road is totally blocked by vehicles lined up for the dump station. If you want to avoid this, leave early."
Site configurations: RV parks Big Pine, California and surrounding areas have varying site layouts. At Mammoth Mountain RV Park, one camper shares: "I'm not a fan of the trailer camping because it's all cement and everyone is close together, but it's doable if need be. When tent camping, you're under beautiful trees which I love!"
