Glacier View Campground

For Californians venturing into the breathtaking Eastern Sierra, Glacier View Campground in Big Pine offers a practical and budget-friendly option for an overnight stay or a multi-day basecamp. Situated against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, this campground provides essential amenities at an accessible price point, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore the area's magnificent landscapes without breaking the bank. It's a straightforward, no-frills location designed for convenience, especially for travelers on the move or those gearing up for more strenuous adventures in the high country.

While some might seek out more luxurious accommodations, Glacier View Campground caters to the pragmatic camper who values affordability, location, and a reliable place to rest. Imagine waking up to a stunning view of the Eastern Sierra peaks, with the promise of a day filled with hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air. Its ease of access and value make it a compelling choice for a wide range of California residents, from solo travelers to families, who are keen to experience the natural wonders of the Owens Valley and beyond. This guide will delve into the practicalities and highlights of Glacier View Campground, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your next Eastern Sierra adventure.

Glacier View Campground is conveniently located on Main St in Big Pine, CA 93513. Big Pine is a small, charming town nestled in the Owens Valley, directly on U.S. Highway 395, which is the primary arterial road running through the Eastern Sierra. This strategic placement makes Glacier View Campground highly accessible for Californians traveling north or south along this scenic corridor.

From almost anywhere in California, reaching Big Pine involves driving along Highway 395. For those coming from Southern California, it's a direct route north through the Mojave Desert and up into the Owens Valley. From Northern California, it's a scenic drive south from areas like Mammoth Lakes or Bishop. The campground's location right on Main Street in Big Pine means it's incredibly easy to find and navigate to, even in the dark. Its proximity to town also ensures that essential services like gas stations, a small grocery store, and local eateries are just a stone's throw away, adding to its convenience. While some mountain campgrounds might require navigating winding, unpaved roads, Glacier View's direct highway access makes it suitable for all vehicle types, including large RVs and trailers. Cell phone service is generally reliable in Big Pine, though it can become spotty as you venture further into the surrounding mountains. This ease of access and town proximity significantly contribute to its appeal as a practical stop for various types of travelers exploring the Eastern Sierra.

Glacier View Campground provides a set of essential services and amenities, catering to campers who prioritize functionality and affordability. It offers a more basic setup compared to resort-style campgrounds, focusing on core needs.

• Campsites with/without Power: The campground offers a mix of sites, with options for both powered ($30/night) and non-powered ($25/night) sites. This flexibility allows campers to choose based on their needs and budget. Reviews indicate there are approximately 8 sites with power.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite generally includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.

• Fire Rings: While not explicitly mentioned for every site in reviews, it's common for such campgrounds to provide fire rings or grates for campfires (when fire restrictions allow).

• Restrooms: The campground has restrooms, which, according to reviews, are generally well-maintained and clean, ensuring a basic level of comfort for campers.

• Potable Water: Access to potable water is typically available within the campground, although it may not be at individual sites (check with the camp host or management for specific locations).

• Dump Station: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, many campgrounds of this type in California offer a dump station for RVs, which is a key amenity for longer stays.

• Daily Rates: The straightforward pricing of $25 for non-powered sites and $30 for powered sites makes it a transparent and affordable option for a night's stay.

• On-Site Management/Host: The presence of a camp host or long-term residents suggests a level of on-site management, though interactions can vary as noted in one review.

Despite its modest amenities, Glacier View Campground offers several features and highlights that make it an attractive option for campers exploring the Eastern Sierra.

• Stunning Eastern Sierra Views: As its name suggests, a major highlight is the "nice view of the eastern Sierras" directly from the campground. Campers can wake up to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the towering mountain range, including some of California's highest peaks.

• Proximity to Big Pine Canyon Trails: Glacier View Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for accessing the numerous hiking and climbing opportunities in Big Pine Canyon. This includes trails leading to the spectacular Big Pine Lakes, the Palisade Glacier (the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada), and access to major mountaineering objectives like Temple Crag and Mount Sill.

• Affordable Pricing: At $25-$30 per night, Glacier View is considered a "cheap place to stay," offering great value compared to many other campgrounds or lodging options in the popular Eastern Sierra region.

• Convenient Town Access: Its location directly on Main Street in Big Pine means campers are within walking distance or a very short drive of town amenities, including gas stations, a general store for last-minute supplies, and local restaurants or cafes.

• Good for Overnight Stays: The campground is frequently utilized as a convenient and cost-effective stop for travelers traversing Highway 395, making it an ideal spot to break up a long journey.

• Shade and Breeze: Despite being in a warm area, reviews note "a nice breeze and shade kept it tolerable," suggesting that some spots offer welcome relief from the sun, which is valuable in the Owens Valley climate.

• Access to Fishing and Outdoor Activities: The Owens Valley is known for its excellent fishing, and the surrounding Inyo National Forest offers ample opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor pursuits.

For direct inquiries about Glacier View Campground, current site availability, or any specific rules, it's best to contact the campground directly or the Inyo National Forest, which manages the surrounding area.

Address: Main St, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA (This is the physical address of the campground.)

Phone: (760) 872-6911 (This is the direct phone number for Glacier View Campground. It's the best contact for immediate questions about sites, conditions, or availability.)

Mobile Phone: +1 760-872-6911 (Same as above, a direct line to the campground.)

It's always recommended to call ahead, especially during peak season or if you are seeking a specific type of site (e.g., with power). Given the feedback about long-term residents occupying shadier spots, a call might help set expectations. For broader information about the Inyo National Forest or wilderness permits for nearby trails, you would contact the Inyo National Forest Service directly or visit their website.

Glacier View Campground is an excellent choice for Californians seeking an affordable, convenient, and scenic basecamp for their Eastern Sierra adventures. For locals, its prime location directly on Highway 395 in Big Pine makes it incredibly accessible, whether passing through or intending to explore the majestic Big Pine Canyon. The ability to secure a site for a very reasonable price (as low as $25 per night) offers significant value, especially when compared to other lodging options in the region.

While some sites may be more exposed or occupied by long-term residents, the presence of essential amenities like restrooms and the option for power hookups caters to both tent and RV campers. Most importantly, the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains directly from the campground, combined with immediate access to world-class hiking, fishing, and climbing opportunities in Big Pine Canyon, make it an unbeatable location for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite isolated concerns regarding interactions, the overwhelming sentiment is that Glacier View provides a perfectly functional and picturesque stop that offers great bang for your buck in one of California's most breathtaking regions. It's a pragmatic and popular choice for the local adventurer.

Glacier View Campground

Main St, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA