Big Pine Creek Campground

Star4.43
292 reviews
INYO
Great HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,700 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open May 15 through ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation Resource Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Pine Creek Campground
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites are $26 per night during peak season. Out-of-season reservations are not available.
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
760-935-4339AliceA@camprrm.com
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 292 reviews

98 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. However, common concerns include the lack of potable water, road conditions, and occasional maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

INYO

Big Pine Creek Campground

INYO

Driving directionsFrom Highway 395, turn west on Crocker Street in Big Pine, the continue west up Big Pine Canyon Road for 10 miles to end of road. Turn left crossing Big Pine Creek and left again past Glacier Lodge for 100 yards.
Located 10 miles from Highway 395, Big Pine Creek Campground is accessible via paved roads, although they are reportedly in poor condition with significant potholes and lifted asphalt caused by tree roots.

Best Time to Camp at Big Pine Creek Campground

Experience the magic of high-altitude seasons at Big Pine Creek, where summer days warm your adventures while crisp mountain nights remind you of the wilderness embrace. Early spring and late fall transform the campground into a winter wonderland, demanding proper cold-weather gear and rewarding the prepared with solitude and stark beauty. Summer visitors enjoy nature's perfect balance—brilliant blue skies, gentle afternoon breezes, and refreshingly cool evenings that make campfire gatherings unforgettable.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best hiking conditions in late spring/summer; busier and more mosquitoes but excellent trails.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter, cooler, and fall aspens 'paint the canyon gold'—reviews praise fall conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 15; early/late spring variable with snow and limited access, late spring good for hikes.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 15–Oct 21; winter camping not available here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 through October 21. Reservations are available starting at June 23 during peak season.
  • Current Alerts: There are no active alerts reported, although consistent issues with water availability and road condition are noted.

About Big Pine Creek Campground

Discover your mountain sanctuary at Big Pine Creek Campground, where crystal-clear waters dance alongside your tent and ancient pines whisper stories of the wilderness. Perched at 7,700 feet in the dramatic Big Pine Canyon, this alpine retreat offers the perfect basecamp for glacier seekers and mountain dreamers. Wake to the sound of rushing creek water and fall asleep under a canopy of stars, with trails to pristine glacial lakes and the magnificent Palisade Glacier beginning right at your doorstep.
Big Pine Creek Campground offers a mix of tent and RV camping. Some sites are adjacent to the creek, enhancing the outdoor experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Pine Creek Campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, alongside opportunities for stargazing given the lack of light pollution.
HikingThe North Fork Trail offers access to Big Pine Lakes and Palisade Glacier, featuring waterfalls and diverse vegetation. Hikes are described as challenging but rewarding, with round-trip times ranging from 5-8 hours for popular routes to the lakes.
FishingFishing is available in Big Pine Creek and Big Pine Lakes. Anglers can catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout. However, some seasons may see reduced fish stock due to state-level issues.
Wildlife viewingDeer and other mountain wildlife are frequently observed. Campers have also mentioned the presence of bears, emphasizing the importance of using bear lockers.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are active in the area, making food storage lockers essential. Roads feature potholes and lifted asphalt, challenging for low-clearance vehicles.
Active AlertsThere are no active alerts reported, although consistent issues with water availability and road condition are noted.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available for each site to protect against bears and other wildlife.

Weather at Big Pine Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4
292 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Big Pine Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. However, common concerns include the lack of potable water, road conditions, and occasional maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 292 reviews

What Campers Love

Excellent hiking opportunities, serene environment with creek access, clean vault toilets, and accommodating camp hosts. Campers also appreciate the absence of light and noise pollution, making it...
Show more
Based on 292 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water, unmaintained roads with potholes, occasional site level issues, and limited cell service. Some reviews also mention that the campground could benefit from better signage and...
Show more
Based on 292 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water or a filtration system as there is no potable water on-site. Reserve creekside sites for the best experience. Prepare for cold nights and pack appropriately. Stake tents and...
Show more
Based on 292 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall and early summer are noted as quieter, with fewer bugs and cooler weather. Late spring and summer attract more visitors and mosquitoes but offer the best hiking conditions.
Based on 292 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The view is speechless. It’s easy to finish the hike in 5-6 hours out and back." - Hiro SoCal. "Might be one of my favorite campgrounds now. An 'Off the Grid' campground." - Michelle Calkins. "Hosts...
Show more
Based on 292 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 is close to the restroom and river, with ample shade and a convenient layout. Site #17 is described as secluded and scenic, with a creek side location. Site #27 offers significant privacy...
Show more
Based on 292 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews explicitly addressing accessibility for campers with disabilities; however, uneven terrain and the lack of paved paths may challenge some visitors.
Based on 292 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, and visitors must keep pets leashed. Many campers bring their dogs and appreciate the pet-accommodating environment.
Based on 292 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Big Pine Creek Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Inyo National Forest
Big Pine Creek Campground