How much does camping cost at Cedar Flat Group Campground?

Camping fees at Cedar Flat Group Campground range from $25-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cedar Flat Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cedar Flat Group Campground 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 Cedar Flat Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Cedar Flat Group Campground has 7 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 Cedar Flat Group Campground?

Cedar Flat Group Campground is open April 15 to October 15. 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 Cedar Flat Group Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Cedar Flat Group Campground?

Fire policies at Cedar Flat Group Campground: Bring water! The nearest source for food, water, firewood or fuel is 12 miles away, in Big Pine, CA.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cedar Flat Group Campground have?

Cedar Flat Group Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cedar Flat Group Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Cedar Flat Group Campground?

Cedar Flat Group Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cedar Flat Group Campground

3.73

30 reviews

798 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Tent Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Inyo National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Inyo National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Cedar Flat Group Campground

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC-CAMP NELSON: $35.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC-CAMPS FERGUSON AND NOREN: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$35.00

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-873-2500

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cedar Flat Group Campground

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Campground Map

798 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514, USA

Cedar Flat Group Campground

798 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514, USA

Nearby places

Big Pine, CA (12 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Big Pine go east on Highway 168 approximately 11.5 miles and turn left into the campground entrance. The junction of 168 and White Mountain Road (to the Bristlecone Pines) is about 1/2 mile beyond the campground entrance. Highway 168 is narrow and steep. RVs and large vehicles should note a section of the road is a single lane with very limited visibility. Uphill traffic has the right of way, but be prepared to stop and back up to the last wide spot if necessary.

Weather at Cedar Flat Group Campground

Current alerts(3)

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 .
Highway 168 is narrow and steep with a section of single lane road with very limited visibility. Technically, uphill traffic has the right of way, but everyone should be prepared to stop and back up to the last wide spot if necessary.

Best Time to Camp at Cedar Flat Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable daytime conditions (typically mid-60s to mid-70s°F, with crisp nights around 45–55°F), making it ideal for hiking, geology fieldwork, and nightly stargazing under exceptionally clear skies. Trails and approach roads are snow-free and the campground is fully open, so group sites are easiest to use and carry more gear. Expect the busiest periods in July–August, but crowds remain moderate compared with lower-elevation Sierra/O Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (peak season) offers best access, comfortable temps and stargazing/hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 15 to October 15 each year (peak season). Closed October 15 to April 15.

About Cedar Flat Group Campground

Cedar Flat Group Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Inyo National Forest near Big Pine, California. Operated by the Forest Service, this very small group-only facility offers spacious, well-separated sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for geology fieldwork, hiking, and stargazing under exceptionally clear skies during the summer season when access is most reliable.

Cedar Flat Group Campground is tailored for group camping, accommodating up to 50 people per site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable daytime conditions (typically mid-60s to mid-70s°F, with crisp nights around 45–55°F), making it ideal for hiking, geology fieldwork, and nightly stargazing under exceptionally clear skies. Trails and approach roads are snow-free and the campground is fully open, so group sites are easiest to use and carry more gear. Expect the busiest periods in July–August, but crowds remain moderate compared with lower-elevation Sierra/O Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a distinctive position in the White Mountains, where pinyon pine and juniper forests grow among sage-covered slopes. At 7,300 feet, the terrain has the geology and ecology of California's high desert. The setting provides unobstructed views and exceptionally clear night skies, a result of the arid climate and elevation. Rock formations and sparse vegetation define the landscape, which supports a specialized ecosystem adapted to dry, exposed conditions.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available. This is strictly a camping site.

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

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each group campsite accommodates between 25 and 50 people.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate between 25 and 50 people, including space for large tents and communal areas.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility information for campers with disabilities is not available in the provided data.

Site SizeSites can accommodate 25 to 50 people, making them suitable for large groups.

PrivacyThe sites offer spacious layouts with room for tents and common areas, providing privacy between camping groups. "Nice not to be on top of each other," as one reviewer stated.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect Camp Ferguson for privacy, shade, and space for large tents. Bring water as this is a dry camp.

Best CampsitesCamp Ferguson gets frequent mentions in reviews for its shade, space, and distance from neighboring sites. Reviewers also note Camp Noren and Camp Nelson. One visitor called it "the best campground I have ever stayed at," praising the privacy between groups.

Need help booking Cedar Flat Group Campground?

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

There is no water at this location nor is there a natural water source. The nearest source for water, food, or fuel is 12 miles away in the town of Big Pine, CA. Three large group camp sites can accommodate between 25 and 50 people. Each has a picnic shelter with table, campfire ring and vault toilet.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Cedar Flat Group Campground is favored for geology field trips, hiking, and stargazing. Its remote location provides excellent opportunities for night sky photography and observing nature.

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 Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available; vault toilets are provided instead.

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.

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

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From Booking Sources

3.7

30 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cedar Flat Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are largely positive about the layout, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to attractions like Bristlecone Pine National Monument. Common complaints include issues with vault toilet maintenance and inadequate camper support during emergencies.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the spacious sites, privacy, and quiet atmosphere. "Far enough away from the other sites to be a nice quiet getaway," one user commented. "Wonderful location and camping spot!!"...

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include lack of vault toilet maintenance (e.g., "No toilet paper in either toilet"), and issues with reservation management during the pandemic.

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Camp Ferguson in Loop 1 received multiple positive comments about its spaciousness and maintenance. Camp Nelson and Camp Noren in Loop 2 were also praised, though maintenance issues like lack of...

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing sufficient water due to the lack of potable sources and preparing for the steep, narrow road leading to the campground. Uphill traffic has the right of way, but drivers should...

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates seasonally from April 15 to October 15. Summer months are recommended for stargazing and hiking, but users advise bringing water and supplies due to its remote location.

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Note this is a dry camp, bring your own water." "Nice not to be on top of each other." "Far enough away from the other sites to be a nice quiet getaway." "Best campground I have ever stayed at."

Based on 30 reviews