Big Springs Campground

Greetings, fellow Californians and lovers of the great outdoors! If you're someone who truly cherishes a rugged, authentic camping experience, away from the bells and whistles of commercial campgrounds, then Big Springs Campground near Mammoth Lakes, California, might just be the hidden gem you've been searching for. Our magnificent state offers a spectrum of camping opportunities, from luxurious RV resorts to remote backcountry sites, and Big Springs occupies a unique space within that range. It’s a place for those who appreciate the raw beauty of the Eastern Sierra and are prepared for a more self-reliant adventure.

Big Springs Campground provides a rustic yet accessible basecamp for exploring the stunning landscapes of the Inyo National Forest. It's a testament to the wild spirit of California, offering a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. While it may not offer all the amenities some might expect, its appeal lies precisely in its simplicity, its natural setting, and its direct connection to vast recreational opportunities. Understanding what this campground offers – and what it doesn't – is key to planning a successful and enjoyable trip.

In this article, we'll provide you, our local California users, with a comprehensive and factual overview of Big Springs Campground. We'll detail its location and accessibility within the beautiful Mammoth Lakes area, discussing how to prepare for a visit. We'll also cover the essential services and features available, drawing directly from the experiences of real campers. Our aim is to give you an unvarnished perspective, allowing you to determine if this unique campground aligns with your camping style and expectations for an Eastern Sierra adventure.

So, if the thought of starry nights, the scent of pine, and days filled with exploration (and perhaps a little dust) excites you, let's delve into what makes Big Springs Campground a distinctive choice for the adventurous Californian camper.

Big Springs Campground is located in the Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA. Specifically, it is situated along Owens River Road, a few miles north of Mammoth Lakes and between Mammoth Lakes and June Lake, near the Crestview area. This strategic location places it within the heart of the Eastern Sierra's renowned recreational landscape.

Access to Big Springs Campground is primarily via Owens River Road, which is described as a "firm-packed gravel road, smooth and easy to drive for any 2WD vehicle." This ensures that the campground is relatively accessible, even for standard vehicles and most RVs, though campers should always be mindful of road conditions, especially during or after inclement weather. The campground is about 7 miles east of Highway 395 when exiting onto Owens River Road, making it straightforward to reach from the main north-south artery of the Eastern Sierra.

One key aspect of its location and accessibility is its proximity to significant outdoor recreation areas. Big Springs Campground serves as a popular base camp for those looking to engage in various activities in the Lookout Mountain area. It's particularly noted for its access to "OHV/ATV trails," meaning it's a hub for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. However, this also means that visitors should be aware of the potential for "a lot of noise throughout the day from bikes and ATVs" and "dust that gets stirred up by cars, recreational bikes and atv’s that pass by," as noted by reviewers.

For those interested in fishing, Deadman Creek is nearby, offering opportunities for anglers. The campground's location also provides easy access to exploring the unique Obsidian Dome, a fascinating geological feature made of volcanic glass. While the campground itself is somewhat removed from the immediate hustle of Mammoth Lakes town, essential services and amenities in Mammoth Lakes are typically about a 20-minute drive away, providing a balance of a wilderness setting with convenient access to supplies if needed. It's important to note that while the "rest area before Big Springs campground" for water fill-up was temporarily closed at one point, it was reported as open as of June 24, 2025, which is a key detail for water planning.

Big Springs Campground operates as a more rustic, developed campground within the Inyo National Forest. As a free (with a suggested donation) and first-come, first-serve site, its services are more basic compared to fee-based or reservation-required campgrounds. The emphasis is on providing essential facilities for a comfortable and safe outdoor experience.

• Campsites with Basic Amenities: The campground offers 26 individual campsites. Each site is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, allowing for cooking and campfires (when fire restrictions permit). Sites vary in terms of "shade, privacy, size," so campers have some variety to choose from upon arrival.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage: A critical service, given that this is "Bear Country," is the provision of "bear boxes" or "food storage lockers" at each campsite. This allows campers to safely store food and scented items, deterring bears and protecting both human and wildlife populations.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides "delightful vault toilets" or "outhouses." Reviews generally indicate that these facilities are maintained, with one reviewer noting the "outhouse was clean." While not flush toilets, they serve as essential sanitation facilities.
• No Potable Water On-Site: A crucial service not offered directly at the campground is potable (drinking) water. Campers "will have to fill up before you come" or bring their own water. As of June 24, 2025, the nearby Crestview Rest Area along US-395 (approximately 2.6 miles away) is open and provides potable water, which is a convenient external source.
• No Hookups: Big Springs Campground does not offer any RV hookups (electric, water, or sewer). This means campers need to be self-sufficient in terms of power, water storage, and waste management.
• No Garbage Services: Reviewers noted "No garbage services that I could find" and advise to "pack out your trash." This is a common practice in more rustic and free campgrounds, placing responsibility for waste disposal directly on the campers.
• Camp Hosts (Typically): While not explicitly stated for all times, reviewers mentioned the presence of a "camp host," indicating that a host is typically on-site to provide information and assistance.

These services underscore the rustic nature of Big Springs Campground, requiring campers to be well-prepared and self-reliant, fitting for those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience.

Big Springs Campground offers a distinct set of features and highlights that appeal to a specific type of outdoor enthusiast. While some aspects might be considered drawbacks by those seeking full amenities, for others, they are precisely what make this campground a desirable destination.

• Free (or Donation-Based) Camping: A major highlight is that the campground is "quite a good campground for being free" with a "$10 suggested donation per night." This affordability makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers, a significant draw in California's often-expensive recreational areas.
• First-Come, First-Serve Sites: The availability of "a lot of very nice first come first serve spots" is a key feature, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips without the need for advance reservations. This is highly valued by many who prefer not to plan too far ahead.
• Secluded and Varied Campsites: The campground boasts "some really fantastic and somewhat secluded Walk in sites," providing a sense of privacy and immersion in nature. While sites vary in shade and size, there are "several very nice sites" that offer a more intimate camping experience.
• Proximity to Natural Springs and River: The campground is "located near a river and natural springs coming out of the ground," making it "picturesque and peaceful." This natural water feature adds to the scenic beauty and provides a refreshing element to the environment.
• Bear Boxes Provided: The presence of bear-proof food storage lockers at each site is a crucial safety feature, reflecting responsible management in bear country and offering peace of mind to campers.
• Access to Extensive OHV/ATV Trails: For off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, the campground is a prime location for exploring the "expansive network of routes for off-road vehicles" in the Lookout Mountain area. This is a significant draw for this specific recreational activity.
• Abundant Dispersed Camping Nearby: For those seeking even more solitude or if the campground is full, there are "many dispersed sites nearby" along Owens River Road, offering additional free camping opportunities.
• Unique Geological Features: The presence of "little pieces of obsidian all over the ground" and the proximity to Obsidian Dome provide interesting geological context and opportunities for exploration.
• Winter Recreation: The area around the campground is also suitable for winter activities, including cross-country skiing, extending its appeal beyond the warmer months for prepared adventurers.

These features combine to create a distinct camping experience that is both rugged and rewarding for those prepared for its specific conditions.

For inquiries regarding Big Springs Campground, as it is part of the Inyo National Forest, the relevant contact information is typically for the forest service district office. While specific campground host contact details might not be public, the Mono Lake Ranger District is the managing entity for this area.

Address: Big Springs Campground is located along Owens River Road, near Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA. (No specific physical office at the campground itself)

Phone: (760) 647-3044 (Mono Lake Ranger District Office, Inyo National Forest)

For current conditions, fire restrictions, or information on specific site availability (especially for first-come, first-serve campgrounds), it's always recommended to call the relevant Ranger District office or check the Inyo National Forest website prior to your visit.

For Californians, Big Springs Campground near Mammoth Lakes offers a particular appeal, especially for those who prioritize raw natural beauty, affordability, and a more self-reliant camping experience. It stands out as suitable for locals for several key reasons that align with the adventurous spirit often found in our state's outdoor enthusiasts.

Firstly, its status as a free (or donation-based) and first-come, first-serve campground makes it incredibly accessible to budget-conscious Californians. In a state where outdoor recreation can sometimes be costly, Big Springs provides an economical way to experience the stunning Eastern Sierra. The flexibility of first-come, first-serve sites also caters to spontaneous weekend trips or last-minute escapes, a practical benefit for those with dynamic schedules.

Secondly, Big Springs immerses campers directly into the high-desert and pine forest environment of the Inyo National Forest. For locals seeking an escape from urban sprawl and a genuine connection with nature, the "picturesque and peaceful" setting, complete with natural springs and a nearby river, is a significant draw. While there might be dust and noise from OHV activity, for enthusiasts of off-roading, this is a feature, not a bug, making it a prime base for their adventures right in their backyard.

The provision of essential services like bear-proof food lockers and clean vault toilets, despite the lack of hookups or potable water on-site (though accessible nearby), demonstrates a commitment to basic safety and sanitation while maintaining a rustic feel. This expectation of self-sufficiency resonates with many experienced California campers who are accustomed to bringing their own water and managing their waste, appreciating the trade-off for a less developed and often less crowded environment.

Moreover, the proximity to a vast network of OHV trails, opportunities for fishing in Deadman Creek, and other dispersed camping options solidify Big Springs' suitability for those who embrace active outdoor pursuits. It's a true launchpad for exploring the diverse landscapes and recreational offerings of the Mammoth Lakes area, without the higher costs or more structured feel of commercial parks.

In conclusion, for Californians who are well-prepared for a more basic camping setup, value affordability, and are drawn to the rugged beauty and active recreation of the Eastern Sierra, Big Springs Campground is a highly suitable choice. It offers an authentic slice of California wilderness, allowing locals to disconnect, explore, and create their own adventures in one of the state's most iconic natural regions.

Big Springs Campground

Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA