Grandview Campground
4.5143 reviewsnull
Quick Facts
8,600 ftPrice
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
25 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
8,600 ftPrice
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
25 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Grandview Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No official camping fees are required. However, a maintenance donation of $10 per night is recommended and payable at the campground entrance.
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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USFS
Provider(760) 873-2500null
What Campers Say
4.51
Top-Rated
Based on 43 reviews
83 Google reviews
Most mentioned
spaciouswell-maintainedsites
Some mention
noise
"Grandview Campground receives high praise for its pristine night skies, spacious sites, and proximity to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. However, the lack of water and remote location are consistent themes in both positive and critical reviews."
Fees & Passes at Grandview Campground
$5 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 14 days maximum.
Cancellation: There is no reservation system, so cancellation policies are not applicable.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Inyo National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Grandview Campground
The high-altitude climate here tells a story of dramatic contrasts. Spring nights can surprise visitors with crisp temperatures plunging to 25°F, while summer days warm pleasantly without the scorching heat found at lower elevations. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, creating a magical setting for those brave enough to experience the campground's quieter season. The thin mountain air and cool evenings make this an ideal summer refuge from desert heat.
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
- Peak Season: Peak usage occurs during new moon phases, as stargazers and astronomy clubs frequent the campground.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Not seasonal.
- Current Alerts: Plague warnings are issued for the region; pets must be on flea preventative.
About Grandview Campground
Nestled among rolling hills draped in fragrant Pinyon and Juniper forests, Grandview Campground offers an escape into pristine wilderness at 8,600 feet. Just five miles from the legendary Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, this tranquil retreat features 23 thoughtfully spaced sites across two loops that embrace a central sagebrush meadow. Each flat, sandy campsite is sheltered by generous shade trees, creating intimate spaces where the only sounds are wind through the pines and the occasional call of mountain birds.
Grandview Campground is designed for primitive camping and is ideal for those seeking a no-frills camping experience with a focus on stargazing and proximity to natural attractions like the Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Historical SignificanceGrandview serves as the gateway to one of Earth's most remarkable treasures—the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where gnarled sentinels have stood watch for over 4,000 years. These living monuments have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, surviving through ice ages and droughts. Camping here connects you to a landscape that Indigenous peoples have revered for millennia, where every twisted trunk tells a story of resilience and time itself seems to slow down.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here tells a story of dramatic contrasts. Spring nights can surprise visitors with crisp temperatures plunging to 25°F, while summer days warm pleasantly without the scorching heat found at lower elevations. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, creating a magical setting for those brave enough to experience the campground's quieter season. The thin mountain air and cool evenings make this an ideal summer refuge from desert heat.
ElevationPerched at 8,600 feet above sea level, Grandview Campground exists in that sweet spot where the air is crisp but not thin enough to leave you breathless. This elevation gifts visitors with naturally cool temperatures that make summer camping delightful and transforms the night sky into a cosmic theater. At this height, the Milky Way blazes overhead with an intensity that city dwellers have forgotten exists, making every evening an astronomical event worth staying awake for.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's setting reads like a painter's dream—ancient Pinyon and Juniper woodlands frame panoramic vistas that stretch to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks. At the heart of the campground, a serene sagebrush flat creates an open meadow where morning light dances through aromatic sage. To the east, the otherworldly expanse of Deep Springs Lake playa shimmers like a mirage, its salt-white surface contrasting dramatically with the surrounding mountains. This diverse landscape offers endless opportunities for photography, contemplation, and connection with the raw beauty of the Great Basin.
Geological RegionGrandview Campground rests within an ancient geological tapestry where low, undulating hills showcase millions of years of Earth's history. The Pinyon-Juniper woodland ecosystem thrives in this unique high-desert environment at 8,600 feet, where volcanic activity and tectonic forces have sculpted a landscape of subtle beauty. The exceptionally clear skies—some of the darkest in the continental United States—result from the dry climate and remote location, making this geological wonderland a premier destination for both earth science enthusiasts and stargazers alike.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySome vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but overall accessibility information is sparse.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with some large enough to park multiple vehicles or set up hammocks.
Sites PrivacySites provide a reasonable amount of privacy, with some reviews noting that the layout allows for quiet and secluded areas.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUpper loop sites may offer better views and privacy.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 days maximum.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site can accommodate one or two vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe sites are distributed across two loops with spacious and private spots encircling a central sagebrush flat.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Not seasonal.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. The campground may fill up during a new moon.
Cancellation PolicyThere is no reservation system, so cancellation policies are not applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Grandview Campground offers activities centered around its unique setting, including stargazing, hiking, and visits to the nearby Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Swimming, boating, and fishing are not available due to the lack of water sources.
Hiking
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, located 5 miles away, features trails such as those at Schulman Grove and Patriarch Grove. Hikes in the area are noted for their beauty but should be approached with caution due to the high elevation.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to various wildlife species, and the quiet setting allows for observation, though specifics on species are scarce.Cultural and Educational Programs
Campfire programs are held on weekends from July through Labor Day, focusing on astronomy and local ecology.Winter Activities
The site is open year-round, making it accessible for winter stargazing and nearby snowy landscapes, but there are no dedicated winter activity facilities.Water Sports
The lack of water bodies precludes any water sports at this location.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted with a fire permit. Firewood sources are limited; do not collect wood from live or standing trees.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsNo piped or natural water sources; visitors must bring all the water they need. Narrow and steep roads may challenge drivers. "Bring everything you need. No water!" (User review by David Blondfield).
Active alertsPlague warnings are issued for the region; pets must be on flea preventative.
Weather at Grandview Campground
38
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
White Mountain Public Lands Information Center, 798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514, approximately 40 miles away. Phone: (760) 873-2500.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak usage occurs during new moon phases, as stargazers and astronomy clubs frequent the campground.
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground. No trash or recycling facilities are provided, so campers must take all trash with them when they leave.
Proximity to water featuresNo water bodies are present near the campground.
Common complaintsSites are not level, challenging for RV parking. "Sites are not level at all. I'm talking a foot from one side of the rig to the other." (User review by Michael Scott). Some users reported noise carrying across the area due to the central meadow.
HostNo campground host is present. Maintenance donations are used for upkeep.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Big Pine, CA, take US Rt. 395 north 0.2 miles to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest sign. Turn right at sign and go 13.2 miles to another Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest sign. Turn left after sign onto Forest Rt. 4S01 and go 5.3 miles to campground on left.
Highway 168 is narrow and steep. A section of the road is single-lane with limited visibility, challenging for large vehicles and RVs.Nearby places
Big Pine (approximately 18 miles, 40-45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nearest source for food, water, or fuel is Big Pine, CA, approximately 18 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
43 reviews
Grandview Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Grandview Campground receives high praise for its pristine night skies, spacious sites, and proximity to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. However, the lack of water and remote location are consistent themes in both positive and critical reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include stunning stargazing opportunities, well-maintained vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, and closeness to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Based on 43 reviewsCommon Concerns
Criticisms focus on the lack of potable water, occasional noise from other campers, and the challenging drive along steep, narrow roads to reach the site.
Based on 43 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water and warm clothing, especially if visiting during colder months. Arrive early as sites are first-come, first-served, and the campground fills up quickly during new moon phases. A...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with high traffic during new moon periods for stargazing. Winter visits are less frequent but offer serene, snowy landscapes for those prepared for cold conditions.
Based on 43 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Incredible night skies and nice separation/privacy between sites." - Adam Jaycox; "Bring PLENTY of water! Oh, and did I mention water?" - Matthew Storm; "Amazing FREE campsite with breathtaking...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are described as spacious, with many providing ample privacy. Some can accommodate multiple vehicles, and users suggest avoiding the site during peak stargazing events unless arriving early.
Based on 43 reviewsAccessibility Features
No detailed accessibility reviews are available, though the presence of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets is noted.
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must be on a leash.
Based on 43 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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