How much does camping cost at Onion Valley?

Camping fees at Onion Valley range from $31/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Onion Valley first-come first-served or reservation?

Onion Valley 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 Onion Valley before I book?

Yes! Onion Valley has 11 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 Onion Valley?

Onion Valley is open May 15 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 Onion Valley?

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

How many campsites does Onion Valley have?

Onion Valley has 29 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Onion Valley?

Yes, pets are allowed at Onion Valley. 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 Onion Valley?

Onion Valley offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Onion Valley?

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

Onion Valley

Q: Can I have a campfire at Onion Valley?

Fire policies at Onion Valley: 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.

4.27

286 reviews

Independence, CA, USA

Top 3% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Mountain Camping California Summer Camping California Hiking Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

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

9,200 ft

Price

$31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Onion Valley

$31.00 - $31.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $31.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $31.00; WALK TO: $31.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$31.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-937-6070

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Onion Valley

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Campground Map

Independence, CA, USA

Onion Valley

Independence, CA, USA

Nearby places

Independence (13 miles, approximately 25 minutes by car)

Weather at Onion Valley

Current alerts(8)

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 Onion Valley

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliable, mild alpine weather (typical daytime highs around 60–75°F and nights 30–40°F), full access to Onion Valley Road and the trailhead, and peak alpine wildflowers and lake access. This is the prime time for hiking Kearsarge Pass, multi-day trips into the John Muir Wilderness, fishing high-country lakes and creeks, and easy wildlife viewing. Expect the busiest conditions from late June through August (peak reservations begin June 24) and limited parking — arrive early or book/ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Summer is reliable: road open, trail access, wildflowers peak and pleasant daytime temps 60–75°F.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from May 15 to October 21, with peak reservations starting on June 24.

About Onion Valley

Onion Valley sits at high elevation in Inyo National Forest near Independence, serving as the gateway trailhead to Kearsarge Pass and the John Muir Wilderness. Operated by Recreation Resource Management, this small alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for multi-day backcountry trips, high-country fishing, and wildlife viewing under some of the darkest skies in California.

Onion Valley Campground is a rustic, high-altitude facility offering sites primarily for tent camping and small RVs or trailers. It also includes walk-in sites that require short hikes from the parking area. Primitive camping is the main focus, with minimal amenities provided.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliable, mild alpine weather (typical daytime highs around 60–75°F and nights 30–40°F), full access to Onion Valley Road and the trailhead, and peak alpine wildflowers and lake access. This is the prime time for hiking Kearsarge Pass, multi-day trips into the John Muir Wilderness, fishing high-country lakes and creeks, and easy wildlife viewing. Expect the busiest conditions from late June through August (peak reservations begin June 24) and limited parking — arrive early or book/ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation9200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGranite peaks and cascading waterfalls dominate the view. Lodgepole pines and aspens grow around the campground, while bare granite takes over at higher elevations. A creek runs through the area. Summer brings alpine wildflowers to the meadows. Black bears and mule deer pass through regularly. The eastern Sierra escarpment creates dramatic vertical relief in every direction.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available; this is strictly a campground without lodges or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are detailed for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite accommodates one vehicle or tent trailer and permits an additional vehicle for an added fee.

Groups

Information on group sites is not provided.

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the sources provided.

Site SizeCampsites are generally small, with room for one vehicle and a two-person tent in most cases. Some sites are identified as walk-in only, requiring campers to haul their gear from the parking area.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some are described as secluded and surrounded by trees and brush, while others are near the parking lot or close to neighboring sites.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #11 is ideal for families due to its spacious layout. Walk-in sites such as #22 and #25 offer privacy but require carrying gear.

Best CampsitesSite #11 gets praise for flat ground and privacy. Site #25 sits higher with better views. Some sites are walk-in only, requiring you to haul gear from the parking area.

Need help booking Onion Valley?

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

The Onion Valley Campground offers a range of basic amenities with an emphasis on supporting a natural and scenic camping experience. The campground features vault toilets, bear-proof food storage lockers, and firewood available for purchase on-site. However, the campground lacks potable water, with multiple user reviews emphasizing the importance of bringing your own water or having a water filtration system to use creek water. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. There are no showers, sewer hookups, or Wi-Fi available. Cell phone reception is also very limited.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Onion Valley offers an array of outdoor activities that cater primarily to hikers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts. The proximity to the John Muir Wilderness makes it a popular base for exploring alpine lakes, mountain peaks, and scenic trails. Fishing in nearby Robinson Lake and the surrounding creeks is a highlight, as is wildlife viewing in this biodiverse area.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground has vault toilets that reviewers frequently praise for their cleanliness and maintenance.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are installed at each campsite to mitigate wildlife hazards.

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, and reviews mention that they are regularly emptied. There are no mentions of recycling facilities.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is highly limited. Some users reported no service with major carriers like AT&T and Verizon.

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

4.3

286 reviews

Satisfactory

Onion Valley is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Onion Valley Campground receives generally positive reviews, with its breathtaking scenery and access to popular hiking trails being the most frequently praised aspects. However, the lack of potable water and uneven ground in some campsites are recurring complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 286 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 286 reviews.

Site 025Loved
Site 025 is described as having great views and being worth the short walk.
Site 011Loved
Site 011 is noted for being private and suitable for family tents.
Site 002Loved
Site 002 is described as secluded but small, suitable only for compact setups.
Site 012Mentioned
Site 012 has mixed reviews, with some appreciating its proximity to restrooms and others disliking the smell from pit toilets.

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms maintained to a high standard, incredible views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks, and proximity to trailheads for spectacular hikes. Many reviewers also appreciate the quiet,...

Based on 286 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water is the most common complaint, followed by issues with uneven or poorly maintained campsites. Some users also noted the difficulty of parking, the lack of level ground for...

Based on 286 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water or a filtration system. Reviewers recommend arriving prepared for high-altitude conditions, including potential altitude sickness. They also advise selecting campsites...

Based on 286 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer and early fall, with many visitors using it as a base for backpacking trips. In winter, snow can make access challenging. Wind and cold temperatures are common...

Based on 286 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The pit toilets were the cleanest and freshest smelling I have ever experienced!" - David E. "Amazing views!! However, it’s too crowded with people, especially the PCTers." - Cory L. "Bring your own...

Based on 286 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not well-documented, but some reviews note that walk-in sites involve a short hike that may not be suitable for everyone.

Based on 286 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but altitude sickness in dogs was noted in at least one review. The campground enforces leash rules and limits pets to two per site.

Based on 286 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're staging for a John Muir Wilderness trip and want a high-elevation launch point with stellar stargazing.

Skip if

You need water on-site, level ground for your RV, or aren't prepared for cool alpine nights.

Nearby Campgrounds

Independence, CA, USA

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.