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Places to Camp near Independence, CA

818 Reviews

Join the fun near Independence. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Independence, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Independence, CA (186)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    1.

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    81 Reviews
    443 Photos
    1655 Saves
    Lone Pine, California

    The Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills set between the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the geologically complex Inyo Mountains. Both geologic features were shaped by the same uplifting occurring 100 million years ago.

    Alabama Hills camping offers touring film sites, photography, rock climbing, exploring natural arches, and viewing the swaths of wildflowers that bloom every spring. Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
  2. Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek Campground

    2.

    Tuttle Creek Campground

    35 Reviews
    96 Photos
    572 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Open year round. $10/night, no reservations available for individual sites. 83 sites/tent and pull through trailer spaces. Campground is shadowed by some of the most impressive peaks in the Sierra Nevada Range: Mt. Whitney, Lone Pine Peak and Mt. Williamson rise to the west of the campground. To the east is the Alabama Hills with its famous movie history. Beyond the Alabama Hills is the Owens Valley and Inyo Mountains Range. Camping is good throughout the season with plenty of opportunities for exploring, hiking, sightseeing. Closest amenities (groceries, gas) are in Lone Pine (4.5 miles). Elevation - 5,120 ft. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern holders. Water is available March-October. Dump station cost is $5.00, no passes accepted, closed in winter. One Group site for $30.00/night, reservations required, please see phone number above. Two horse corrals $10.00/night, call ahead to confirm availability.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $10 / night

  3. Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal

    3.

    Whitney Portal

    27 Reviews
    111 Photos
    381 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Overview

    Whitney Portal Campground is in a prime location within the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains - at the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States. With hiking trails to Mt. Whitney and the John Muir Wilderness less than a mile away, the campground is a popular home base for hikers, as well as family, RV and tent campers who wish to explore the area's activities and enjoy unparalleled scenery.

    Recreation

    Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal recreation area. Nearby trails lead into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The campground is only 0.5 miles from trailheads to Mt. Whitney, Meysan Lake and other popular destinations. Visitors should be aware that hiking in this area may require a permit. Visitors can also hike, fish and picnic in the area around the campground. There are numerous lakes, streams and a small pond in the area for trout fishing.

    Facilities

    The campground is adjacent to Whitney Creek and just down the road from Trailhead Campground. Numerous campsites are arranged on either side of the creek, including three group camping areas and several tent-only sites. Paved roads, vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Bears frequent the area, and campers are required to use the bear-proof food storage lockers provided in the facility (all supplies must fit; dimensions are 18 inches high, 18 inches deep and 50 inches long). Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and a small convenience store with showers is nearby.

    Natural Features

    The facility is situated in a thick pine forest at an elevation of 8,000 ft. Campers can see striking views of the rugged granite peaks surrounding it. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

    Nearby Attractions

    Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers. John Muir Wilderness

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $93 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    4.

    Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    42 Reviews
    106 Photos
    470 Saves
    Hartland, California

    Overview

    Lodgepole Campground is located in the breathtaking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in central California's rugged Sierra Nevada range. Lodgepole is perched on the banks of the scenic and lengthy Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, at an elevation of 6,700 ft. The inspiring Giant Forest Grove and the mighty General Sherman Tree - the world's largest tree in volume - are just two miles from the campground.

    Recreation

    Forty miles of trails, including the paved Big Trees Trail, invite visitors to immerse themselves in the majesty of the ancient grove. Several additional popular hiking and wilderness trailheads are close by, including the trail to Moro Rock, a granite dome with spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and western half of the park. Tokopah Falls Trail is an easy walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, leading to an impressive 1200 ft. waterfall. Fly-fishing is also a popular activity on the Marble Fork.

    Facilities

    Lodgepole Campground is very popular with tent and RV campers alike. It has paved roads, flush toilets, and drinking water. Picnic tables, fire rings, and bear food storage boxes are provided at each site. Lodgepole Village is a quick, 1/4-mile away, offering, a Visitor Center, market and gift shop. Coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are not available for 2023 season.

    Natural Features

    Lodgepole pine, Red fir, and shrubs forest the campground, while towering groves of giant sequoias and craggy granite peaks dot the landscape. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River is fed by snowmelt and flows seasonally through the site. This region is characterized by warm days and cool nights in the summer and deep snow and cold days in the winter.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404.

    Nearby Attractions

    The General Sherman Tree, General Grant Tree, Moro Rock and Tunnel Log are nearby, as is the informative Giant Forest Museum and the Lodgepole Visitor Center.____ Colorful Crescent Meadow offers views of vivid summer wildflowers and access to Tharp's Log, a cabin in a fallen sequoia.__ Crystal Cave is Closed for the 2023 season. Tours into Crystal Cave, one of hundreds of marble caves in the park, give visitors an interesting view of rock formations, fossils, rare minerals, and unique wildlife. Tickets are required, but are not sold at the cave entrance. Reserve in advance on www.recreation.gov. Tickets may also be purchased same day, if available, at the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Crystal Cave is about a 45 minute drive (13 miles/21 km) from the campground.__ Vehicles longer than 22 feet long are prohibited on the narrow, winding Crystal Cave Road.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations. All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first night___s use fee. Cancellations for a single night___s reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov.___You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-4404 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $22 - $32 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine

    5.

    Lone Pine

    13 Reviews
    48 Photos
    205 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Overview

    Lone Pine Campground is located near the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States, offering unparalleled views of the mountain and surrounding peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. An abundance of fishing and hiking opportunities can be found both in and around Lone Pine.

    Recreation

    Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal area. Trails lead to the John Muir Wilderness, including Mt. Whitney, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The Mt. Whitney trailhead is just 7 miles away. The less challenging National Recreation Trail connects Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal and its picnic area and fishing pond. The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing, and anglers can access Lone Pine Creek and a nearby pond.

    Facilities

    Lone Pine is especially popular for RV camping. There are also a few tent-only sites and one tent-only group site that can accommodate up to 15 guests. Campsites are arranged around a single loop and have little to no shade or privacy due to the desert landscape. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and showers are located 8 miles west of the campground at the Portal Store.

    Natural Features

    The campground is nestled in sagebrush alongside Lone Pine Creek. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, the location offers clear views of surrounding granite peaks. Desert wildflowers add brilliant colors to the landscape in spring. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

    Nearby Attractions

    Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $70 - $78 / night

  6. Camper-submitted photo from Big Pine Creek Campground

    6.

    Big Pine Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    110 Photos
    576 Saves
    Big Pine, California

    Overview

    Big Pine Creek Campground, surrounded by sprawling meadows and towering trees, is perfectly situated in the scenic Big Pine Canyon. Campsites are perched along the cool, fish-filled waters of Big Pine Creek. Big Pine Canyon is heralded for having both the largest and southern most glaciers in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The campground sits at 7,700 feet elevation among vegetation like Jeffrey pine, sagebrush, aspen and cottonwood trees.

    Recreation

    The creek and nearby Big Pine Lakes are great for fishing. Both water spots have rainbow, brown and brook trout. The North Fork Trail gives hikers access to Big Pine Lakes and the Palisade Glacier. The trail climbs past waterfalls and zigzags through Jeffrey pine, manzanita and sage before it reaches Big Pine Lakes.

    Facilities

    This is a family-friendly and pet-friendly campground. Some campsites boast creek-front access, and each site accommodates a maximum of six campers. Vault toilets are provided for basic conveniences. Firewood is sold on-site.

    Natural Features

    Big Pine Canyon is heralded for having both the largest and southern most glaciers in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Palisade Glacier, the largest, sits above Big Pine Lakes. These impressive glacial lakes at around 10,000 feet elevation are the source of the North Fork of Big Pine Creek. The South Fork is bordered by the Palisade Crest with peaks over 14,000 feet and Middle Palisade Glacier, the southernmost glacier.

    Nearby Attractions

    Glaciers in the nearby John Muir Wilderness make an exciting hiking destination. A commercial pack station is within close proximity for horse enthusiasts looking for an outdoor adventure. A general store, pay showers and pond fishing can be found at a nearby resort.

    • Pets
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    • Trash

    $23 - $28 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Onion Valley

    7.

    Onion Valley

    8 Reviews
    36 Photos
    234 Saves
    Seven Pines, California

    Overview

    This quiet campground is set amidst breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain peaks, thick forests and waterfalls in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its location on the creek and proximity to the John Muir Wilderness make it a popular hub for hikers, anglers, photographers and those who want to relax in a peaceful, natural setting.

    Recreation

    Majestic scenery and challenging trails draw campers to the Onion Valley area for hiking and horseback riding. The campground is near Kearsarge Pass, Robinson Lake and Golden Trout Lakes Trailheads, which access several alpine lakes and mountain peaks within the John Muir Wilderness, as well as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing. From the campground, anglers can try for rainbow, brown, brook and Alpers trout in Robinson Lake and a nearby creek.

    Facilities

    The campground is tucked away near the end of Onion Valley Road. Campsites are private and primitive, and every site has a scenic view. Amenities include vault toilets, and bear-proof food storage lockers, which campers are required to use. Firewood is for sale on-site.

    Natural Features

    Situated at an elevation of 9,200 feet, the campground is surrounded by the towering peaks of the John Muir Wilderness and immersed in shrubs, lodgepole pine and aspens. Lovely wildflowers color the landscape in late spring and early summer. The campground is adjacent to a creek and lake. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear,which frequent the campground, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    Nearby Attractions

    Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Some trails lead into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to the west.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $29 - $31 / night

  8. Camper-submitted photo from Grays Meadows

    8.

    Grays Meadows

    8 Reviews
    13 Photos
    91 Saves
    Seven Pines, California

    Overview

    Grays Meadows Campground is situated along Independence Creek in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its location on the creek and proximity to the rugged John Muir Wilderness make it a popular hub for hikers, anglers, spring skiers and snowboarders. Opening and closing dates may be dependent on weather conditions.

    Recreation

    Majestic mountain scenery and challenging trails draw campers to the Onion Valley area for hiking and horseback riding. The well-known and demanding Shepherd Pass Trail, which can be reached just west of Grays Meadows Campground, heads up to alpine lakes and the high peaks of the John Muir Wilderness. Independence Creek is regularly stocked with trophy-size rainbow trout. Anglers flock to the creek for its early trout fishing season, which starts the first weekend in March, ahead of much of the area.

    Facilities

    The facility consists of an upper and lower campground. The creek borders one side; sites 10, 12, 13, 14, 40, 41, 46 and 51 are closest to the water. Most of the campground is located in a large oak grove, providing shade. The area is frequented by bears so campers must store food in the bear-proof lockers provided on-site. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground.

    Natural Features

    Grays Meadows Campground offers a wandering creek, both sunny and shaded campsites and a high-desert landscape. It sits at an elevation 6,100 ft. and is bordered on the west by Mt. Williamson and Mt. Whitney, the highest peaks in the contiguous United States. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

    Nearby Attractions

    Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $29 - $34 / night

  9. Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Creek RV Resort

    9.

    Boulder Creek RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    25 Photos
    111 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $38 - $75 / night

  10. Camper-submitted photo from Sentinel Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    10.

    Sentinel Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    12 Reviews
    33 Photos
    355 Saves
    Hume, California

    Overview

    Sentinel Campground in Cedar Grove is nestled in the stunning Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the United States. With views of a lovely meadow central to the campground, the sound of the Kings River, and glowing mountainsides just beyond the trees, Sentinel Campground is a wonderful place for families to spend time in the great outdoors.

    Recreation

    Cedar Grove provides a plethora of hiking trails, from the hiking newcomer to the avid backpacker, and everyone in between. Day hikers can hike to Mist Falls, Cedar Grove Overlook, around the peaceful Kanawyer Loop along the Kings River, through Zumwalt Meadow, and more. Visitors can also fish for trout in the Kings River, or take a scenic horseback ride through the canyon with the Cedar Grove Pack Station.

    Facilities

    Each site in Sentinel Campground provides a fire ring, picnic table and large bear-proof food storage box. The roads through Sentinel Campground are paved, making it easier for both RVs and smaller cars to access the entire campground. There are five comfort stations throughout the campground, all with flush toilets, a large sink for dish-washing, and drinking water. The Cedar Grove Visitor Center is located just outside Sentinel Campground, and Cedar Grove Village is across the street and offers a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, hotel, showers and laundry.

    Natural Features

    Tall granite mountainsides cradle the south fork of the Kings River, as streams and creeks feed the river with snowmelt from higher elevations. Abundant wildlife roam through the tall ponderosa pine and incense cedar trees, meadows and along riversides. Hikes into the backcountry out of Cedar Grove will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Kings Canyon National Park.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-3792.

    Nearby Attractions

    Hume Lake, Grizzly Falls, Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, Sequoia Groves and numerous hiking trails attract visitors to this area. Campfire stories, nature and wildlife presentations, and ranger-led hikes are also available during most of the season.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first night___s use fee. Cancellations for a single night___s reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov.___ You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-3792 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $22 - $32 / night

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818 Reviews of 186 Independence Campgrounds