Big Pine Creek Campground is a scenic, family-friendly campground located in the Inyo National Forest, about 11 miles west of the small town of Big Pine, California, via Glacier Lodge Road. It sits at approximately 7,700 feet elevation in the beautiful Big Pine Canyon of the Eastern Sierra Nevada.
The campground is nestled among towering Jeffrey pines, aspen, cottonwood trees, sagebrush, and sprawling meadows, directly adjacent to the cool, fish-filled waters of Big Pine Creek. It offers a peaceful, shaded setting with many sites providing creek-front access and stunning views toward the Palisade Crest, which includes the southernmost (and some of the largest) glaciers in the Sierra Nevada.
This is a classic high-country basecamp ideal for those seeking access to the John Muir Wilderness. The campground typically operates from late April/May through mid-to-late October, depending on snow conditions.
Amenities
Big Pine Creek Campground has about 30 single-family campsites (some sources note 29), suitable for tents, small trailers, and RVs (best suited for rigs under ~25 feet). Most sites offer good shade.
Key amenities per site include:
- Picnic table
- Fire ring/grate
- Bear-proof food storage locker (mandatory use due to active bear area)
- Some sites have direct creek access
Campground-wide facilities:
- Vault toilets
- Trash collection
- No potable water on site in many reports (dry campground — campers should bring their own or treat/filter from the creek)
- No electric, water, or sewer hookups
- No showers or dump station
- Firewood often available for purchase nearby (e.g., at Glacier Lodge)
The campground is pet-friendly and family-friendly, with a maximum of 6 people per site. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, with some first-come, first-served sites. A 14-day stay limit applies.
Nearby Glacier Lodge offers a small store, cabins, and pay showers for additional convenience.
Activities
- Fishing — Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brown, and brook) right in Big Pine Creek; nearby Big Pine Lakes are also popular.
- Hiking & Backpacking — Major trailhead for the Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail into the John Muir Wilderness. Popular destinations include waterfalls, Lon Chaney’s historic wilderness cabin, the seven Big Pine Lakes, Temple Crag, and Palisade Glacier.
- Horseback Riding — A commercial pack station operates nearby for guided trips or stock-supported backpacking.
- Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching — Abundant opportunities in the canyon and meadows.
- Photography & Stargazing — Stunning fall aspen colors, dramatic mountain backdrops, and dark skies with minimal light pollution.
- Other — Picnicking, nature walks, mountain biking on forest roads, and relaxing by the creek.
Wildlife in the Area
The Eastern Sierra location supports diverse wildlife:
- Mammals — Black bears (very active — proper food storage is required), mule deer, marmots, squirrels, and possibly bighorn sheep or mountain lions in the higher terrain.
- Birds — Various songbirds, raptors (hawks, eagles), and waterfowl near the creek and lakes.
- Fish — Trout in the creek and alpine lakes.
- Other — Occasional reptiles (e.g., rattlesnakes lower down) and a variety of insects typical of the Sierra.
Visitors should practice proper bear safety, keep a clean camp, and not feed wildlife.
Overall, Big Pine Creek Campground is prized for its beautiful setting, reliable access to world-class hiking and fishing, and tranquil high-elevation atmosphere. It serves as an excellent gateway to some of the Eastern Sierra’s most spectacular alpine scenery. Always check current conditions on Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website before visiting, as weather, fire restrictions, and road access can change.