Best Tent Camping near Independence, CA

The eastern Sierra Nevada mountains surrounding Independence, California offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Symmes Creek Campground provides primitive tent sites near Independence with drive-in access, while Horseshoe Meadow Campground offers walk-in tent camping at 10,000 feet elevation in the nearby Inyo National Forest. Cottonwood Pass Walk-in Campground serves as a popular starting point for backpackers heading into the wilderness areas.

Tent campsites in this region typically feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Most established tent campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage, picnic tables, and fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during dry summer months. Vault toilets are available at developed sites like Horseshoe Meadow, but drinking water is limited or unavailable at many locations. High-elevation tent camping areas may be inaccessible until late spring due to snow, with most sites open from May through October. Backcountry tent camping in the surrounding wilderness requires permits, which can be obtained at the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine.

The tent camping experience near Independence offers exceptional access to alpine scenery and solitude. Many sites sit above 8,000 feet, providing cool temperatures even during summer months when the valley floor reaches triple digits. Tent campers frequently use these areas as acclimation points before attempting higher-elevation hikes or mountain summits. The Cottonwood Lakes area provides spectacular backcountry tent camping with alpine lakes and fishing opportunities. According to one visitor, "Horseshoe Meadow Campground is a walk-in campground designed primarily for backpackers who use this as a jumping off point for trips. The campsites are spread well apart under the pines." Wildlife sightings are common, with marmots, deer, and occasionally bears frequenting the higher elevation tent camping areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Independence, California (39)

    1. Symmes Creek

    2 Reviews
    Seven Pines, CA
    7 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."

    2. Jennie Lakes Wilderness Backcountry — Kings Canyon National Park

    1 Review
    Seven Pines, CA
    14 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."

    3. Lone Pine Lake - Inyo Wilderness

    1 Review
    Alabama Hills, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2483

    "Permit needed for overnight camping at lone pine lake. Get this at ranger station, to the right , just as you enter lone pine."

    4. Guitar Lake Backcountry — Sequoia National Park

    1 Review
    Alabama Hills, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    "Guitar Lake is a beautiful spot to stay at no matter which spot you pick!"

    5. Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground

    6 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    26 miles
    Website

    "The trail head camp ground was very nice and well maintained. Vault toilets and fresh water with plenty of access to bear boxes to properly store your food."

    "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 and to get a good early start on the trail."

    6. Canyon View Group Sites — Kings Canyon National Park

    5 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    25 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."

    7. Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    5 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 876-6200

    $6 / night

    "This is a walk-in campground designed primarily for the backpackers who use this as a jumping off point for trips."

    "Tent pads and fire pits and bear boxes. Vault toilets and a water spigot. Trails to multiple peaks and passes all from this alpine valley."

    8. Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry Campsite

    1 Review
    Alabama Hills, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2483

    "It's about a 6.5 mile hike in and is above 10,000ft elevation. Took us about 3 hours to hike to Cottonwood Lake #5, going at a leisurely pace. Some people do the Mt."

    9. Glacier View Campground

    2 Reviews
    Big Pine, CA
    24 miles
    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."

    10. Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 876-6200

    "It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets."

    "We didn’t camp here, we spent the day backpacking to check out spots for a future trip. We have a trip planned to come back next year for a week and backpack this whole trail. It’s so beautiful!!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Independence, CA

788 Reviews of 39 Independence Campgrounds



Guide to Independence

Tent camping near Independence, California, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Portagee Joe Campground provides essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets, making it a convenient choice for campers.
  • At Glacier View Campground, you'll find electric hookups and showers, perfect for those who want a bit more comfort while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • The Whitney Family Campground features running water and toilets, along with a picturesque creek that enhances the camping experience.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers should check out these features

  • The Symmes Creek offers a stunning mountain backdrop and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for relaxation.
  • At Jennie Lakes Wilderness Backcountry, you'll find a variety of trails that lead to beautiful lakes, perfect for those who love exploring nature.
  • The First Falls Walk In Campground provides a unique walk-in experience, allowing campers to enjoy a more secluded and intimate connection with the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Independence, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Independence, CA is Symmes Creek with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Independence, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.