Goodale Creek Campground
4.3120 reviewsTen miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to campground.
Goodale Creek Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $5.00 per site per night, applicable to standard non-electric sites. Disabled pass holders may receive a discounted rate of $2.50 per night.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Alabama Hills, Goodale Creek Campground beckons with 43 thoughtfully spaced sites where modern adventurers can disconnect and recharge. Five convenient pull-through spaces accommodate road-weary travelers, while the remaining sites welcome both RV enthusiasts (up to 30 feet) and tent campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Each site comes equipped with the camping essentials—a fire pit for evening storytelling, a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals under the stars, and traditional lantern holders that harken back to simpler times. True to its backcountry spirit, the campground operates without hookups, running water, or dump stations, inviting visitors to embrace a more rustic, self-sufficient camping adventure.
Goodale Creek Campground offers RV and tent camping with 43 sites available. Five of these sites are pull-through spaces suitable for trailers.
Historical SignificanceThe spirit of the American West pulses through this region, where the nearby town of Independence keeps traditions alive with its legendary Fourth of July parades that have drawn families for generations. The surrounding landscape tells stories etched in stone—these ancient rock formations have witnessed centuries of human passage, from Native American inhabitants to pioneering settlers, Hollywood filmmakers, and modern-day explorers. The towering presence of the Sierra Nevada serves as a constant reminder of nature's grandeur and the adventurous spirit that defines this corner of California.
Weather and SeasonsGoodale Creek transforms with the seasons, offering year-round accessibility to those who seek its varied charms. Seasoned visitors whisper that autumn brings crisp air and golden light, winter delivers peaceful solitude under clear skies, and spring awakens the landscape with gentle warmth. Summer tells a different tale—the desert sun blazes overhead, making it the domain of only the most heat-tolerant adventurers. Many find the cooler months from October through May to be the sweet spot, when comfortable days give way to starlit nights perfect for campfire conversations.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position offers the perfect vantage point between the dramatic Alabama Hills and the soaring Sierra Nevada, creating a unique high-desert camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryGoodale Creek whispers through the campground, its gentle flow providing a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor escape. From your campsite, the legendary Mt. Whitney—crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada and the highest peak in the contiguous United States—dominates the western horizon. As day surrenders to night, the spacious campground becomes nature's amphitheater, where spectacular sunsets paint the surrounding peaks in shades of amber and rose. The profound quiet here isn't empty but full—full of wind through ancient rocks, distant bird calls, and the crackle of campfires under an impossibly vast canopy of stars.
Geological RegionThe Alabama Hills serve as your dramatic backdrop—a wonderland of weathered granite boulders and arches that seem sculpted by an artist's hand rather than millions of years of wind and water. This geological marvel sits at the junction of the Mojave Desert and the Sierra Nevada, creating a landscape so striking it has starred in countless Western films and captured the imagination of photographers worldwide. The distinctive rounded rocks contrast beautifully with the sharp, snow-capped peaks beyond, offering endless opportunities for exploration and wonder. Crystal-clear mountain vistas stretch for miles, reminding visitors why this region has become a pilgrimage site for those seeking California's most photogenic wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information regarding disability-accessible features is available.
Sites SizeSites are described as good-sized and able to accommodate both tents and RVs up to 30 feet long. "Maximum recommended RV length is 30 feet" (authoritative source).
Sites PrivacySites provide good separation, offering a sense of privacy: "Good separation between sites" (user review).
Total Campsites43 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor quiet and scenic views, select campsites farther from the road and closer to the creek.
Best CampsitesUsers recommend sites near the creek for a pleasant sleeping experience and proximity to water for dishwashing.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Camping for a period longer than 14 days at any one campground, not to exceed 28 days per calendar year for all Bishop Field Office campgrounds, is prohibited without written permission from the Field Office Manager.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific information on maximum guests per site.
Groups
No group camping facilities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout43 spacious sites, including five pull-through spaces. Most sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern holders.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with first-come, first-served availability starting June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsNo advanced reservation platforms available as sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations allowed.
Cancellation PolicyThis is a Scan and Pay campground. No refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed for payments made via Scan and Pay.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. "Good Trout fishing, catch your limit every day" (user review). The creek near the campground is a highlight for many visitors.
Hiking
Hiking trails are mentioned in user reviews, but no specific details about the trails are provided. "Hiking trails and a cute little stream" (user review).Fishing
Fishing is popular at the campground, with one user stating, "Good Trout fishing, catch your limit every day" (user review).Wildlife viewing
The campground offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, but specific details about animals or viewing areas are not provided.Winter Activities
The campground is suitable for fall, winter, and early spring camping. "A nice Campground for fall, winter, and early spring camping. It gets very hot in the Summer" (user review).Water Sports
No specific details about non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Established fire rings are provided at each site. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsTick infestations have been reported by users during summer months. High summer temperatures can also pose challenges.
Active alertsSeasonal fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 16 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be reached through the Inyo County Sheriff (760) 873-7887 and Mono County Sheriff (760) 932-7549.
Good to know
Peak season datesThe campground operates its first-come, first-served policies between June 21, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Pricing remains constant year-round.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresA creek runs near the campground; it can be used for dishwashing but is not potable.
Common complaintsTicks and insect infestations during summer months, lack of potable water, and vault toilets reported as unpleasant by some users.
HostHost Keith is described as friendly and outgoing by several reviewers.
Campground Map
Ten miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to campground.
Driving directionsTen miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to the campground.
The campground is accessible from U.S. Highway 395 and Aberdeen Road, and appears to be suitable for vehicles up to 30 feet in length. The roads to the site are not described as challenging.Nearby places
Big Pine (12 miles north), Independence (10 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Closest amenities, including groceries and supplies, are located 12 miles north in Big Pine.
Camper Reviews
4.3
20 reviews
Goodale Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Goodale Creek Campground are mixed, with many appreciating the quiet, scenic location and affordable fees, while others highlight issues like ticks and insects. "Peaceful with amazing views of the mountains" (user review) and "Tick infested! Campers beware!" (user review).
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the scenic views, peaceful environment, and clean restrooms. "This place is magic. Had one of the best weekends of my life at this campground" (user review).
Based on 20 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include ticks, insects, lack of potable water, and high summer temperatures. "Tick infested! Campers beware!" and "there was an almost biblical-plague number of insects" (user reviews).
Based on 20 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing water as none is available on-site. Several users recommend avoiding summer months due to heat: "Summer months are far too hot to stay here unless you have a/c" (user...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is noted for being particularly enjoyable in fall, winter, and early spring. Summer temperatures are described as uncomfortably high. "Gets very hot in the Summer" (user review).
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This place is magic. Had one of the best weekends of my life." "Peaceful with amazing views of the mountains." "Tick infested! Campers beware!"
Based on 20 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
No information is available on accessibility experiences from user reviews.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user mentioned bringing a dog but did not provide specific details about pet policies or experiences: "My son and dog were afflicted by them [ticks]," (user review).
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025