Cottonwood Pass Walk In Campground

Sequoia National Forest

Nestled high in the Giant Sequoia National Monument at 7,000 feet, Quaking Aspen Campground invites you into a world where ancient giants touch the sky and mountain streams sing through pristine meadows. Here, you'll find yourself choosing between cozy cabins, unique yurts, spacious group sites, or traditional campsites, all serving as your basecamp for exploring legendary sequoia groves and the famous Trail of 100 Giants just moments away.

HIGHWAY 190

Step back in time at Quaking Aspen Cabin, where 1930s Forest Service history meets modern comfort in the heart of California's high country. This charming one-bedroom retreat, nestled within Quaking Aspen Campground at 7,000 feet, invites you to experience the same mountain solitude that sheltered fire lookouts and rangers decades ago. Today's visitors enjoy thoughtfully updated amenities while remaining wonderfully close to towering sequoias, crystal-clear streams, and endless trail adventures.

Sequoia National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Belknap Campground offers an intimate tent-camping experience at 4,800 feet elevation. This cherished hideaway invites you to sleep beneath ancient sequoias, wake to the gentle sounds of the Tule River, and explore a network of trails that wind through groves of the world's largest trees. Despite its small size, this popular campground serves as your gateway to the wonders of the southern Sierra Nevada.

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Cold Springs Campground, where alpine serenity meets rugged adventure in Sequoia National Park's spectacular Mineral King region. This remote tent-only sanctuary sits high in the Sierra Nevada, offering intrepid campers direct access to crystalline alpine lakes and legendary backcountry trails. Here, far from the crowds, you'll discover the raw beauty that makes Mineral King one of California's most treasured mountain escapes.

Inyo National Forest

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Perched at the gateway to the Eastern Sierra, Tuttle Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences without breaking the bank. This hidden gem features 83 thoughtfully spaced campsites nestled among desert terrain, including 10 convenient pull-through spots perfect for RVs and a spacious group site ideal for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Each site comes equipped with sturdy concrete picnic tables and fire pits where stories are shared under star-filled skies. While embracing a rustic camping experience with vault toilets, the campground provides seasonal potable water for your convenience. A dump station is available for $10 during operating seasons, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of campers.

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Tucked away on the banks of a gurgling stream, Portuguese Joe Campground offers an authentic slice of California's outdoor heritage. This intimate retreat features just 20 sites, creating a peaceful atmosphere where campers can truly disconnect from the crowds. As your gateway to the legendary Alabama Hills and the towering presence of Mt. Whitney, this hidden gem delivers spectacular adventures at budget-friendly prices. Here, the simple pleasures of camping—morning coffee by the creek, evening stargazing, and the sound of water over rocks—take center stage.

Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine, CA, USA

Perched dramatically at 8,000 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Whitney Portal Campground serves as the gateway to adventure for those drawn to the majesty of Mt. Whitney. This alpine sanctuary welcomes everyone from ambitious hikers preparing for summit attempts to families seeking respite in the mountain air, all while accommodating RV travelers who appreciate the rare combination of high-elevation camping with accessible amenities.

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA

Perched high in the Sierra Nevada foothills at 6,000 feet, Lone Pine Campground serves as your gateway to adventure beneath the towering presence of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States. This thoughtfully designed single-loop campground provides everything you need for a comfortable mountain retreat: secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, sturdy picnic tables for memorable outdoor meals, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Each site comes equipped with convenient vault toilets, while the campground's strategic location makes it the ideal basecamp for exploring the legendary Whitney Portal and following the melodic path of Lone Pine Creek.

Independence, CA, USA

Nestled in the dramatic eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Grays Meadows Campground offers a serene escape along the babbling waters of Independence Creek. This hidden gem in the Onion Valley area enchants visitors with its dual personality—an upper section perched among ancient oaks and a lower meadow that opens to sweeping mountain vistas. Adventure seekers flock here as a gateway to the legendary John Muir Wilderness, where pristine alpine lakes and towering peaks await. Whether you're lacing up hiking boots at dawn, casting a line into crystal-clear waters, or savoring the last runs of spring skiing, Grays Meadows serves as your perfect basecamp for Sierra adventures.

Independence, CA, USA

Perched at an impressive 9,200 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Onion Valley Campground offers adventurers a breathtaking basecamp where alpine meadows meet towering granite peaks. This coveted high-country retreat serves as your gateway to endless wilderness adventures, with direct access to the legendary John Muir Wilderness and the backcountry of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Here, where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly against the mountain sky, you'll find yourself immersed in one of California's most spectacular alpine settings.

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Nestled along the gentle banks of Independence Creek, this intimate family-friendly campground offers a perfect blend of serenity and adventure in California's Eastern Sierra. Here, the soothing melody of flowing water accompanies your stay as towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada frame the horizon. Just minutes from the poignant Manzanar National Historic Site, Independence Creek serves as both a peaceful retreat and a gateway to exploration. Whether you're casting a line into the creek's cool waters, setting off on scenic hiking trails, or pedaling along quiet country roads, this hidden gem provides an authentic taste of the Owens Valley's natural beauty and rich history.

Death Valley National Park

Deep in the heart of Death Valley's wilderness lies Saline Valley Campground, a legendary primitive sanctuary where adventurers shed both their inhibitions and their clothes. This remote oasis demands commitment—a bone-rattling 35-mile journey from the nearest pavement tests both vehicle and spirit. Your high-clearance chariot (4WD strongly recommended) will navigate washboard roads and rocky passages as you descend from mountain passes to this desert refuge at 1,375 feet. Here, in one of America's most isolated campgrounds, natural hot springs bubble up from ancient earth, creating a clothing-optional community where freedom takes on new meaning beneath endless desert skies.

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1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA

Independence, CA, USA

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Independence, CA, USA

Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine, CA, USA

Inyo National Forest

INYO, CA, USA

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.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

Modoc National Forest

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Pepperdine Campground offers three distinct camping experiences in one remarkable location. Equestrian enthusiasts will discover a dedicated horse camp complete with convenient stock water and pole stalls at select sites. The trailhead staging area beckons adventurers with ample parking and corrals, serving as your launching point into the wilderness. For those seeking a more intimate experience, a cozy family camping loop awaits beneath a canopy of ancient fir trees. As a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, Pepperdine encourages visitors to embrace Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in this pristine mountain environment.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Upper Soda Springs Campground, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Nestled in the heart of Reds Meadow Valley, Upper Soda Springs Campground offers an intimate escape where the melodic San Joaquin River becomes your constant companion. This tranquil retreat features 28 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof lockers, picnic tables, and access to pristine pit toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction—cast a line into the crystal-clear river waters, set out on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or venture to the nearby geological wonder of Devil's Postpile National Monument and the breathtaking cascade of Rainbow Falls.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Doran Regional Park

Nestled along a stunning 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park Campground offers 112 year-round campsites where the Pacific Ocean meets coastal adventure. With five distinct camping zones ranging from harbor-side spots to tent-only areas, this family-friendly destination combines beach camping with exceptional access to fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Whether you're launching your kayak into the bay, exploring tide pools along the rock jetty, or simply enjoying soft sand and mellow surf, Doran delivers a quintessential California coastal camping experience.

Mendocino National Forest

Tucked into a peaceful inlet at Lake Pillsbury's northwestern corner, this campground offers the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy water access. Just a short stroll from your campsite, the shimmering waters of Mendocino National Forest's largest lake beckon with endless possibilities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat from the nearby ramp at dawn, casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, or taking an afternoon swim, this scenic basecamp puts you at the heart of one of Northern California's most beloved recreational lakes.

17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott CA 95571

Escape into the cathedral-like sanctuary of Hamilton Barn Environmental Campground, where primitive hike-in campsites nestle beneath towering old-growth redwoods. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls with unparalleled privacy and profound solitude, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's ancient rhythms.

CA-108, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California

Nestled along the scenic Sonora Pass on CA-108, Sonora Bridge Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 22 tranquil sites carved into a landscape of towering Jeffrey pines and aromatic sagebrush. Here, where the melodious West Walker River flows just steps away, anglers cast their lines into pristine waters while hikers set off to explore the dramatic high country. This rustic mountain retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures, complete with firewood available on-site to fuel evening campfires under star-studded skies.