Upper Sage Flat

Star4.57
192 reviews
INYO, CA, USA
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open May 15 - Octobe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Upper Sage Flat site

Official Website
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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
Upper Sage Flat
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $29 per night for standard nonelectric sites during peak season. Reservation fees are additional ($8 online or $9 via contact center).
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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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 192 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomshiking

"User reviews for Upper Sage Flat are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the campground's cleanliness, beautiful natural setting by the creek, and attentive camp hosts. Negative comments primarily concern occasional site-specific issues like smells or proximity to vault toilets."

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Campground Map

INYO, CA, USA

Upper Sage Flat

INYO, CA, USA

Driving directionsIn Big Pine, on US Highway 395, turn west at the yellow flashing traffic light onto Crocker Street (Big Canyon Road). Continue on this road for 9 miles to campground, on your left.
The campground is accessible by paved roads, though steep grades pose challenges for larger vehicles, as reported by users experiencing overheating in diesel engines.
Nearby places
Big Pine (9 miles, ~15 minutes drive)
Bishop (~30 miles, ~45 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping essentials are in Big Pine (~9 miles away). Fuel is also available there.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Sage Flat

The Eastern Sierra's dynamic climate creates a tapestry of seasonal experiences at Upper Sage Flat. Spring brings wildflower blooms and snowmelt-fed creeks, while summer offers warm days perfect for hiking and cool nights ideal for campfire gatherings. Fall transforms the landscape with golden aspens and crisp mountain air. Each season brings its own character and charm, though visitors should prepare for mountain weather's quick changes and afternoon thunderstorms during peak summer months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 15–Oct 21); warm days, creek provides relief; highly popular in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 21; quieter trails and cottonwoods likely make fall very appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and snowmelt-fed creeks, but reviews note flooding and bees early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (closed Oct 21–May 15); not available for winter stays.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 - October 21

About Upper Sage Flat

Nestled alongside the crystal-clear waters of Big Pine Creek, Upper Sage Flat Campground serves as your gateway to the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada wilderness. This peaceful retreat in Inyo National Forest combines the convenience of modern amenities—including paved parking aprons, sturdy picnic tables, and established fire rings—with unparalleled access to adventure. Whether you're casting a line into the rushing creek waters, setting off on the renowned Big Pine Trailhead for a day of exploration, or simply relaxing beneath the stars, this campground offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada experience.
Upper Sage Flat Campground caters to a range of camping setups, including tent sites and RV sites. The emphasis is on traditional camping experiences alongside the creek.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Sage Flat offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping. The proximity to Big Pine Creek and the trailheads for the John Muir Wilderness make it a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
HikingHiking trails are highly praised. The Big Pine Creek Trail, a 1.5-mile footpath, provides access to the John Muir Wilderness trails, and longer excursions to the Palisades Glacier are available. One user highlights, 'Great hiking trails up the road' and another describes the North Fork Big Pine Creek Lake trail as 'well marked and maintained.'
FishingFishing is described as a popular activity, with Big Pine Creek stocked annually with trout. However, there are mixed experiences regarding fishing success: 'Fishing in the creek was great,' contrasted with another user noting, 'Fishing has declined over the years.'
SwimmingSwimming in Big Pine Creek is possible but not elaborated on in detail.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight with mentions of deer and marmots visiting campsites.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported encounter bears, immediate trails head proximity.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Upper Sage Flat

Reviews

4.6
192 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Upper Sage Flat is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Upper Sage Flat are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the campground's cleanliness, beautiful natural setting by the creek, and attentive camp hosts. Negative comments primarily concern occasional site-specific issues like smells or proximity to vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 192 reviews

What Campers Love

Campground cleanliness, serene ambiance, proximity to hiking trails, and helpful camp hosts are frequently praised. Direct quotes include: 'Cleanest restrooms at any campsite I have been to,' and...
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Based on 192 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative aspects include smells near certain campsites (e.g., Site 19), limited site size (e.g., Site 3), and the lack of cell service. A user noted, 'The land by the water smells like...
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Based on 192 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking early for larger sites, bringing shade or tarps due to sunny sites, and staying uphill from the toilets to avoid smells. One camper suggests, 'Stay in the shade and by the...
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Based on 192 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time for visitors. While the creek and shade provide relief, some reviews mention bees and occasional flooding near sites. The off-season is quieter but lacks reservations...
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Based on 192 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sound of the creek is really loud, but was white noise when going to sleep.' 2. 'The vault toilet is very clean.' 3. 'The hosts Don and Lyn are the best.'
Based on 192 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 19 and 3 are highlighted for their unique characteristics. Site 19 is large with water access but has issues with smell. Site 3 is very small and unsuitable for large trailers. Site 10 is...
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Based on 192 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed reviews address ADA accessibility, but some users mention flat tent sites and proximity to amenities as beneficial.
Based on 192 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users frequently bring them. It is noted that pets must be leashed at all times, and no specific pet-related issues are mentioned.
Based on 192 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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