Cedar Flat Group Camps

For Californians with a love for the vast, open landscapes and breathtaking night skies of the Eastern Sierra, Cedar Flat Group Camps near Big Pine offers a distinctive and appealing camping experience. This unique campground, situated off CA-168, is less about manicured sites and more about expansive freedom, making it an excellent choice for groups or individuals who value space, solitude, and a direct connection to nature. If you're a local looking for a budget-friendly option to gather friends, enjoy quiet mornings, and witness awe-inspiring stargazing, Cedar Flat provides a raw yet rewarding basecamp from which to explore the wonders of the Owens Valley and beyond. It’s a place where the sounds of the city vanish, replaced by the rustle of wind and the subtle movements of desert wildlife.

Cedar Flat Group Camps is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a less developed camping environment. Its layout, separated into three distinct branches, allows for a surprising degree of privacy, even when other groups are present. While it can be hot in the summer and some areas offer less shade, its appeal lies in the sheer amount of room to "poke around to find your favorite spot" and the opportunity to truly escape the crowds. Prepare for a memorable adventure where planning for daytime activities and bringing plenty of cold drinks will enhance your experience under the spectacular Eastern Sierra sky.

Cedar Flat Group Camps is located off CA-168, near Big Pine, CA 93513, USA, placing it within the vast and scenic Inyo National Forest. This area is a gateway to some of the Eastern Sierra's most iconic landscapes, including the Owens Valley to the east and the towering Sierra Nevada peaks to the west. The elevation here is lower than the high-alpine campgrounds, typically in the pinyon-juniper forest transition zone, meaning it can experience significant heat during summer months.

Accessing Cedar Flat Group Camps is generally easy, as noted by a reviewer whose Prius had no issue on the road to the campground. CA-168 is a well-maintained state highway, and the turn-off for Cedar Flat is usually clearly marked. The campground itself is spread across "three branches," suggesting multiple loop roads or areas that provide access to various dispersed camping spots. This layout allows for ample room to find a suitable site, even if some areas are more exposed than others.

For local Californians, particularly those from Southern or Central California, Big Pine is a common stopping point on trips up Highway 395. Cedar Flat offers a convenient and accessible option for overnight stays, especially during road trips, as it allows for a quick and quiet stop without venturing too far off the main route. While its summer temperatures can be "brutal," its accessibility and vastness make it appealing during cooler seasons or for those who plan daytime activities elsewhere, such as "soaking in Big Pine Creek."

Cedar Flat Group Camps offers a more minimalist set of services, aligning with its emphasis on spacious, dispersed-style group camping. While it doesn't provide extensive amenities, it delivers on the essentials for a comfortable, budget-friendly experience, as highlighted by visitor feedback.

• Campsites: The campground is described as a "decent large campground" with "lots of room for dispersed camping." It’s separated into "three branches," suggesting distinct areas where groups can set up. Sites are not formally delineated like in many developed campgrounds, allowing campers to "poke around to find your favorite spot." This offers flexibility for various tent and RV setups, though specific RV length limits might apply to certain informal sites.
• Vault Toilets: The "bathroom was clean," indicating functional and reasonably well-maintained vault toilets. While not flush toilets, they provide necessary sanitation in a remote setting.
• Trash Disposal: Reviews mention "lots of dumpsters," which is a convenient feature for waste disposal in a wilderness area. This helps keep the campground clean, though some "trash" was noted, likely from user disregard rather than lack of facilities.
• No Potable Water: There is no mention of potable water spigots at the campground. As is common for many dispersed or basic national forest campgrounds, visitors should assume they need to bring their entire water supply for drinking, cooking, and washing. Nearby Big Pine or Bishop can serve as supply points.
• No Hookups: For RV campers, there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Campers must be self-contained or prepared for dry camping/boondocking.
• Fire Rings: While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, basic fire rings are typically available at designated areas within such campgrounds. However, campers must always check for current fire restrictions, especially during dry summer months, as fire bans are common in California.
• First-Come, First-Served: Given its "dispersed camping" nature, Cedar Flat Group Camps likely operates on a first-come, first-served basis, without reservations, making it suitable for spontaneous trips.
• Budget-Friendly: Described as a "decent large campground for the price," indicating it's an affordable option for campers.

Cedar Flat Group Camps’ highlights are rooted in its expansive natural setting and the opportunities it offers for quiet immersion in the Eastern Sierra landscape.

• Spacious and Secluded Camping: The primary highlight is the sheer amount of space and the separated "three branches," which allow groups to have privacy. Campers can "barely see and hear the other groups," creating a sense of solitude even when others are present. This "lots of room for dispersed camping" is a significant draw for those seeking an uncrowded experience.
• Incredible Stargazing: As one reviewer eloquently stated, "The night sky is awesome if it's clear." Far from urban light pollution, Cedar Flat offers exceptional stargazing opportunities, making for a truly memorable night experience. This is a consistent highlight of Eastern Sierra camping.
• Easy Road Access: The "road to the campground was easy," even for a Prius, indicating good accessibility for standard vehicles, which is not always the case for remote camping areas.
• Wildlife Viewing: The presence of "lots of lizards to watch" suggests opportunities for observing desert wildlife, adding to the natural experience. While flies and bees can be "bothersome" due to the dry, hot conditions, they are part of the desert ecosystem.
• Proximity to Owens Valley Attractions: While the campground itself offers limited direct activities, its location serves as a strategic basecamp. Visitors can easily drive "across the Owens Valley and soaked in Big Pine Creek during the day" to escape summer heat, or plan trips "down in the Big Pine/Bishop area" for dining, supplies, or other recreational activities like fishing in the local creeks and rivers.
• Scenic Views: The pinyon-juniper forest, combined with the vastness of the Owens Valley and the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers captivating scenic views, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
• Solitude-Focused: The remote and quiet nature of the campground is a key feature for those who prioritize a peaceful escape from city noise and traffic.
• Dog-Friendly: While not explicitly stated, dispersed camping areas in national forests are typically dog-friendly (on leash), making it suitable for those traveling with pets.

For the most current and specific information regarding Cedar Flat Group Camps, including seasonal accessibility, current fire restrictions, and any advisories, it is best to contact the managing authority, the Inyo National Forest, particularly the White Mountain Ranger District.

Address: CA-168, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA (General area within Inyo National Forest)

For inquiries, you can typically reach the White Mountain Ranger District (which covers the Big Pine area):

White Mountain Ranger Station Address: 798 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514

Phone: (760) 873-2500 (General information for the Inyo National Forest and ranger districts)

It is highly recommended for local Californians planning a visit to call the White Mountain Ranger District or check the Inyo National Forest's official website. This is crucial for confirming operational dates (as high summer temperatures can impact desirability), current fire restrictions (which are often in place during dry periods), and any important alerts regarding road conditions or specific area closures. Given the "hot and dry" conditions mentioned, being informed about water sources and any fire bans is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Cedar Flat Group Camps presents a compelling and uniquely Californian outdoor experience, particularly suited for locals who prioritize space, solitude, and a budget-friendly group setting within the stunning Eastern Sierra. Its distinct character offers a welcome alternative to more crowded, amenity-rich campgrounds, fostering a deeper connection with the vastness of the natural environment.

For Californians seeking an escape from urban congestion and noise, Cedar Flat delivers. The "decent large campground" with "lots of room for dispersed camping" across its "three branches" ensures a rare level of privacy and quietude. This makes it perfect for groups of friends or families who want to share an outdoor adventure without feeling on top of other campers. The quiet atmosphere, where you can "barely see and hear the other groups," allows for genuine relaxation and immersion in nature's sounds.

While summer temperatures can be "brutal," locals are often accustomed to California's diverse climates and can plan accordingly, making the most of the cooler nights and planning daytime activities in nearby Big Pine Creek or other shaded areas. The ease of access, even for a Prius, and the availability of "lots of dumpsters" are practical conveniences that enhance the experience of this otherwise rustic site.

The truly "awesome" night sky is a major draw, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities that are a profound reminder of California's natural wonders. For those who appreciate the raw beauty of the desert, the unique flora and fauna (like the "lots of lizards to watch"), and a no-frills approach to camping, Cedar Flat is an excellent choice. It provides a flexible and affordable basecamp for exploring the majestic Eastern Sierra, allowing Californians to craft their own adventure and truly disconnect in their beautiful home state.

Cedar Flat Group Camps

CA-168, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA