How much does camping cost at Big Pine Canyon?

Camping fees at Big Pine Canyon range from $25.25-$33/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.

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.

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.

What activities can I do at Big Pine Canyon?

Popular activities at Big Pine Canyon include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Pine Canyon

4.94

23 reviews

INYO, CA, USA

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,533 ft

Price

$25.25 - $33/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

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,533 ft

Price

$25.25 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

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

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What Campers Say

4.94

Top-Rated

Based on 23 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

INYO, CA, USA

Big Pine Canyon

INYO, CA, USA

Nearby supplies

A nearby resort offers limited supplies, hot food, and pay showers

residents often drive down to near the town for supplies.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Big Pine Canyon

Summer delivers the easiest access and warmest weather. Daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F at camp elevation, with nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. This is peak season for trail access, fishing in alpine lakes, and wildflower displays, so popular sites fill quickly. Fall brings golden aspens and clear days. Winter covers the area in snow, attracting backcountry skiers. Spring sees rushing waterfalls from snowmelt.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Summer reviews praise excellent hiking and fishing; warm days ideal for alpine activities.

Planning Tips

About Big Pine Canyon

Big Pine Canyon sits at 7,533 feet in Inyo National Forest, providing access to the Palisades Glacier. The largest in the Sierra Nevada. The campground has 22 sites (tent and group) along Big Pine Creek, with fees ranging $25.25–$33/night. Group sites accommodate up to 25 people, with parking for two 35-foot vehicles and six 20-foot vehicles at Clyde Glacier.

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 Significance

The Paiute people used this canyon as seasonal hunting ground, following game into the high meadows each summer. The canyon's name comes from the massive Jeffrey pines that once dominated lower elevations, many harvested during the late 1800s mining boom.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the easiest access and warmest weather. Daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F at camp elevation, with nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. This is peak season for trail access, fishing in alpine lakes, and wildflower displays, so popular sites fill quickly. Fall brings golden aspens and clear days. Winter covers the area in snow, attracting backcountry skiers. Spring sees rushing waterfalls from snowmelt.

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 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.

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.

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

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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

Climbing

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Big Pine Canyon

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.9

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

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

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