How much does camping cost at Big Pine Canyon?

Camping fees at Big Pine Canyon range from $90/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Pine Canyon first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Pine Canyon accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Pine Canyon before I book?

Yes! Big Pine Canyon has 4 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 Big Pine Canyon?

Big Pine Canyon is open May 15 to October 02. 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 Big Pine Canyon?

Big Pine Canyon does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Pine Canyon?

Fire policies at Big Pine Canyon: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Pine Canyon have?

Big Pine Canyon has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Pine Canyon?

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

What amenities are available at Big Pine Canyon?

Big Pine Canyon offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Pine Canyon

4.51

23 reviews

INYO, CA, USA

Top 3% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Summer Camping California#1 Fall Camping California#1 Mountain Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,533 ft

Price

$90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,533 ft

Price

$90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Big Pine Canyon

$90.00 - $90.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $90.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $90.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-935-4339AliceA@camprrm.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Big Pine Canyon

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

INYO, CA, USA

Big Pine Canyon

INYO, CA, USA

Weather at Big Pine Canyon

Current alerts(4)

Click here for more info about the Inyo National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Please check in with campground host upon arrival
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.

Best Time to Camp at Big Pine Canyon

Best season: summer. Summer offers the easiest access, warmest daytime weather, and full alpine access — ideal for hiking to high lakes, glacier approaches, and technical climbs. Expect daytime highs around the mid-60s to mid-70s°F at the 7,500 ft camp elevation, with nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Trail access, fishing in turquoise mountain lakes, and peak wildflower displays are at their best, though popular trailheads and campsites fill quickly on warm, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Summer is easiest access with mid-60s–70s highs; reviews praise hiking and fishing then.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Big Pine Canyon

Big Pine Canyon sits at 7,500 feet in Inyo National Forest, serving as the trailhead camp for climbers and hikers bound for the Palisade Glacier and high alpine lakes. This small, seasonally operated campground offers tent and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and bear-proof lockers. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, helpful hosts, and immediate access to Big Pine Creek trails.

Big Pine Canyon Group Campground is tailored for group camping with two distinct sites—Clyde Glacier and Palisade Glacier—offering different configurations and amenities. The area primarily caters to tent campers and does not support RV hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the easiest access, warmest daytime weather, and full alpine access — ideal for hiking to high lakes, glacier approaches, and technical climbs. Expect daytime highs around the mid-60s to mid-70s°F at the 7,500 ft camp elevation, with nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Trail access, fishing in turquoise mountain lakes, and peak wildflower displays are at their best, though popular trailheads and campsites fill quickly on warm, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7533 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe canyon's U-shaped valley was carved by Ice Age glaciers, leaving polished granite slabs, scattered erratics, and exposed moraines throughout. The Palisades Glacier continues reshaping the terrain today. Big Pine Creek runs through the campground, audible from most sites. Alpine lakes above the campground reflect the surrounding peaks, fed by waterfalls cascading down granite walls. Meadows fill with Indian paintbrush and lupine during peak season. Ancient foxtail pines, some over a thousand years old, grow on rocky outcrops at higher elevations.

Lodging & AccommodationsWhile there are no lodging options within the campground, a nearby site called Glacier Lodge offers cabins, supplies, and hot food seasonally.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Groups

Each group site accommodates up to 25 people. Clyde Glacier features parking for two 35-foot vehicles and six 20-foot vehicles, while Palisade Glacier is exclusively for tent camping. Both sites have bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityThe campground features paved parking spaces and areas for vehicle access. However, detailed ADA-specific accommodations are not mentioned in the sources.

Site SizeEach group site accommodates up to 25 guests. Clyde Glacier offers parking for two 35-foot vehicles and six 20-foot vehicles.

PrivacyBoth sites offer varying degrees of privacy. Clyde Glacier has shaded areas at the north end and sunny spots at the south end. The campground is generally quiet, with the sound of Big Pine Creek nearby.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Need help booking Big Pine Canyon?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Big Pine Canyon Group Campground offers a variety of amenities to enrich the camping experience. The facility includes campfire rings and grills, which are ideal for cooking and gathering. Two bear-proof food storage lockers are available, and their use is strongly encouraged to safeguard food and scented items. Water faucets capable of connecting to garden hoses are provided at each group site. "There are 3 long picnic tables," according to one user review. There is no cell phone reception at the campground, but a 10-minute drive downhill provides signal access. Vault toilets serve both Clyde Glacier and Palisade Glacier group sites, and reviews consistently praise their cleanliness. Trash disposal is made convenient with a self-locking dumpster on-site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Big Pine Canyon Group Campground offers a range of activities catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing is a popular pastime in nearby lakes and Big Pine Creek, which runs adjacent to the sites. Hiking trails, including the North Fork and South Fork Trails, lead to glacial lakes and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Wildlife viewing is common, with deer frequently spotted near the campsites. Additionally, climbing opportunities are available on the glacier-carved canyon walls.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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

Rate Big Pine Canyon

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.5

23 reviews

Top-Rated

Big Pine Canyon is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground consistently receives praise for its scenic beauty, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. Visitors frequently highlight the proximity to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and the tranquil setting. Wildlife encounters, such as deer and occasional black bears, add to the allure of the location.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, proximity to Big Pine Creek and hiking trails, effective bear-proof storage lockers, friendly campground hosts, and abundant wildlife sightings.

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

No cell phone reception, limited shade in certain areas, and occasional bear visits requiring extra caution with food storage.

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Clyde Glacier Group Site is noted for its north-end shade and creekside views, while Palisade Glacier is praised for its exclusivity to tent campers. Both sites have vault toilets and bear boxes and...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Use Crocker Street between the Shell and Chevron gas stations in Big Pine to reach the campground. Store all food and scented items in bear-proof lockers. The north end of Clyde Glacier offers more...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the excellent hiking and fishing conditions, while fall visitors appreciate the quieter atmosphere and spectacular foliage. Winter camping is less common but offers...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Loved this camping spot. The creek ran just behind our site so we could hear it running.' - Joseph Luna. 'The vault toilets (clean) and dumpster separate the two sites.' - Tony Garcia. 'Our grandson...

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly mention experiences or policies related to pets.

Based on 23 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Nearby Campgrounds

798 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514

Sage Flat Campground sits beneath Jeffrey pines along Big Pine Creek in Inyo National Forest, 27 sites offering shaded mountain camping at 7,400 feet. Sites run $23–29 per night and include bear lockers, vault toilets, and potable water. The campground stretches along the creek with large, well-spaced sites, though vegetation screening is minimal and RV generators can create noise.

Big Pine Canyon

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Big Pine Canyon

Campground Map

Weather at Big Pine Canyon

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Big Pine Canyon

Planning Tips

About Big Pine Canyon

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Pine Canyon?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Overview

Plan a trip to Big Pine Canyon

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Big Pine Canyon

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Pine Canyon?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews