How much does camping cost at Grays Meadows?

Camping fees at Grays Meadows range from $34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Grays Meadows first-come first-served or reservation?

Grays Meadows 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 Grays Meadows before I book?

Yes! Grays Meadows 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 Grays Meadows?

Grays Meadows is open April 24 to October 23. 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 Grays Meadows?

Grays Meadows does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Grays Meadows?

Cell phone service at Grays Meadows is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Grays Meadows have?

Grays Meadows has 52 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Grays Meadows?

Yes, pets are allowed at Grays Meadows. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Grays Meadows?

Grays Meadows offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Grays Meadows

Q: Can I have a campfire at Grays Meadows?

Fire policies at Grays Meadows: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.19

296 reviews

Independence, CA, USA

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic Views

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open April 15 - Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open April 15 - Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Grays Meadows

$34.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT-81935: $34.00; MANAGEMENT: $34.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $34.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-937-6070

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Independence, CA, USA

Grays Meadows

Independence, CA, USA

Nearby places

Independence (6 miles, approx. 10 minutes)

Bishop (approx. 45 miles, approx. 1 hour)

Weather at Grays Meadows

Current alerts(6)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating; do not leave food in car; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals; campground is patrolled at night by security teams during periods of high bear activity
Click here for more information about 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.
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Grays Meadows

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most stable weather and the best combination of solitude, clear views of snow-dusted peaks, and comfortable hiking temperatures — expect daytime highs roughly 50–75°F and crisp nights often dipping into the 20s–40s. Trails into the John Muir Wilderness are usually dry and accessible through September and early October, making peak alpine hiking, high-country fishing, and wildlife viewing excellent. Crowds thin after Labor Day, so you’ll get dramatic mountain vistas and quiet mead Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall offers the most stable conditions, fewer crowds, and dramatic alpine views—highly recommended.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 24 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 15 - October 21 for reservations. Off-season dates: October 21 - April 14, no reservations available.

About Grays Meadows

Grays Meadows sits in mid-elevation forest near Independence, operated by Recreation Resource Management as a seasonal campground in Inyo National Forest. The campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites alongside a flowing creek with views toward the Sierra. Visitors use it as a base for hiking into the John Muir Wilderness and fishing nearby waters.

Grays Meadows offers standard non-electric camping options for tents and smaller RVs. It is suited for those seeking a rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most stable weather and the best combination of solitude, clear views of snow-dusted peaks, and comfortable hiking temperatures — expect daytime highs roughly 50–75°F and crisp nights often dipping into the 20s–40s. Trails into the John Muir Wilderness are usually dry and accessible through September and early October, making peak alpine hiking, high-country fishing, and wildlife viewing excellent. Crowds thin after Labor Day, so you’ll get dramatic mountain vistas and quiet mead Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a high-desert landscape where ancient oak groves meet weathered granite carved by glaciers. Independence Creek flows through the property, its volume surging during spring snowmelt and occasionally closing sites. Upper sections sit beneath mature oaks that provide shade from summer heat. Lower sites open to unobstructed views of the Sierra crest, where snow-dusted peaks remain visible even in summer. Black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions inhabit the surrounding terrain. Reviewers describe the campground as "an oasis with a flowing creek and beautiful views," though exposed areas can get windy, particularly in summer. The creek offers spots for cooling off after hiking.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available at this site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Policy allows one RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site
some sites accommodate an extra vehicle for a fee.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, the app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground offers some level-ground sites, and a few are accessible for smaller RVs and trailers. However, the narrow roads and overgrowth limit accessibility for larger vehicles.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some being spacious enough for large tents and smaller RVs, while others are more compact and better suited for tent camping.

PrivacyUpper Grays offers more private, secluded sites bordered by trees and the creek, while Lower Grays has open, less private sites but offers better access for RVs.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creek-side sites for shade and views (e.g., 10, 12, 13, 14). Avoid exposed sites during summer heat. RVs are better suited to Lower Grays Meadow.

Best CampsitesSites 10, 12, 13, 14, 40, 41, 46, and 51 sit along the creek and fill first. Reviewers recommend arriving early to claim shaded spots near the water. Upper Grays (sites 36-52, accessed through the first gate) offers better privacy with trees and creek proximity. Lower Grays (sites 1-35, second gate) provides easier RV access but less seclusion.

Need help booking Grays Meadows?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Grays Meadows offers a wide variety of amenities situated in a natural, high-desert landscape. The campground includes an upper and lower section, with sites near Independence Creek providing shaded areas. Firewood can be purchased on-site, and bear-proof lockers are available for food storage to prevent wildlife interactions. Amenities include trash bins, picnic tables, and designated sites for tents and RVs.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Grays Meadows offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby John Muir Wilderness provides access to challenging trails, and Independence Creek is a popular spot for trout fishing.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThe campground previously had flush toilets but now provides chemical vault-style toilets. These are well-maintained and stocked with toilet paper according to user reviews.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each site for mandatory food storage.

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.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned, and no specific schedule for trash pickup is noted in the source materials.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at Grays Meadows is generally limited, with some users reporting weak signals, particularly for T-Mobile.

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

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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

4.2

296 reviews

Satisfactory

Grays Meadows is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Grays Meadows highlight the campground's natural beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to hiking and fishing. However, recurring concerns include maintenance issues, limited water availability, and inconsistent management quality.

Review Summaries

Based on 296 reviews

What Campers Love

"The campground is an oasis with a flowing creek and beautiful views." "The bathrooms are cleaned daily, and the campgrounds are well-maintained." "It's quiet, peaceful, and close to excellent hiking...

Based on 296 reviews

Common Concerns

"Roads and campsites are overgrown, making it difficult for larger vehicles." "Water from the spigots is brown and undrinkable." "Management presence is inconsistent, and there are no hosts during...

Based on 296 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12: "Flooded and reassigned." Site 9: "Small but shady, perfect for tents." Site 15: "Tight corners for trailers but clean facilities." Site 37: "Shaded with a nice view of the creek." Site 46:...

Based on 296 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure more shaded sites near the creek. Always bring your own water due to concerns about water quality. Prepare for gusty winds in exposed areas, especially in the summer.

Based on 296 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention high temperatures and the need for shaded sites, while spring and fall are recommended for milder weather and fewer visitors.

Based on 296 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The restrooms are the cleanest I’ve seen at any campground." "The creek running through the area made for a relaxing and refreshing stay." "Some campsites are poorly described online, so...

Based on 296 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's terrain and overgrowth make it challenging for visitors with large RVs or accessibility needs. However, vault toilets are frequently mentioned as accessible and clean.

Based on 296 reviews