Best Tent Camping near Big Pine, CA

Inyo National Forest surrounding Big Pine, California offers diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Glacier View Campground provides year-round tent campsites with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets and showers. For tent-only camping experiences, Mountain Glen Campground near Bishop features five walk-in tent sites situated along Bishop Creek, with sites 1 and 5 offering greater privacy through their 15-yard walk-in distance and surrounding trees. First Falls Walk In Campground provides additional primitive tent camping options for those seeking a more secluded experience.

Tent sites throughout the region typically feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal leveling. Bear activity is common throughout the Eastern Sierra, requiring proper food storage in approved bear canisters or provided bear boxes. Many backcountry tent camping areas require permits obtained through Inyo National Forest offices, with quotas limiting overnight access during peak season (May through October). Campers should bring water filters or purification methods, as natural water sources may require treatment. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically at higher elevations, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even during summer months, necessitating appropriate sleeping gear for tent campers.

The tent camping experience varies significantly with elevation and season. According to one camper at North Lake Campground, "Even if it's 100 in Bishop, bring a jacket and warm sleeping bag. It will get cold at night and even during the day." Sites at higher elevations offer exceptional star viewing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Mountain Glen Campground receives particular praise from tent campers for its proximity to fishing and hiking access points into John Muir Wilderness. The small size of many tent-only campgrounds contributes to their quiet atmosphere, with one visitor noting the campground was "quiet with no cell coverage, very relaxing." Backcountry tent camping areas deeper in the wilderness require more preparation but reward with greater solitude and pristine natural settings.

Best Tent Sites Near Big Pine, California (45)

    1. Glacier View Campground

    2 Reviews
    Big Pine, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-6911

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Nice campground with 40 spaces. Electricity and water, bathroom and showers. Adjacent to the 395 in Big Pine."

    2. Bishop Park Group (Ca) — Inyo National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 935-4339

    $94 / night

    "Trees, River, Clean flush toilets... tent only!! Exactly what I got!!"

    "Close to cardinal village"

    3. North Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2500

    "The final road to the campsite is extremely narrow and along the edge of a mountain. If you can deal with the treatorous drive it’s worth the anxiety you‘ll experience getting there."

    "You get a lot of day hikers and backpackers coming through, but it is fairly quiet and very friendly. Plenty of hiking trails! Campsites are also fairly large."

    4. Mountain Glen Campground

    1 Review
    Bishop, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2500

    $25 / night

    "These 5 sites are hidden just off the South Lake Road. Tent only. Bishop Creek (with fish) runs right by the sites. Easy access to John Muir Wilderness and high Sierra hiking and fishing."

    5. Inyo National Forest Table Mountain Group Campground

    1 Review
    Bishop, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2500

    $90 / night

    "Some of the best frisbee golf in views in Southern California!"

    7. Jennie Lakes Wilderness Backcountry — Kings Canyon National Park

    1 Review
    Seven Pines, CA
    26 miles
    Website

    "Jennie Lake is part of the Jennie Lakes Wilderness area between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park. You will start at either Rowell Meadow or Big Meadow trailheads."

    8. Pine Grove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Swall Meadows, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2500

    "No cell, no wifi, and felt immersed in nature. Some spaces are certainly more desirable than others. We stayed in the lower section—I believe there were about 10 spots total."

    "The area around this camp ground is very relaxing. Rock Creek runs right along side. There are a few camping spots along the main road. The lake has boats available to rent."

    9. Symmes Creek

    2 Reviews
    Seven Pines, CA
    30 miles
    Website

    "Not that busy only had some construction vehicles driving by in the morning they are doing some construction up here currently"

    "The dirt road dead ends at a large spot with easy turn around. There are off shoots of the main road to other camp spots, but we didn’t venture down to any of those."

    10. Canyon View Group Sites — Kings Canyon National Park

    5 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $50 - $70 / night

    "There was restrooms fire rings and tables. At night you have to store your food in the bear box because there are bears in this area. It was 18 dollars a night"

    "Each site had 4 bear boxes which was plenty for our group. Bathrooms were kept clean."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Big Pine, CA

905 Reviews of 45 Big Pine Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2021

    Big Pine Creek Campground

    Creek side paradise

    I stayed here May 10-12th with my two dogs. I chose a site right along the creek which was wonderful to fall asleep to the sounds of rushing water. Many sites are quite spacious and offer a sandy area for tent set up. Most sites have a picnic table, fire pit, & metal bear box for food storage. Vault toilet available that were surprisingly clean. Camp host was friendly and had firewood on site available for purchase for $8/bundle. The website lists nightly rate as $21/night but when I arrived the sign had been updated to $23/night. This was the perfect basecamp for some day hikes up Big Pine Creek Trail to some beautiful blue lakes.

  • James N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2023

    Eureka Dunes Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park

    It's Not the End of the World, but you can see if from here

    (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).

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

    Solitude, Splendor, Serenity!

    Thousand Island Lake is a backcountry camping area located at 9,839 feet elevation in Ansel Adams Wilderness within the Inyo National Forest, California.

    If you desire 360 degree mountain beauty, a cool lake to fish, float, swim or reflect by, epic sunrises and sunsets, star-filled night skies...or just desire the unearthly quiet of being unplugged and being a speck in rugged vastness...this is for you!

    This incredible dispersed backcountry camping area must:

    1. Be hiked into
    2. Possess a permit
    3. Use approved bear canisters
    4. Leave No Trace

    There are a few methods of getting to Thousand Island Lake...all involve backpacks and hiking. First, if you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail NOBO or SOBO, you will at some point of your journey reach Thousand Island Lake. Second, if you are hiking the John Muir Trail NOBO or SOBO, you will reach Thousand Island Lake during your journey. Third, you can choose a beautifully scenic 14.3 mile out and back from Mammoth, CA...the shortest of the three options. Fourth, there are horseback/mule train options.

    We happened to reach Thousand Island Lake as part of our August 2018 SOBO John Muir Trail attempt.

    Choosing to hike in by any of the options takes planning and preparation. This is beautiful country, but it is also rough and unforgiving. The trails are wonderfully cared for, but not groomed and flat...know this and adequately prepare.

    Every hiking/camping group must possess a permit, which for a short hike directly into Thousand Island Lake is secured through the Inyo National Forest office. PCT and JMT permits are primarily lottery based (although several walk-in permits are granted each day on site...but that's a gamble).Inyo National Forest website page states: "Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Quota of 30 people permitted to start overnight trips each day from May 1 to November 1."

    This is active black bear country, so you must use approved bear canisters for food and odoriferous items (toothpaste, soap, lip balm, insect repellent, etc). Stiff fines by rangers (and they do backcountry patrols) await if you foolishly ignore this law...worse yet, you might receive a catastrophic visit from Yogi or Boo-Boo. We did not see any bear or evidence of their presence but I’m sure they saw us.

    Leave No Trace...pack it in...pack it out. Yes, that means everything. Know the rules and abide by them. Nothing more distasteful and damaging to pristine wilderness are those that believe they are the exception to this rule and leave trash...worse, waste and TP dotting the landscape. Unfortunately, I found myself burying selfish stranger's waste. So bring a small shovel (www.tentlab) and a Ziploc freezer baggie to pack out your TP.

    There is signage at Thousand Island Lake advising where to camp, which is far away from the main JMT trail. Again, abide by the rules and camp at least 40 feet away from the trail and 100 feet from the lake. Read and obey the list of rules on the website.

    We camped on the northwest area of the Lake. Numerous hikers were there, some groups that hiked in for a day or two, others were thru-hikers. I enjoy the "community" of backcountry backpacker's. Day hikers can bring "Fido."

    It is unnecessary to pack in hordes of water, as there seems to be streams and lakes aplenty. I'd recommend a reliable water filter or boiling the water to ensure a parasite free thirst quencher. We used a simple Sawyer Squeeze, which was both lightweight and effective.

    Once camp is set, hike around the trails of this pristine wilderness and soak it all in...or just pull out your sleeping pad and relax.

    I have read and been admonished to use 100% DEET for the mosquitoes on the JMT...particularly June-July, and though prepared, we experienced none in mid-August, nor at this elevation. The elevation should not be bothersome healthwise, as it is not above 10,000 ft. As Floridian Flatlanders, we had no adverse altitude maladies...other than being out of breath while climbing passes. June and early July hikers may experience snow at this elevation depending on the winter accumulations.

    Several notable peaks shadow Thousand Island Lake, Banner Peak being one of them.

    For those securing a day hike permit, search out several websites/blogs for the best starting locations (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/thousand-island-lake-pct).

    If you are looking for the best bang for your buck in backcountry short trips, file this one away as a "must do!" There are others in the eastern Sierra Nevadas...but that's for another post.

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 14, 2019

    Twin Lakes Campground

    crowded and sites are close together

    This campground seems more fitted to those using campers more so than those tent camping.

    I saw very few tent campers and the RV's and tow behind campers were the majority here.

    I managed to grab a decent site, I think it was 36.  Tucked in a wooded area not far from the restrooms.  Which are flush toilets and running water.  Clean and well maintained.

    Site was a bit muddy and wasn't that easy to find a level spot for a tent.  A bit of garbage was left on site and trash in the bear box.  All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and bear box.

    Noise level was higher than I prefer but then again if I'm not just hearing nature, it's too loud for me.

    Pretty lakes, waterfalls and a nice area to venture around.

    Traffic in Mammoth can get pretty busy.

  • Ryan W.
    Aug. 9, 2016

    Upper Sage Flat Campground

    Two Campgrounds in One.

    There 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.

  • Caroline N.
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    Wonderful Campground, Avoid 32 &34

    Great location, centrally located for exploring both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

    Nicely shaded spots and the higher elevation is nice for cooler nights during the hot summer months.

    Great views of the sunset from the back of the campground.

    Grant Grove Village is very close by with market and restaurant.

    We stayed in site 32 which was probably the worst spot in the campground. Very hilly spot with one flat spot for a tent right next to neighbors picnic table and fire pit. Both 32 & 34 are tent only spots and right on top of each other. The other sites nearby were much more flat and looked much nicer.

  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake George Campground

    Love Lake George!

    Lake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.

  • D
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    No complaints!

    This was a beautiful campground. The only thing negative I could say about this campground is that a lot of the campsites are very close to each other. But if you choose wisely, as my friend and I did, then I have no complaints. Surrounded by trees and wildlife, we were visited by deer and entertained by a family of quails as we sat around our fire. Our campsite had a fire ring with a grill, two picnic tables and a bear box. The restrooms, which had flush toilets, were clean and well maintained. There was potable water near our campsite and an additional bear box was nearby if needed. There were also trash bins, including separate waste bins for recycling glass and plastics nearby. There was no cell reception in the campground but there was a pay phone next to the ranger station where you check into camp. Though I do not know if it was in working condition so I would not rely on it. If you were planning on hiking to some of the less traveled spots in the park, this campground was nice because there were several trails that you could access from within the campground.

  • Kiley S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Sherwin Creek

    Lovely Spot Near Mammoth Lakes

    On our way from Reno to Vegas we drove into a serious thunderstorm, so while we weren’t planning to stop, we were thrilled to find this campground when we did! Close off the Highway and very close (~2 miles) from grocery, gas etc. in town, yet feels secluded and is very quiet. Clean vault toilets. Picnic table, water spigot, fire ring, BBQ pit and bear box at each site. Despite the rain we were happy to find a covered, honor-system firewood stack ($7 in the bucket) so we could still have a fire. Great spot for getting up and heading to hike at the many awesome trails surrounding. Lots of people had their OHVs along too- must be good trails for that too! Gotta pay on rec.gov.. no cash ranger box.


Guide to Big Pine

Tent camping near Big Pine, California offers options from 3,900 to 10,000 feet elevation with significant temperature variations between locations. The region encompasses multiple ecological zones from high desert to alpine environments. During summer, lower elevation sites can reach daytime temperatures of 100°F while upper elevation sites may drop to freezing at night.

What to do

Fishing access points: Mountain Glen Campground sits alongside Bishop Creek with direct fishing access. According to camper Daniel D., "These 5 sites are hidden just off the South Lake Road. Tent only. Bishop Creek (with fish) runs right by the sites. Easy access to John Muir Wilderness and high Sierra hiking and fishing."

Gold panning opportunities: Pine Grove Campground offers access to streams suitable for gold panning. "Gold country paradise. Bring your gold panning supplies!" notes Ann N. The campground sits along flowing water where recreational prospecting is permitted.

Stargazing conditions: Dispersed camping areas like Symmes Creek provide exceptional night sky viewing. "Gorgeous night sky for stargazing!" reports one camper who provided specific coordinates (36.7550, -118.2540) for optimal viewing locations. The area has minimal light pollution and open viewing areas.

What campers like

Creek-side tent sites: Tent campers specifically appreciate the water-adjacent sites at several campgrounds. At Bishop Park, Paul C. notes, "Right on the creek, good fishing. Very clean. Of note, sites on creekside do not have parking. Must park across the way, still close just pack accordingly."

Proximity to wilderness trailheads: North Lake Campground serves as an ideal base for wilderness exploration. Shannon C. states, "This is a great camp ground located at the trailhead for Mount Lamarck. Lots of running water near just about any of the camp sites."

Digital disconnection: Many campers appreciate the lack of connectivity. At Mountain Glen Campground, Daniel D. observed the campground was "Quiet with no cell coverage. Very relaxing!" This feature is commonly mentioned as a positive aspect of tent camping around Big Pine.

What you should know

Narrow access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Lisa L. warns about North Lake Campground: "The final road to the campsite is extremely narrow and along the edge of a mountain. If you can deal with the treacherous drive it's worth the anxiety you'll experience getting there."

Permit requirements: Backcountry camping often requires permits. For Jennie Lakes Wilderness, Hayley K. advises, "You will need to gain a backcountry permit to do this trail and make sure you know of updated water sources and filtration systems."

Shower availability: Limited shower facilities exist in the region. Campers at Mountain Glen note, "Showers nearby at Parcher's Resort, $8." Most primitive tent camping areas have no shower facilities, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

Weather preparation: Significant temperature fluctuations require careful planning. Lisa L. from North Lake Campground advises, "Even if it's 100 in Bishop bring a jacket and a warm sleeping bag. It will get cold at night and even during the day."

Group campsite options: Canyon View Group Sites accommodates larger family gatherings. Michelle H. reports, "The site could easily accommodate 20 people. Each site had 4 bear boxes which was plenty for our group."

Site-specific amenities: Glacier View Campground offers family-friendly conveniences. Eileen H. notes, "Nice campground with 40 spaces. Electricity and water, bathroom and showers. Adjacent to the 395 in Big Pine."

Tips from RVers

Boondocking locations: Symmes Creek provides dispersed camping suitable for larger RVs. One visitor explains, "There's a mile of gravel and then another half mile of dirt road, but if you go slow, most vehicles should be fine. We towed a 30ft travel trailer with no issue."

Site accessibility: Many tent-focused campgrounds have limited RV accessibility. At Bishop Park, which is tent-only, Hugh R. appreciates the focused experience: "Trees, River, Clean flush toilets... tent only!! Exactly what I got!!"

Hookup availability: For those requiring electrical connections, Glacier View Campground near Big Pine is one of the few offering electricity. Jason H. mentions using it to "charge up" after backcountry adventures, noting "We checked in late but the site was easy to find and had no issues setting up."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Pine, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Pine, CA is Glacier View Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Pine, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Big Pine, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.