Big Pine Canyon
4.9311 reviewsINYO, CA, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$25.25 - $33/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$25.25 - $33/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Big Pine Canyon
$25.25 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Food Storage Locker Description and tool for amenities.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.93
Top-Rated
Based on 11 reviews
10 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanhikingfriendlywell-maintained
"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."
Fees & Passes at Big Pine Canyon
$25.25 - $33/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 14 days
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at Big Pine Canyon
Big Pine Canyon transforms with the seasons, each offering its own unique rewards. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and climbing, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s at lower elevations while remaining refreshingly cool near the glaciers. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll through July and August, creating spectacular light shows across the granite peaks. Fall paints the canyon in golden aspens and offers crisp, clear days ideal for photography. Winter blankets the area in snow, attracting backcountry skiers and mountaineers, while spring showcases rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt and carpets of wildflowers emerging from the thaw.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
About Big Pine Canyon
Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.
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.
Historical SignificanceLong before climbers and hikers discovered its wonders, Big Pine Canyon served as a seasonal hunting ground for the Paiute people, who followed game into these high meadows each summer. The canyon's name derives from the massive Jeffrey pines that once dominated the lower elevations, many of which were harvested during the mining boom of the late 1800s. Today, the area stands as a testament to conservation efforts, preserving one of the last remaining glaciers in the Sierra Nevada and protecting critical habitat for species that have called these mountains home for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsBig Pine Canyon transforms with the seasons, each offering its own unique rewards. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and climbing, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s at lower elevations while remaining refreshingly cool near the glaciers. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll through July and August, creating spectacular light shows across the granite peaks. Fall paints the canyon in golden aspens and offers crisp, clear days ideal for photography. Winter blankets the area in snow, attracting backcountry skiers and mountaineers, while spring showcases rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt and carpets of wildflowers emerging from the thaw.
ElevationYour journey begins at the trailhead at 7,700 feet, where the air already feels crisp and thin compared to the valley floor. As you ascend through the canyon, each thousand feet of elevation gain reveals new ecosystems—from shaded pine forests to exposed alpine meadows dotted with hardy wildflowers. The trail climbs steadily toward the glacier zone, reaching elevations exceeding 11,000 feet where only the most resilient plants survive. Here, amid the realm of marmots and mountain goats, the landscape becomes otherworldly, dominated by bare granite, permanent snowfields, and the ancient ice of the Palisades Glacier.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be awestruck by nature's grandeur at every turn in Big Pine Canyon. Turquoise alpine lakes mirror jagged peaks in their still waters, creating perfect reflections that seem almost surreal. The crown jewel remains the magnificent Palisades Glacier, stretching across the cirque like a frozen river of time. Waterfalls cascade down sheer granite walls, feeding pristine streams that tumble through meadows bursting with Indian paintbrush and lupine. Ancient foxtail pines, some over a thousand years old, stand sentinel on rocky outcrops, their gnarled trunks telling stories of countless storms weathered and seasons passed.
Geological RegionBig Pine Canyon showcases the raw power of ice and time carved into the granite heart of the Sierra Nevada. Home to the Palisades Glacier—the largest glacier in the entire Sierra Nevada range—this geological wonderland reveals millions of years of Earth's history in its exposed rock faces and moraines. The canyon itself was sculpted by massive glaciers during the Ice Age, leaving behind the characteristic U-shaped valley, polished granite slabs, and scattered erratics that make this region a living textbook of glacial geology. Today's remaining glacier continues this ancient work, slowly but persistently reshaping the landscape for future generations to marvel at.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features paved parking spaces and areas for vehicle access. However, detailed ADA-specific accommodations are not mentioned in the sources.
Sites SizeEach group site accommodates up to 25 guests. Clyde Glacier offers parking for two 35-foot vehicles and six 20-foot vehicles.
Sites 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
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
The North Fork Trail offers a scenic route past waterfalls and through diverse vegetation, eventually reaching Big Pine Lakes with views of the Palisade Glacier. For those seeking a shorter trek, the South Fork Trail leads to glacial-fed lakes. One user noted, 'Our grandson caught a trout in the creek & one of his uncles hiked up one of the trails to do lake fishing.'Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight of the campground, with opportunities to catch trout in Big Pine Creek and nearby lakes. Reviews often mention successful fishing trips: 'Our grandson caught a trout in the creek,' said one user.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the area, with frequent sightings of deer and occasional black bears. 'Every morning there were deer close to where we were,' one reviewer shared. Another noted a black bear visiting one of the group sites.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowshoeing and backcountry exploration are possible due to the area's high elevation and snowfall, though specific facilities for winter sports are not mentioned.Water Sports
While not explicitly stated, non-motorized water activities like fishing suggest potential opportunities for kayaking or canoeing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Big Pine Canyon
42
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Good to know
Trash and recyclingA self-locking dumpster is available for trash disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Campground Map
INYO, CA, USA
Driving directionsFrom Highway 395 in Big Pine, California, turn west at flashing yellow traffic light and continue on Crocker Street/Big Pine Road for 9 miles. The group campground is just above Upper Sage Flat Campground on the left.
Roads connecting to the campground are paved and accessible year-round, though conditions may vary with weather. Closures or restrictions on campfires may occur during dry, hot seasons.Nearby supplies
A nearby resort offers limited supplies, hot food, and pay showers
residents often drive down to near the town for supplies.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.9
11 reviews
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 11 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 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
No cell phone reception, limited shade in certain areas, and occasional bear visits requiring extra caution with food storage.
Based on 11 reviewsPro 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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No detailed user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly mention experiences or policies related to pets.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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