How much does camping cost at Goodale Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Goodale Creek Campground range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Goodale Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Goodale Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Goodale Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Goodale Creek Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Goodale Creek Campground?

Goodale Creek Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Goodale Creek Campground?

Goodale Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Goodale Creek Campground have?

Goodale Creek Campground has 43 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Goodale Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Goodale Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Goodale Creek Campground?

Goodale Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Goodale Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Goodale Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Goodale Creek Campground: 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 the written permission from the Field Office Manager. A California Campfire Permit is not required for fires within established fire rings in developed campgrounds. Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. Please check the BLM’s website for information on current fire restrictions or cal. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.66

58 reviews

Ten miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to campground.

Top 11%Fall

Scenic Views

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,144 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bishop Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,144 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bishop Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Goodale Creek Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Goodale Creek Campground: $5.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(760) 872-5000null

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Plan a trip to Goodale Creek Campground

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Campground Map

Ten miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to campground.

Goodale Creek Campground

Ten miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to campground.

Nearby places

Big Pine (12 miles north), Independence (10 miles south)

Weather at Goodale Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Goodale Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F) and crisp, clear nights (30s–40s), producing the golden light photographers crave and excellent hiking conditions without summer heat. Trails, rock-scrambles and viewpoint access are at their peak while Goodale Creek often still trickles for pleasant campsite ambiance and fishing; crowds are moderate—busier on weekends but far quieter than prime summer holidays. Expect stable weather, outstanding visibility— Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in US

Fall described as most reliable: mild days, cool nights, clear skies—best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Goodale Creek Campground

Goodale Creek Campground sits in the Alabama Hills near Big Pine, operated by the Bishop Field Office as a free dispersed camping area with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The mid-elevation forest setting draws photographers and hikers seeking Eastern Sierra views without crowds, with tent and RV sites available on a first-come basis. Fall brings golden light, comfortable temperatures, and trickling creek flow ideal for rock-scrambling and trail access.

Goodale Creek Campground offers RV and tent camping with 43 sites available. Five of these sites are pull-through spaces suitable for trailers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F) and crisp, clear nights (30s–40s), producing the golden light photographers crave and excellent hiking conditions without summer heat. Trails, rock-scrambles and viewpoint access are at their peak while Goodale Creek often still trickles for pleasant campsite ambiance and fishing; crowds are moderate—busier on weekends but far quieter than prime summer holidays. Expect stable weather, outstanding visibility— Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: July, August

Elevation4144 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests at 4,144 feet where the Mojave Desert meets the Sierra Nevada, surrounded by weathered granite boulders and arches that have appeared in Western films for decades. Mt. Whitney and the Sierra crest form the western skyline, their snow-capped peaks contrasting with the rounded, rust-colored rocks nearby. Goodale Creek trickles through the area, providing water sound and occasional fishing opportunities when flowing. The landscape opens to long desert vistas in other directions, and after dark the sky fills with stars visible in the dry air.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo advanced reservation platforms available as sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Site 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).

PrivacySites provide good separation, offering a sense of privacy: "Good separation between sites" (user review).

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesFor quiet and scenic views, select campsites farther from the road and closer to the creek.

Best CampsitesCampers recommend sites near the creek for the sound of water and easier dishwashing access. Good separation between sites provides privacy throughout the campground.

Amenities available

Goodale Creek Campground offers basic amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern holders at each of its 43 sites. However, there are no water hookups, potable water, or a dump station on-site. "All sites include a fire pit, picnic table, and lantern holder" (authoritative source). Reviewers have mixed opinions about the facilities, with several noting clean vault toilets but no potable water. "Clean restrooms, it's nice sleeping by the creek" (user review).

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCamping 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 the written permission from the Field Office Manager. A California Campfire Permit is not required for fires within established fire rings in developed campgrounds. Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. Please check the BLM’s website for information on current fire restrictions or cal

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.7

58 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Goodale Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 58 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 58 reviews

Common 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 58 reviews

Pro 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 58 reviews

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 58 reviews

Camper 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 58 reviews

Pet-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 58 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want free Eastern Sierra camping with scenic views, don't need hookups or potable water, and can visit during fall for the best conditions.

Skip if

You need water on-site, want to avoid vault toilets, or plan a summer visit when ticks and insects are problematic.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.3

(91)

Taboose Creek Campground

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Taboose Creek Campground sits along its namesake creek about 10 miles north of Independence, tucked in the Sierra Nevada rain shadow at 3,930 feet. The campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites for $14 per night with vault toilets, fire rings, and a dump station. It's a quiet spot with good fishing access, though maintenance can be inconsistent.