Sage Flat Campground

4.74

48 reviews

798 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514

Featured in:Camping Near Kings Canyon National Park Primitive Camping California Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California +1 more

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$23 - $29/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens White Mountain Public Lands Information Center site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$23 - $29/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens White Mountain Public Lands Information Center site

Official Website

Get Directions

Sage Flat Campground

$23.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight use fee ranges from $23 to $29 per single site. Additional vehicle charge is $10/night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Pass holders...

Standard Site Fee$29.00

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

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USFS

Provider

(760) 873-2500

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What Campers Say

4.74

Top-Rated

Based on 48 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Sage Flat Campground receives positive reviews for its clean facilities, shaded sites, friendly camp host, and proximity to natural attractions. However, some users noted noise from RV generators and the lack of cell service as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

798 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514

Sage Flat Campground

798 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514

Driving directionsIn Big Pine, CA, at intersection of US 395 and Crocker St., take Crocker St. west 9.2 miles to campground on left. Note: Elevation gain to campground is 3,400 feet.

Campground is accessible via paved roads. Elevation gain of 3,400 feet may pose challenges for some vehicles.

Nearby places

Big Pine (9.2 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Glacier Lodge Store (1.5 miles away, limited supplies and small cafe menu), General Store in Big Pine for comprehensive supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Sage Flat Campground

Perched at 7,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Sage Flat enjoys the crisp, clean air and refreshing temperatures that make mountain camping so appealing. Summer days bring warm sunshine filtered through pine boughs, while evenings cool down to perfect campfire weather. The high elevation means you'll escape the intense heat of the valley below, trading it for pleasant days and star-filled nights. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland, though the campground typically closes during the coldest months. The most coveted camping weeks feature crystal-clear skies, gentle breezes, and those perfect goldilocks temperatures that make you want to spend every moment outdoors.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in CA

Peak season: shaded sites, cooler mountain temps and strong fishing praised by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens and cottonwoods 'paint golden brushstrokes'—attractive fall foliage and good fishing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens Apr 23; spring offers strong creek flows and freshness but variable conditions early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 23–Oct 31; winter camping not available onsite.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Likely summer months due to elevation and weather.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from April 23 through October 31.

About Sage Flat Campground

Nestled beneath towering Jeffrey pines along the rushing waters of Big Pine Creek, Sage Flat Campground offers a perfect mountain escape for families seeking adventure in the Eastern Sierra. This tranquil retreat in Inyo National Forest features 27 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof food storage to ensure both your safety and the protection of local wildlife. The mature forest canopy creates a natural cathedral of shade, making summer afternoons delightfully cool while the gentle sounds of the creek provide nature's soundtrack to your camping experience.

Sage Flat Campground accommodates tent camping and offers group-friendly sites. RV facilities are limited.

Weather and SeasonsPerched at 7,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Sage Flat enjoys the crisp, clean air and refreshing temperatures that make mountain camping so appealing. Summer days bring warm sunshine filtered through pine boughs, while evenings cool down to perfect campfire weather. The high elevation means you'll escape the intense heat of the valley below, trading it for pleasant days and star-filled nights. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland, though the campground typically closes during the coldest months. The most coveted camping weeks feature crystal-clear skies, gentle breezes, and those perfect goldilocks temperatures that make you want to spend every moment outdoors.

ElevationAt 7,400 feet above sea level, Sage Flat occupies that sweet spot where the air is noticeably thinner and cleaner, yet still comfortable for most visitors. This elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned summers and spectacular star-gazing opportunities thanks to the reduced atmospheric interference. The high mountain setting means you're camping in true alpine territory, where the landscape shifts from desert to forest and the temperature can drop 20-30 degrees from the valley floor below.

Natural Features and ScenerySage Flat showcases the Eastern Sierra's stunning biodiversity in one compact paradise. Majestic Jeffrey pines dominate the landscape, their vanilla-scented bark and massive trunks creating a primeval forest atmosphere. Along Big Pine Creek, cottonwoods and aspens paint golden brushstrokes in autumn, while spring and summer bring carpets of vibrant wildflowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The creek itself dances through the campground, its clear mountain waters providing both a scenic centerpiece and a natural playground for those wanting to dip their toes or try their luck at fishing.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Inyo National Forest, Sage Flat sits at the intersection of dramatic geological forces that have shaped the Eastern Sierra for millions of years. The campground's Jeffrey pine forest thrives in decomposed granite soils, a testament to the ancient plutons that form the backbone of the Sierra Nevada. Big Pine Creek has carved its path through this landscape, creating a riparian corridor where deciduous trees flourish alongside the conifers. In spring and early summer, the understory explodes with wildflowers that have adapted to this unique mountain ecosystem, creating a living tapestry of color against the forest floor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out time not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated. Typical family campground guidelines apply.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are somewhat open, with limited vegetation screening. Campground stretches along Big Pine Creek.

Reservation PlatformsNo online reservations; walk-up availability only.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable; some user reviews confirm finding sites without reservations.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.

AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as large and generously spaced, with 27 tables and grills on-site.

PrivacyThe campground has somewhat open sites with minimal vegetation screening, offering moderate privacy.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near Big Pine Creek may offer better views; some sites can be grouped for larger parties.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sage Flat Campground provides a mix of outdoor activities that cater to nature enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Big Pine Creek enhances the recreational experience.

HikingThe Big Pine Creek Trail starts 1.5 miles from the campground and provides access to the John Muir Wilderness trails.

FishingThe creek offers opportunities to fish for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Alpers (hybrid) trout. A user mentioned, 'Fishing was good, caught about 10, released them all.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife, including deer and Sage Grouse, are commonly observed. A user remarked, 'Deer roaming thru the camp daily.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area. Proper food storage in bearproof containers is mandatory.

Food Storage RequiredBearproof food storage containers provided at each site, typical size 48" x 30" x 36".

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed; collecting wood in the campground is permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesWhite Mountain Public Lands Information Center (798 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514, Phone: (760) 873-2500)

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities. Campers are advised to keep a clean camp due to bear activity.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Big Pine Creek, providing opportunities for fishing and cooling off in pools.

Camp HostCamp host David Mac previously mentioned in reviews; described as friendly and helpful. User review notes David is no longer at Sage Flat.

Weather at Sage Flat Campground

Reviews

4.7

48 reviews

Top-Rated

Sage Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Sage Flat Campground receives positive reviews for its clean facilities, shaded sites, friendly camp host, and proximity to natural attractions. However, some users noted noise from RV generators and the lack of cell service as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, shaded campsites, spacious sites, friendly and helpful camp host, proximity to the creek and hiking trails, and bearproof food storage.

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from RV generators, no cell service, and the lack of flush toilets.

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring firewood or purchase it on-site, inquire about hiking trails and fishing spots from the camp host, and prepare for possible bear encounters by adhering to food storage rules.

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers generally enjoy the summer season for its shade and cooler mountain temperatures. Wildlife sightings and fishing opportunities are highlights during this period.

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Such a beautiful place with gorgeous huge Jeffrey Pines.' 2. 'The cleanest, most well-kept and friendly campground I've ever visited.' 3. 'Deer roaming thru the camp daily.' 4. 'Toilets are clean...

Based on 48 reviews