Tinnemaha Creek Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Californians yearning for a genuine escape from the clamor of city life and a deep immersion into nature, Tinnemaha Creek Campground offers an absolutely gorgeous and uniquely rustic retreat. Located near Big Pine in the heart of California’s breathtaking Eastern Sierra, this campground is a destination where simplicity and natural beauty reign supreme. Unlike highly developed resorts, Tinnemaha Creek Campground is refreshingly devoid of "hotel amenities" like beds or electricity, inviting visitors to truly "park and set up camp" and embrace a more traditional outdoor experience. This deliberate lack of modern conveniences is precisely what makes it so appealing to those seeking an authentic connection with the wilderness. Surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and featuring a wonderful stream brimming with trout, Tinnemaha Creek Campground provides a peaceful and quiet environment, as frequently noted by delighted visitors. It’s a perfect spot for individuals, families, and especially groups to gather, unwind, and enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, and simply cooling off in the creek after a sunny day. If you're ready to disconnect, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and witness stunning desert and mountain vistas, Tinnemaha Creek Campground promises an unforgettable visit that’s definitely worth the desert journey.

Location and Accessibility

Tinnemaha Creek Campground is beautifully situated at 2060 Tinemaha Rd, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA. Its location is a testament to its remote and tranquil nature, nestled approximately 19 miles north of Independence and just a short drive from Big Pine, within California's stunning Owens Valley. For Californians, reaching this serene oasis typically involves traveling along the scenic U.S. 395, the primary north-south highway of the Eastern Sierra. From the south, after passing through Independence, visitors will turn west onto Fish Springs Road, then proceed for about half a mile to Tinnemaha Road, followed by another two miles west to the campground. From the north, approaching from Bishop or further afield, the turn-off will be found after Big Pine. While the final stretch of road leading into the campground may be unpaved in sections, it is generally accessible for most vehicles, including larger RVs, as noted by visitors. This relative ease of access, combined with its truly remote feel, creates a perfect balance for those looking to get away from it all without needing extreme off-roading capabilities. The surrounding area is characterized by a high desert environment, offering expansive views of both the Inyo and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. Its strategic position also makes it a great base for exploring other nearby Eastern Sierra attractions, including the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and various hiking trails in the Inyo National Forest. The journey to Tinnemaha Creek Campground is a scenic adventure in itself, preparing you for the peaceful retreat that awaits.

Services Offered

• Primitive Campsites: Offers 30-35 camp spaces suitable for both tents and larger RVs, though no hookups (water, electricity, or sewer) are available at individual sites.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and maintained vault toilets are available on-site for convenience.
• Fire Rings and Grills: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring and grate, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Picnic Tables: Provided at each site for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Stream Fishing: Direct access to Tinnemaha Creek, which is stocked with trout during the summer months, offering excellent fishing opportunities. A valid California fishing license is required for individuals aged 16 and older.
• No Potable Water: Visitors must bring their own drinking water, as potable water is not available at the campground.
• Automated Pay Station: Fees ($14 per vehicle per night, additional vehicle $5) can be paid via an automated station accepting credit cards and cash.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites are generally spacious, allowing for privacy and comfort, even for groups.
• Group Camping Options: Site #20 is specifically available for group camping.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but should be kept on leashes.

Features / Highlights

• Absolutely Gorgeous and Remote Location: As reviews confirm, Tinnemaha Creek Campground is an "absolutely gorgeous spot to get away from the city." Its truly remote setting ensures a peaceful and quiet experience, allowing visitors to completely disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
• Tranquil Creek Environment: The "wonderful stream running through it that is absolutely full of trout!" is a major highlight. The creek provides a serene soundtrack to your stay and offers fantastic opportunities for cooling off after a hike and, of course, excellent fishing.
• Unplugged Experience: With no electricity or cell phone reception (cell service is generally poor), the campground enforces an authentic "unplugged" environment, encouraging campers to focus on the outdoors, their companions, and genuine relaxation.
• Stunning Mountain and Desert Views: Campers are treated to "uninterrupted views of the imposing Sierra Nevada front" and the beauty of the high desert, offering spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and star-filled night skies.
• Ideal for Groups: Several reviews highlight its suitability for group camping, with spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents or larger RVs, fostering a communal yet comfortable atmosphere.
• Abundant Wildlife and Birdwatching: The diverse riparian and desert habitat makes it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, including various bird species along the Pacific Flyway and potential sightings of desert mammals.
• Base for Exploration: While primitive, its location provides a perfect base for exploring the Eastern Sierra's numerous hiking trails, off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes, and nearby attractions like the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
• "Mars-like" Desert Vibe: One visitor even described the experience as feeling like "you are on planet Mars," hinting at the unique, rugged beauty of the desert landscape that surrounds the campground.

Contact Information

For inquiries and information about Tinnemaha Creek Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2060 Tinemaha Rd, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA

Phone: (760) 873-5564

Mobile Phone: +1 760-873-5564

Please note that this campground is managed by Inyo County Parks & Recreation. While phone numbers are provided, for the most up-to-date information on site availability, fees, and any local conditions (such as fire restrictions or creek levels), it is highly recommended to check the Inyo County Parks & Recreation website or contact them via email. Given the primitive nature of the campground and its remote location, verifying current information before your trip, especially regarding potable water availability, is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Californians seeking a truly authentic and rejuvenating outdoor experience, Tinnemaha Creek Campground near Big Pine is an exceptionally suitable local gem. Its primary appeal lies in its beautiful, remote setting, offering a profound escape from the urban sprawl that characterizes much of California. This isn't a crowded, amenity-rich resort; it's a place where locals can genuinely "get away from the city" and reconnect with nature on its own terms. The lack of electricity and "hotel amenities" isn't a drawback but a feature, encouraging a much-needed digital detox and a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures of camping. The presence of a "wonderful stream running through it that is absolutely full of trout!" makes it a fantastic destination for local anglers, providing easy access to excellent fishing opportunities right from your campsite. For groups, the spacious sites and peaceful environment make it an ideal spot for friends and families to gather, creating lasting memories amidst stunning Sierra Nevada views. Its location in the Eastern Sierra makes it accessible for many Californians via US-395, allowing for a relatively straightforward drive to a truly wild and scenic landscape. While visitors are encouraged to be self-sufficient and prepared (bringing their own water, sunblock, and canopy), the reward is a quiet, unadulterated camping experience that few places can offer. Tinnemaha Creek Campground represents the essence of California's vast and diverse outdoor offerings – a tranquil, natural sanctuary where the primary attractions are the majestic mountains, the soothing sound of the creek, and the unparalleled feeling of solitude under a vast, star-filled sky. It’s a perfect local antidote to modern life, inviting Californians to rediscover the profound peace that only true wilderness can provide.

Tinnemaha Creek Campground

2060 Tinemaha Rd, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA