The Independence region of California's Eastern Sierra offers dispersed camping at elevations reaching 10,000 feet. Campsites in this alpine environment provide shelter under Jeffrey pines and other conifers, with temperatures that remain cool even when summer temperatures in the Owens Valley reach triple digits. Many campgrounds near Independence serve as starting points for hikes to nearby peaks including Mount Langley and Mount Whitney.
What to do
Fishing for golden trout: At Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry Campsite, the alpine lakes are stocked with golden trout. "My brother caught multiple Golden Trout while fishing at Lake #3 and #5," reports a camper who used the location as a basecamp for climbing Mount Langley.
Alpine lake swimming: Hike from your campsite to nearby lakes for a refreshing dip. One visitor to Horseshoe Meadow Campground recommends a "Day hike to Chicken Spring Lake for an icy dip when temperatures climb."
Wildlife viewing: The high-elevation meadows and forests host diverse wildlife. "We saw marmots and even a bighorn sheep!" shares a Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry camper. At Horseshoe Meadow, visitors report seeing "Coyotes, fox, deer and if you hike high enough you might see some bighorn sheep."
Stargazing: The clear mountain air and distance from light pollution make for exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Horseshoe Meadow describes "The night sky splashed with the Milky Way visible most nights."
What campers like
Spacious, well-separated sites: At Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "The campsites look very dispersed and well kept," notes one reviewer. Another mentions the "Spacious, a nice trailhead for an acclimation hike and bear boxes."
Elevation for acclimatization: Many campers use these sites to prepare for higher treks. "We stayed here the end of August before backpacking Mt Langley and Whitney. It's a great campsite to stay at to acclimate ahead of time for your trips," explains one visitor to Cottonwood Pass.
Quiet atmosphere: The remote location means peaceful nights. "The campground was quiet at about 8:30 each night," reports a visitor to Canyon View Group Sites in nearby Kings Canyon National Park.
Bear boxes for food storage: Safety features for wildlife management are appreciated. "Each site had 4 bear boxes which was plenty for our group," notes a Canyon View visitor.
What you should know
Permit requirements: For backcountry camping near Independence, permits are mandatory. "You will need to get an overnight permit for Mt Langley hike at recreation.gov in advance," advises a Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry camper.
Limited water availability: Water sources vary by season and location. At Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground, a visitor in September found "the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September."
Bear canister requirements: Food storage is strictly regulated. "You are required to use a bear canister for overnight camping. Your toiletries, wrappers, trash, and food must fit in there, so plan accordingly," advises a Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry camper.
Seasonal road access: High-elevation campgrounds have limited seasons. Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground operates from "May to October" according to official information.
Tips for camping with families
Choose lower elevation campgrounds for young children: Tent camping near Independence can be challenging with elevation sickness. "We wanted to give ourselves time to adjust to the altitude," shares a camper who stayed at Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry before attempting Mount Langley.
Pack for temperature swings: Even summer nights get cold at these elevations. One camper at Symmes Creek notes the "Gorgeous night sky for stargazing!" but temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
Look for established campsites with amenities: Family camping is easier with facilities. "Vault toilets and fresh water with plenty of access to bear boxes to properly store your food," mentions a visitor to Cottonwood Pass about the amenities that make family camping more manageable.
Prepare for limited cell service: Most tent camping areas near Independence have no connectivity. Bring physical maps and download any necessary information before arriving.
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions for dispersed sites: The access roads to some camping areas require careful navigation. At Symmes Creek, a camper notes "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."
Look for level parking: Some campgrounds have better RV options than others. At Glacier View Campground, you'll find "Electricity and water, bathroom and showers. Adjacent to the 395 in Big Pine."
Consider the campground layout: Some sites aren't designed for larger vehicles. At Horseshoe Meadow, a visitor warns it's "Great for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle."
Highway noise considerations: Campgrounds closer to main roads may be noisier. A Glacier View camper mentions the "campground is right next to the highway so it can get noisy."
