How much does camping cost at Obsidian Flat?

Camping fees at Obsidian Flat are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Obsidian Flat first-come first-served or reservation?

Obsidian Flat 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 Obsidian Flat before I book?

Yes! Obsidian Flat has 4 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 Obsidian Flat?

Obsidian Flat is open June 15 to September 30. 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 Obsidian Flat?

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

How many campsites does Obsidian Flat have?

Obsidian Flat has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Obsidian Flat?

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

What amenities are available at Obsidian Flat?

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

What activities can I do at Obsidian Flat?

Popular activities at Obsidian Flat include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Obsidian Flat

Q: Can I have a campfire at Obsidian Flat?

Fire policies at Obsidian Flat: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.77

17 reviews

BOX 429, LEE VINING, CA 93541, USA

Top 15% in CASummer

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Fall Camping California

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season: June 15...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Inyo National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak season: June 15...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Inyo National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Obsidian Flat

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$20.00

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Provider

760-647-3045

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Campground Map

BOX 429, LEE VINING, CA 93541, USA

Obsidian Flat

BOX 429, LEE VINING, CA 93541, USA

Nearby places

Mammoth Lakes (~15 miles), June Lake (~20 miles), Bishop (~40 miles), Lee Vining (~6.5 miles)

Weather at Obsidian Flat

Current alerts(6)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals
Click here for more information about Inyo National Forest
Contact Inyo National Forest regarding current snow levels and season opening and closing dates
No drinking water available

Best Time to Camp at Obsidian Flat

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the widest range of activities—expect clear skies and comfortable daytime temps (roughly 50–60°F) with nights dropping near freezing (~30°F), ideal for warm days on the trail and crisp campfire evenings. Trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, mountain biking on high-country routes, and fishing Deadman Creek or nearby alpine lakes are all at their peak from mid-June through September. Crowds are moderate on holiday weekends but the group campground's se Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Best season: summer—clear skies, comfortable daytime temps and full access (June 15–Sep 30).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season: June 15 - September 30. No bookings are accepted outside of these dates.

About Obsidian Flat

Obsidian Flat is a very small, high-elevation campground in Inyo National Forest near Lee Vining, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Tucked into alpine terrain with access to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, it offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent, RV, and primitive campers seeking seclusion. Summer brings clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures, with nights dropping near freezing—ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing Deadman Creek or nearby alpine lakes.

Obsidian Flat is a group campground offering a primitive camping experience, suitable for tents and RVs. It is focused on group use, accommodating up to 50 people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the widest range of activities—expect clear skies and comfortable daytime temps (roughly 50–60°F) with nights dropping near freezing (~30°F), ideal for warm days on the trail and crisp campfire evenings. Trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, mountain biking on high-country routes, and fishing Deadman Creek or nearby alpine lakes are all at their peak from mid-June through September. Crowds are moderate on holiday weekends but the group campground's se Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine forest surrounds the site, with obsidian deposits scattered across the volcanic landscape. Deadman Creek runs through the area, and the elevation puts you in the eastern Sierra's transition zone between dry high desert and alpine terrain. The geology here reflects ancient eruptions and glacial carving: glassy obsidian chunks, granite outcrops, and creek corridors lined with Jeffrey pines. Wildlife includes black bears (hence the required bear lockers), mule deer, and the occasional mountain lion sign. The forest canopy provides decent shade but opens enough for views of the surrounding ridges.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging available on-site, as this is a primitive group campground.

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: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 50 people per group site.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 50 people, 5 RVs (up to 40 feet in length), or 15 vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

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

Site SizeThe site accommodates up to 50 people, 5 RVs (up to 40 ft in length), or 15 vehicles.

PrivacyThe campground is very secluded, offering privacy and a peaceful environment.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive before dark to avoid navigation difficulties. "When you pull off Deadman Creek Rd go straight, don't take any left or right turns, and there is a sign that says dead end—that's where you are going.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. It's large and private, with space for multiple groups to spread out. Reviews mention 'lots of space' and genuine seclusion, though the tradeoff is the difficulty finding it in the first place.

Need help booking Obsidian Flat?

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

No drinking water available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Obsidian Flat

The Obsidian Flat Group Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. The nearby Deadman Creek Trail provides access to the Ansel Adams Wilderness, and trout fishing is popular in Deadman Creek.

Hiking4.0/5

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Mountain biking is described as popular and terrain is characterized as challenging.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (7,800 ft) and clear summer skies make for good stargazing conditions.

Photography4.0/5Majestic alpine scenery, volcanic/obsidian features and creek provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground is equipped with vault toilets, which are noted to be in good condition by some users.

Food Storage RequiredTwo bear-proof lockers are available at the group campsite. "Great group site with 2 bear cabinets."

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 PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific mention of trash or recycling facilities. Campers are advised to maintain a clean campsite and remove all food to prevent attracting wildlife.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews indicate limited cell phone service, with some users mentioning partial service depending on the carrier.

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

3.8

17 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Reviews of Obsidian Flat Group Campground are mixed, with some users praising the secluded and peaceful location, while others found it difficult to locate or inaccessible due to the road conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the seclusion, privacy, and spaciousness of the site. 'Very peaceful and private campground' and 'Great site, lots of space' were common sentiments. The bear-proof lockers and...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included difficulty in locating the site, with one reviewer stating, 'We never found the group camping site.' Another noted that it 'does not exist,' describing the area as a 'road...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews are focused on the single group site available. Positive feedback highlights the spaciousness and amenities, while negative feedback focuses on access difficulties.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving before dark due to challenges in locating the site. One user advised, 'When you pull off Deadman Creek Rd go straight, don't take any left or right turns.' Bringing your...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is inaccessible in winter due to snow. Peak season occurs between mid-June and late September, with favorable weather conditions for camping.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Good secluded location, ideal for bigger groups or those who want more privacy when camping.' 2. 'The security door allowed us to feel safe even when alone in the campground.' 3. 'Little hard to...

Based on 17 reviews

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Obsidian Flat

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$20.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-647-3045

Go if

You want high-elevation seclusion near trailheads and don't mind primitive facilities or seasonal access.

Skip if

You need guaranteed road conditions or prefer campgrounds with developed amenities and open gates.

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Obsidian Flat

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Obsidian Flat

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About Obsidian Flat

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Obsidian Flat

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Need help booking Obsidian Flat?

Amenities available

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews