Big Pine Creek Campground

For Californians seeking an unparalleled outdoor escape into the majestic High Sierra, Big Pine Creek Campground offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Nestled in the heart of the Inyo National Forest, this picturesque campground is surrounded by towering trees and dramatic snow-capped peaks, providing a serene and inspiring backdrop for any adventure. It's more than just a place to set up your tent or RV; it's a direct gateway to some of California's most breathtaking natural wonders, including the legendary Big Pine Lakes and the ancient wonders of the Bristlecone Pine Forest. For locals who crave fresh mountain air, challenging hikes, and the tranquility of nature, Big Pine Creek Campground consistently exceeds expectations.

Big Pine Creek Campground is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and its strategic location as a basecamp for serious outdoor pursuits. Situated at an elevation of approximately 7,700 to 7,800 feet, it offers a refreshing climate and serves as an excellent spot for acclimatization before tackling higher altitude treks. Guests consistently rave about the "beautiful campground surrounded by snow-capped peaks and tall trees with lots of shade," highlighting the privacy between most sites and the excellent hiking opportunities directly from camp. Whether you're an avid backpacker planning a multi-day journey into the John Muir Wilderness or a family looking for a scenic spot to enjoy nature, Big Pine Creek Campground provides an authentic and rewarding Eastern Sierra experience.

Big Pine Creek Campground is conveniently located near the town of Big Pine, California, making it accessible while still offering a deep wilderness feel.

The campground's address is Big Pine, CA 93513, USA, within the Inyo National Forest. To reach the campground, travelers typically take Highway 395 to Big Pine, a major north-south artery in the Eastern Sierra. From Highway 395, you will turn west onto Crocker Street in Big Pine. Continue west up Big Pine Canyon Road for approximately 10 miles until you reach the end of the road. Then, turn left, crossing Big Pine Creek, and left again past Glacier Lodge for about 100 yards. The road leading to the campground is paved but can be narrow, steep, and winding, so caution is advised, especially for RVs. The journey itself is part of the experience, transitioning from the high desert of the Owens Valley to the lush, forested alpine environment. While there is no cell phone service directly at the campground, providing a true unplugged getaway, Wi-Fi can be accessed at Glacier Lodge a short walk away for a fee.

Big Pine Creek Campground provides essential services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, catering to both tent campers and those with smaller RVs.

• Campsites with Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grate, perfect for outdoor meals and cozy campfires (when fire restrictions permit).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are conveniently located throughout the campground.
• Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are available, ensuring access to fresh water, though it's always wise to check current conditions as water availability can be seasonal.
• Bear Boxes/Food Storage Lockers: Given the presence of bears in the area, bear-resistant food lockers are provided at each site, and proper food storage is mandatory for safety.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is often sold on-site by the camp host, offering a convenient option for campers.
• On-site Host: A friendly camp host is typically present, offering assistance and information to campers.
• Reservations: While some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, many can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, which is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Big Pine Creek Campground is rich in features and highlights that make it a premier destination for California's outdoor enthusiasts.

• Direct Trailhead Access: The campground serves as a primary trailhead for some of the most spectacular hikes in the Eastern Sierra, notably the trails leading to the Big Pine Lakes and offering access to the Palisade Glacier, the largest and southernmost glacier in the Sierra Nevada.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Campers are surrounded by "beautiful campground surrounded by snow-capped peaks and tall trees with lots of shade," offering stunning vistas directly from their campsites and along nearby trails. The area is particularly vibrant in June or July with "lush vegetation and wildflowers."
• Proximity to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: It's close to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to some of the world's oldest living trees, providing unique hiking opportunities and incredible views.
• Excellent Hiking and Backpacking: The area is celebrated for its diverse hiking opportunities, from moderate day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips into the John Muir Wilderness. The trek to the Big Pine Lakes (7 lakes, about 15 miles round trip, 8-10 hours) is described as "beautiful," "well marked and clean," and "well worth it."
• Privacy Between Sites: Many sites offer "good privacy between most sites," providing a more secluded and tranquil camping experience.
• Creek-side Camping: Some campsites are "perched along the cool, fish-filled waters of Big Pine Creek," allowing campers to fall asleep to the soothing sound of rushing water and offering opportunities for stream fishing.
• High-Altitude Acclimatization: At 7,700-7,800 feet elevation, the campground is an ideal spot to acclimate to higher altitudes before embarking on more strenuous climbs.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse natural environment provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.

For inquiries, reservations, or further information about Big Pine Creek Campground, please use the contact details provided below. Due to limited cell service, it's best to plan ahead and make reservations in advance.

Address: Big Pine, CA 93513, USA (within Inyo National Forest)

Phone: (916) 653-6995 (This appears to be a general state number, for direct campground inquiries, a more specific Forest Service number for the Inyo National Forest is often 760-873-2500 or 760-935-4339 for the White Mountain Ranger District)

Mobile Phone: +1 916-653-6995

Big Pine Creek Campground is an exceptional destination for California locals, offering a profound connection with the state's iconic natural landscapes. For hikers and backpackers, its status as a direct trailhead to the renowned Big Pine Lakes and access to the John Muir Wilderness means world-class adventures are literally at their doorstep. The opportunity to explore "beautiful trail" surrounded by "lush vegetation and wild flowers" in June or July, and to witness "snow-capped peaks" directly from your campsite, provides an unparalleled aesthetic and recreational experience that is uniquely Californian.

Beyond the adventurous pursuits, the campground’s tranquil setting, ample shade from tall trees, and privacy between sites create an ideal environment for relaxation and recharging away from urban life. While there's no cell service, this very feature allows for a truly unplugged experience, fostering deeper connection with nature and companions. The convenience of amenities like potable water, clean vault toilets, and on-site firewood, coupled with the attentive presence of a camp host, ensures a comfortable stay despite its wilderness setting. For Californians seeking to embrace the majestic beauty of their state's high country, to challenge themselves on legendary trails, or simply to find peace amidst stunning alpine scenery, Big Pine Creek Campground is a quintessential choice, promising memorable moments in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.

To get a visual sense of the area, you can watch this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGVpsISvFCs) video.

Big Pine Creek Campground

Big Pine, CA 93513, USA