Goodale Creek Campground

Star3.81
58 reviews
Ten miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to campground.

Quick Facts

4,144 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bishop Field Office site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Goodale Creek Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $5.00 per site per night, applicable to standard non-electric sites. Disabled pass holders may receive a discounted rate of $2.50 per...
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Standard Site Fee$5.00
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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Provider
(760) 872-5000null
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What Campers Say

3.81

Mixed Reviews

Based on 58 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanrestrooms

"User reviews for Goodale Creek Campground are mixed, with many appreciating the quiet, scenic location and affordable fees, while others highlight issues like ticks and insects. "Peaceful with amazing views of the mountains" (user review) and "Tick infested! Campers beware!" (user review)."

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Campground Map

Ten miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to campground.

Goodale Creek Campground

Ten miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to campground.

Driving directionsTen miles north of Independence on U.S. Highway 395, then 2 miles west on Aberdeen Road, follow signs to the campground.
The campground is accessible from U.S. Highway 395 and Aberdeen Road, and appears to be suitable for vehicles up to 30 feet in length. The roads to the site are not described as challenging.
Nearby places
Big Pine (12 miles north), Independence (10 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Closest amenities, including groceries and supplies, are located 12 miles north in Big Pine.

Best Time to Camp at Goodale Creek Campground

Goodale Creek transforms with the seasons, offering year-round accessibility to those who seek its varied charms. Seasoned visitors whisper that autumn brings crisp air and golden light, winter delivers peaceful solitude under clear skies, and spring awakens the landscape with gentle warmth. Summer tells a different tale—the desert sun blazes overhead, making it the domain of only the most heat-tolerant adventurers. Many find the cooler months from October through May to be the sweet spot, when comfortable days give way to starlit nights perfect for campfire conversations.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Reviews warn 'Gets very hot in the Summer' and insect/tick complaints increase discomfort.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Description and reviews note autumn as crisp, golden, and particularly enjoyable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Early spring praised; creek, wildlife and mild seasons noted, but details limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Open year-round and reviewers find winter pleasant though no winter-sport offerings listed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: The campground operates its first-come, first-served policies between June 21, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Pricing remains constant year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, with first-come, first-served availability starting June 21, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger.

About Goodale Creek Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Alabama Hills, Goodale Creek Campground beckons with 43 thoughtfully spaced sites where modern adventurers can disconnect and recharge. Five convenient pull-through spaces accommodate road-weary travelers, while the remaining sites welcome both RV enthusiasts (up to 30 feet) and tent campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Each site comes equipped with the camping essentials—a fire pit for evening storytelling, a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals under the stars, and traditional lantern holders that harken back to simpler times. True to its backcountry spirit, the campground operates without hookups, running water, or dump stations, inviting visitors to embrace a more rustic, self-sufficient camping adventure.
Goodale Creek Campground offers RV and tent camping with 43 sites available. Five of these sites are pull-through spaces suitable for trailers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Camping for a period longer than 14 days at any one campground, not to exceed 28 days per calendar year for all Bishop Field Office campgrounds, is prohibited without written permission from the Field Office Manager.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. "Good Trout fishing, catch your limit every day" (user review). The creek near the campground is a highlight for many visitors.
HikingHiking trails are mentioned in user reviews, but no specific details about the trails are provided. "Hiking trails and a cute little stream" (user review).
FishingFishing is popular at the campground, with one user stating, "Good Trout fishing, catch your limit every day" (user review).
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, but specific details about animals or viewing areas are not provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTick infestations have been reported by users during summer months. High summer temperatures can also pose challenges.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Goodale Creek Campground

Reviews

3.8
58 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Goodale Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Goodale Creek Campground are mixed, with many appreciating the quiet, scenic location and affordable fees, while others highlight issues like ticks and insects. "Peaceful with amazing views of the mountains" (user review) and "Tick infested! Campers beware!" (user review).
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the scenic views, peaceful environment, and clean restrooms. "This place is magic. Had one of the best weekends of my life at this campground" (user review).
Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include ticks, insects, lack of potable water, and high summer temperatures. "Tick infested! Campers beware!" and "there was an almost biblical-plague number of insects" (user reviews).
Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing water as none is available on-site. Several users recommend avoiding summer months due to heat: "Summer months are far too hot to stay here unless you have a/c" (user...
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Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted for being particularly enjoyable in fall, winter, and early spring. Summer temperatures are described as uncomfortably high. "Gets very hot in the Summer" (user review).
Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place is magic. Had one of the best weekends of my life." "Peaceful with amazing views of the mountains." "Tick infested! Campers beware!"
Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 58 reviews

Accessibility Features

No information is available on accessibility experiences from user reviews.
Based on 58 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One user mentioned bringing a dog but did not provide specific details about pet policies or experiences: "My son and dog were afflicted by them [ticks]," (user review).
Based on 58 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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