214 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Eastern Sierra landscape surrounding Independence, California features diverse camping opportunities ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. Inyo National Forest manages several campgrounds in the area, including Grays Meadow and Onion Valley, both located within 10 miles of town along mountain roads. The Alabama Hills Recreation Area, approximately 15 miles south near Lone Pine, offers free dispersed camping among distinctive rock formations with views of Mount Whitney. These areas accommodate various camping styles from tent camping to RVs, with some sites providing amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while others offer more primitive experiences.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late April through October, with specific opening dates dependent on snowmelt and road conditions. As one camper noted, "Grays Meadow was still open early November when others up the road were closed." Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though services are limited. Many sites require bear-resistant food storage, with bear boxes provided at established campgrounds. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with AT&T generally providing better coverage than other carriers. Campers should be prepared for dramatic temperature swings, with daytime highs potentially reaching 90°F in summer while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations even in summer months.
Creekside sites receive particularly high ratings from visitors, with Independence Creek running through Grays Meadow Campground being a highlight. According to one reviewer, "Upper Section is covered by oak trees with willow-lined trout-filled Independence Creek right through campground." The area provides excellent access to trailheads, including the popular Kearsarge Pass trail from Onion Valley. Whitney Portal, though technically in Lone Pine, serves as a gateway to Mount Whitney and offers developed camping with amenities including drinking water and a small store. BLM land west of Independence provides free dispersed camping options with minimal facilities but offers solitude and flexibility for larger vehicles, with one visitor noting, "The area is clean and very quiet, zero shade and zero amenities."
"You can see Mount Whitney in the distance. 4 wheel drive isn’t required but definitely recommend. No bathrooms or water around. A lot of old movies were filmed in the hills."
"Small town of Lone Pine- there isn't much going on, but some good restaurants- TX bbq, Totem Cafe, etc., friendly locals,Jake's Saloon and accessible to Bishop, Independence."
"I loved hearing the creek just 30 feet away from my campsite. The views were fantastic and the CG was near the rock formations and trails. Vault toilets clean, no water."
"Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you."
"Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls."
from $34 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Onion Valley is a beautiful spot tucked into the eastern Sierra above Independence. It’s a windy but not long drive back down to town. The sites were comfortable."
"We drive up here most every week every season. Scenic mtn drive. It’s usually really crowded. You should try to reserve a site ahead of time if camping."
from $31 / night
Check Availability"Upper Section is covered by oak trees with willow lined trout filled Independence Creek right through campground. Site 9 barely enough room for our two tents."
"Very private with large growth around us. We soon realized we were missing the gorgeous valley view and incoming thunder storm so we packed up and moved our RV up the hill to the upper campground."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"It is also very close to the town of Lone Pine, which has a little market and several restaurants in case you accidentally forget anything or don’t bring enough food. The views of Mt."
"We camped at one of the walk-in sites. Enough space for the 4 of us, 2 tents, and the family pup. The parking spots are only 50 yds away and next to the restrooms."
from $34 - $81 / night
Check Availability"Nice spaced out sites with trees for shade. 6 miles up the road from Independence. This campground was still open early Nov when others up the road were closed. Very attractive."
"Beautiful small campground at the foot of the mountains, easily accessed from the small town of Independence and about 45 min drive north to Bishop. "
from $25 / 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"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"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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
GuideGreat spot to camp for the night! Private, safe
GuideLodgepole, Site 199. Late June. Nice warm days, cold nights. The river and scenery make this campground special. There are lots of birds and rodents (Squirrels and chipmunks of varying sizes and colors).
If you can get a site near the river, or on the outside if a loop, the views and sounds are wonderful. Great location for Sherman Tree Trails, Moro Rock.
The loop restrooms are old and not well cared for. There are only two small restrooms at the visitors center. So Dirty and too few for too many people. (The situation at Grant Grove VC is much better for restrooms, but no showers or laundry.) I used both showers and laundry. My shower was cold and dirty despite having just been cleaned (I waited 50 minutes). (Lowest Bidder). Laundry was adequate and I was thankful to have it.
GuideSites 100, 33, 41. Late June. A beautiful HILLY campground with dirty to very dirty flush bathrooms and no hosts. NPS does a terrible job with janitor service all over the country in my experience.
Site 100 parking pad has a 4 degree grade. It is a very lovely site for smaller tent camping with view of sunset. In a quiet hilly part of the campground, but I had few neighbors even though the sites showed up as completely booked on rec.gov.
Site 33 has a 3 degree grade and *abuts several sites* and the water spigot. Short pad could accommodate a van, but the pad adjacent is *very* close.
Site 41 is at the top of the hill and has a beautiful view and but little shade.
Big Stump trailhead can be reached by footpath from the campground. (Or you can drive back toward the gate and park there).
Visitor's Center with WiFi and a store and decent flush toilets near the restaurant is almost just across the street.
Beware of tiny chipmunks in the most crowded areas. At site 33 I saw two jump onto people's cars/campers. One was trying to get into an open car door.
GuideRun by concessionaire, this is a hosted campground with some Saturday night events in the amphitheater. Warm days and cold nights(40) refreshing respite from the valley heat. The fragrance of the forest in Sequoia is like no other. Best for tents and small RVs.
Abuts the beautiful Princess Meadow, at the turn off to Hume Lake. Site 90 has Open space behind and on one side. Large site, dirt parking pad. Slight grade. Pit toilet close. (Did not use). Walk to trailhead. 1 mile easy hike partially paved is drop dead gorgeous in the early evening light.
Lively Hume(a youth camp) has a snack shop with fast food and gigantic milkshakes. They also have canoes, rowboats, paddle boards, etc for rent, as well as a gift shop, mini mart, and gas station. The campground is near to Grant Grove and Grant Tree and several trailheads.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Independence, California extend into various elevations from 3,900 feet in town to over 9,000 feet at higher campgrounds. The area spans desert conditions at lower elevations to alpine settings at higher altitudes, with dramatic temperature variations between day and night. Camping options include both established campgrounds with designated sites and dispersed camping areas on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands.
Fishing opportunities: Independence Creek runs through Grays Meadows Campground offering trout fishing. "Nice quiet campground pet friendly and clean good fishing around the area," notes one camper. Several visitors report the fishing is productive with proper techniques.
High-elevation hiking: Onion Valley Campground provides direct access to high-elevation hikes with minimal driving. "Great car camping sites with the cleanest pit toilets I've ever experienced. The scenery is sublime. We stayed here as a first night before a several day backpacking trip in the Sierras," one visitor reports. Trails lead to multiple alpine lakes within short hiking distance.
Winter camping: Several lower-elevation campgrounds remain open during winter months when higher campgrounds close due to snow. "This campground was still open early Nov when others up the road were closed," notes a visitor about Grays Meadow. Winter camping offers solitude but requires preparation for potential subfreezing temperatures.
Mountaineering preparation: Many use Independence area campgrounds as acclimatization bases before attempting higher peaks. "In 2018, I acclimated to the High Sierra at Onion Valley for one night before a trip down the JMT. The campground is nestled in an idyllic eastern Sierra cañon with excellent star gazing," reports one mountaineer.
Creek-side camping: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at several sites. At Tuttle Creek Campground, one visitor enjoyed "Just a couple miles from the Alabama Hills. $10 a night BLM campground. Vault toilets. Both water and dump station are closed 80+ sites and all have great views."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution provides exceptional stargazing. "Milky Way Heaven," describes one camper at Alabama Hills Recreation Area, adding it's "Easily one of my favorite places! The views here are like nothing else, perfect place without reception, fresh mountain air away from everything."
Varied elevation options: Campers can choose their preferred climate by selecting different elevations. "We started in the lower campground with wonderful shade and the stream roaring by. Very private with large growth around us. We soon realized we were missing the gorgeous valley view and incoming thunder storm so we packed up and moved our RV up the hill to the upper campground," reports a visitor at Grays Meadow.
Off-season tranquility: Late fall and early spring camping offers fewer crowds. One camper at Goodale Creek notes: "We stayed here twice on our hwy 395 road trip from OR to Joshua Tree—once on the way down and because we loved it so much, we stayed 3 nights on the way back."
Recent regulations changes: Alabama Hills camping regulations have changed significantly. "The only places you can camp are designated now. Tuttle creek. Everywhere else there are signs for no camping and only day use," reports a visitor from May 2023. Always check current regulations before planning dispersed camping.
Wildlife concerns: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife including rodents and bears. At Whitney Portal, "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."
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds have seasonal water shutoffs. "Labor day weekend and half the campground is closed, water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed. We specifically chose this campground for the convenience of water and dump station," notes a Tuttle Creek visitor.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires driving steep mountain roads. Whitney Portal's "position at the end of the road means you'll need to ascend/descend a mile in elevation over 13 steep and twisting curves every time you leave or return."
Site selection for shade: During summer months, shade significantly impacts comfort. At Lone Pine Campground, "Depending on your individual campsite, there may not be a lot of shade available to you, so plan accordingly if you are going in the summer. We were lucky the adjoining campsite had a pine tree in it whose shade we could steal in the afternoon."
Campground terrain varies: Some campgrounds offer better settings for children than others. "If you have kids, definitely choose lower campground with shade, larger sites and creek close by," recommends a Grays Meadow visitor comparing the upper and lower sections.
Activity options: Several campgrounds provide natural features for exploration beyond hiking trails. At Lone Pine Campground, "There was a nice stream you could fish with some trout. There are a couple big boulders the kids can climb on and around."
Pest awareness: Insect activity varies by location and season. "There are pull in sites and walk in sites. All pull in sites seem to be surround by low growing shrubs and they have so many mosquitoes. The walk in site are under the conifers and are gorgeous," notes an Onion Valley visitor.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. "Sites are pretty close to level. Packed dirt roads around campsites in good condition," reports a Tuttle Creek visitor about the terrain.
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds near Independence have minimal RV hookups. At Taboose Creek Campground, "It is dry camping but does have a few toilets and they take cards with a machine to make things easier for nightly payment... They also allow longer term stays and provide a phone number for a mobile sewage pickup for RV's."
Big rig accessibility: Size limitations affect site selection at most campgrounds. "Dispersed camping on National Forest Land. 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," reports a visitor to Symmes Creek area.
Seasonal variations: RV camping options change significantly with seasons. One visitor notes, "Winter operation mode. No water, no host, no firewood, and no fees. Campground open date is April 25, not sure when winter season starts. Price is $25 when open."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds in Independence, CA?
Independence, CA offers several camping options in the Eastern Sierra region. Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground is located just 6 miles up the road from Independence with nicely spaced sites and shade trees. For those seeking free dispersed camping, Independence BLM Dispersed provides a convenient base for exploring the area, situated along Hwy 395 between Bishop and Alabama Hills. Additional options near Independence include Goodale Creek Campground and Symmes Creek Campground. Most campgrounds in this area are accessible via drive-in, with varying seasonal availability - Lower Grays Meadow, for example, has historically remained open into early November when other nearby sites close for the season.
What amenities are available at Independence Creek Campground?
Independence Creek runs through Grays Meadows Campground, which is divided into upper and lower sections. The upper section features oak trees and willow-lined creek access with excellent trout fishing opportunities. The campground offers clean restroom facilities and potable water during the regular season (typically April through fall). During winter operations (March), the campground remains accessible but with reduced services - no water, no host, no firewood, and no fees. Many campsites are positioned right along Independence Creek, creating perfect spots for fishing or relaxing in hammocks. The creek's soothing sounds provide a peaceful backdrop to your camping experience.
How far are campgrounds near Independence, CA from local attractions?
Onion Valley is tucked into the eastern Sierra above Independence, offering beautiful scenery with a relatively short, though winding, drive back to town. For those looking to explore the broader region, Independence is positioned about 45 minutes south of Bishop and approximately 30 minutes north of Alabama Hills Recreation Area, making it an ideal central location. Whitney Portal campground, famous for its access to Mt. Whitney trails, is also within reasonable driving distance. This strategic location allows campers to use Independence as a base for exploring numerous Eastern Sierra attractions while enjoying relatively uncrowded camping compared to more popular destinations.
Keep Exploring
