Onion Valley

Star4.27
286 reviews
Independence, CA, USA
Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

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

Opens Recreation Resource Management site

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Onion Valley
$31.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $31.00 per night for standard nonelectric, tent-only nonelectric, and walk-to sites. Displayed rates do not include taxes,...
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Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$31.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 286 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

reservation

"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."

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Campground Map

Independence, CA, USA

Onion Valley

Independence, CA, USA

Driving directionsTake U.S. Highway 395 to Independence. Turn west on Market Street, which turns into Onion Valley Road. Follow Onion Valley Road for 13 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Onion Valley Road, which is steep and winding but paved. Trailers are not recommended due to the terrain, although tent trailers are permissible.
Nearby places
Independence (13 miles, approximately 25 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies can be found in Independence, CA, including fuel, food, and camping necessities. Lone Pine, CA, located approximately 30 minutes away, offers additional dining and shopping options.

Best Time to Camp at Onion Valley

Experience the dramatic beauty of high-altitude weather at Onion Valley, where sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool mountain evenings. Early and late season visitors might wake to a dusting of snow on nearby peaks, adding a magical touch to the landscape. As darkness falls, temperatures plunge dramatically, reminding you that you're camping in true mountain territory—so pack those extra layers and prepare for nature's nightly temperature roller coaster.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in CA

Peak season with best access to trails, lakes and backpacking; busiest and most active time.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall offers good weather, fall colors and fewer crowds; season extends into Oct 21.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; lingering snow and variable conditions limit early-season access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Snow makes access challenging; campground is closed in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 21 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from May 15 to October 21, with peak reservations starting on June 24.
  • Current Alerts: Water is not available at the campground; faucets remain dry. Campers must bring their own water supply or use a water filter.

About Onion Valley

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.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by checkout time (12:00 PM) on the day following arrival.
Check-out
Check-out time for all sites is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingAccess to Kearsarge Pass, Robinson Lake, and Golden Trout Lakes Trailheads offers challenging trails with majestic scenery. Details about these trails emphasize their popularity among both day hikers and backpackers.
FishingThe area is renowned for fishing, with opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, brook, and Alpers trout in Robinson Lake and nearby streams.
Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife includes black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and various bird species. Campers should use bear-proof storage lockers and maintain a clean camp to minimize wildlife encounters.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is frequented by black bears, and campers are advised to store food securely. Mountain lions and cold temperatures can also pose risks.
Active AlertsWater is not available at the campground; faucets remain dry. Campers must bring their own water supply or use a water filter.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are installed at each campsite to mitigate wildlife hazards.

Weather at Onion Valley

Reviews

4.3
286 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 286 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 025 is described as having great views and being worth the short walk. Site 011 is noted for being private and suitable for family tents. Site 012 has mixed reviews, with some appreciating its...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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