Big Pine Creek Campground
Big Pine, CA 93513, United States
Overview
Big Pine Creek Campground is located just south of Bishop at the end of Glacier Lodge Road, next to Glacier Lodge. Some campsites have creek access, and each site may accommodate up to six campers. Campsites can accommodate tents and RVs and trailers up to 22 feet.
Each site has a table, food storage locker which you must use, and a fire pit. This campground has no hookups, dump stations, drinkable water, or showers. They do have vault toilets and although there are no designated ADA sites, some are accessible.
There are 30 campsites in Big Pine Creek Campground. Most of the campsites may be reserved ahead of time, except for five that are first come, first served.
There are four tent-only campsites, and the remaining campsites can also accommodate RVs and trailers up to 22 feet. Be warned, cell service is spotty at best and you might need to drive out to use your phone.
Firewood is sold in the campground and you are encouraged to buy locally-sourced firewood to avoid spreading pests. The campground allows pets on a leash and attended to at all times. They are open from late April through October depending on weather.
Best Campsites at Big Pine Creek Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Big Pine Creek Campground.
Sites 8, 9, 15, 19, 25
- Nice views
- Densely forested with shade
- Relatively quiet
Unique Experiences
With over 400 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers and streams, the area is a fishing enthusiast's paradise. Go fishing for a plethora of rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown, and golden trout.
Hike the Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail into the High Sierra and check out the largest southernmost glaciers in the United States from Big Pine Creek Campground.
Go visit the nearby Bishop for more hiking, biking and countless top-quality restaurants.
Take a short drive south and visit Alabama Hills, a destination that has been the backdrop of many movies like Django Unchained, Iron Man, and Gladiator.
In some of the cooler months, visit one of the many hot springs around the area that can be easily accessed on the 395. Most popular hot springs do not require a 4WD but might be crowded.
Take a drive and do some landscape photography all around the Eastern Sierra. Start from Lone Pine which is just south of Big Pine and head slowly north towards Mammoth and Lee Vining.
Take a hike on one of the many trails around the area. Watch out for the heat in summer where it can frequently get above 90F and bring plenty of water.
Big Pine Creek Campground Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
22 feetMax Length of Stay
14 daysMax People per Site
6 peopleMax Vehicles per Site
2 vehicles, 2nd one charged at $7Fires Allowed
YesBig Pine Creek Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
NoReservations are accepted whenever the campground is open and can be made up to 6 months in advance of the arrival date. You can pay for up to four reservations at once using the same credit card. To arrange a visit that spans a Friday or Saturday night during a holiday weekend, you must reserve at least three nights. Columbus Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, New Year's Day, President's Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas are all holiday weekends. The reservation fee for any Standard Nonelectric, Walk-in, or Tent Only Nonelectric campsite is $23. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 760-935-4339.
Group Camping Reservations
Group camping is not available at Big Pine Creek Campground but each site allows 6 adults and two vehicles so you can reserve multiple adjacent sites.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
There is a cancellation fee of $10 plus whatever reservation charges you have incurred when you made the booking. In addition, a late cancellation of the first night’s fee will be charged if you cancel 1 calendar day before your arrival.
Big Pine Creek Campground Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$23Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Photography
Bike Trails
Horseback Riding
Wildlife Viewing
Nature Trails
Backpacking
Picnicking
Stargazing
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Alcohol
Restrooms
Campfire Rings
Grills
Picnic Tables
Wood for Sale
Storage Lockers
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Big Pine Creek Campground
Big Pine Canyon Campground
Big Pine Canyon is just up the road from Big Pine Creek. You’ll pass this campground first as you drive in from the 395. Big Pine Canyon is a campground with only two group sites while the Creek campground has 30 single sites.
The two group sites are called Clyde Glacier Group and Palisade Glacier Group. Clyde can fit 25 guests and RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. Palisade is a tent-only site that takes 25 guests and up to 5 vehicles up to 20 feet.
Group sites at Big Pine Canyon cost $85 a night while Big Pine Creek costs $23. Both campgrounds have no showers, hookups, or dump stations.
Upper Sage Flat Campground
Upper Sage Flat Campground is located just beside Big Pine Creek. With 21 sites, it is slightly smaller than Big Pine Creek. However, Upper Sage Flat can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet while the maximum length for Big Pine Creek is only 22 feet.
Upper Sage Flat charges $27 a night which is more than the $23 at Big Pine Creek. Both campgrounds don’t have showers, hookups, or dump stations. Upper Sage Flat has flush toilets and drinking water while Big Pine Creek doesn’t.
Four Jeffrey Campground
Four Jeffrey Campground can be accessed by driving through Bishop and then turning west on the 168. Both these campgrounds have no group camping facilities or hookups. Four Jeffrey has flush toilets while Big Pine Creek only has vault toilets.
However, there is a dump station at Four Jeffrey but none in Big Pine Creek. Four Jeffrey costs $30 a night while Big Pine Creek’s fee is $23.
Inyo Forks Campground
With 21 sites, Inyo Forks is about the same size as Big Pine. The maximum length of RVs and trailers is 30 feet while at Big Pine Creek it is only 22 feet. There are some double sites at Inyo Forks while there are none at Big Pine Creek.
Both campgrounds have vault toilets but Inyo Forks has flush toilets and potable water as well. However, there are no showers, hookups, or dump stations. Inyo Forks costs $30 a night while Big Pine Creek costs $23.
