The Eastern Sierra landscape surrounding Independence, California features diverse camping opportunities ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. Inyo National Forest manages several campgrounds in the area, including Grays Meadow and Onion Valley, both located within 10 miles of town along mountain roads. The Alabama Hills Recreation Area, approximately 15 miles south near Lone Pine, offers free dispersed camping among distinctive rock formations with views of Mount Whitney. These areas accommodate various camping styles from tent camping to RVs, with some sites providing amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while others offer more primitive experiences.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late April through October, with specific opening dates dependent on snowmelt and road conditions. As one camper noted, "Grays Meadow was still open early November when others up the road were closed." Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though services are limited. Many sites require bear-resistant food storage, with bear boxes provided at established campgrounds. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with AT&T generally providing better coverage than other carriers. Campers should be prepared for dramatic temperature swings, with daytime highs potentially reaching 90°F in summer while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations even in summer months.
Creekside sites receive particularly high ratings from visitors, with Independence Creek running through Grays Meadow Campground being a highlight. According to one reviewer, "Upper Section is covered by oak trees with willow-lined trout-filled Independence Creek right through campground." The area provides excellent access to trailheads, including the popular Kearsarge Pass trail from Onion Valley. Whitney Portal, though technically in Lone Pine, serves as a gateway to Mount Whitney and offers developed camping with amenities including drinking water and a small store. BLM land west of Independence provides free dispersed camping options with minimal facilities but offers solitude and flexibility for larger vehicles, with one visitor noting, "The area is clean and very quiet, zero shade and zero amenities."
"You can see Mount Whitney in the distance. 4 wheel drive isn’t required but definitely recommend. No bathrooms or water around. A lot of old movies were filmed in the hills."
"Small town of Lone Pine- there isn't much going on, but some good restaurants- TX bbq, Totem Cafe, etc., friendly locals,Jake's Saloon and accessible to Bishop, Independence."
$10 / night
"I loved hearing the creek just 30 feet away from my campsite. The views were fantastic and the CG was near the rock formations and trails. Vault toilets clean, no water."
"Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."
$34 - $95 / night
"Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you."
"Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls."
$34 / night
"Upper Section is covered by oak trees with willow lined trout filled Independence Creek right through campground. Site 9 barely enough room for our two tents."
"Very private with large growth around us. We soon realized we were missing the gorgeous valley view and incoming thunder storm so we packed up and moved our RV up the hill to the upper campground."
$31 / night
"Onion Valley is a beautiful spot tucked into the eastern Sierra above Independence. It’s a windy but not long drive back down to town. The sites were comfortable."
"There are pull in sites and walk in sites. All pull in sites seem to be surround by low growing shrubs and they have so many mosquitoes. The walk in site are under the conifers and are gorgeous."
$34 - $81 / night
"It is also very close to the town of Lone Pine, which has a little market and several restaurants in case you accidentally forget anything or don’t bring enough food. The views of Mt."
"We camped at one of the walk-in sites. Enough space for the 4 of us, 2 tents, and the family pup. The parking spots are only 50 yds away and next to the restrooms."
$5 / night
"Some have water dripping on trees and there were many wasps around them (16,18). Site 12 is primo. The campers at the sites near the entrance were noisy but it was much quieter on the east end."
"Over all such a perfect spot to stay away from a crowded campsite & for a fraction of the cost."
$25 / night
"Nice spaced out sites with trees for shade. 6 miles up the road from Independence. This campground was still open early Nov when others up the road were closed. Very attractive."
"Beautiful small campground at the foot of the mountains, easily accessed from the small town of Independence and about 45 min drive north to Bishop. "
$14 / night
"But we were driving all day and just wanting a nice place to crash for the night, this place was a nice choice."
"There are about 5 non reservable sites for people who just drive in like us and pick a spot. Small fee of $14 a night."
"Not that busy only had some construction vehicles driving by in the morning they are doing some construction up here currently"
"The dirt road dead ends at a large spot with easy turn around. There are off shoots of the main road to other camp spots, but we didn’t venture down to any of those."
LegendIt is a good paved Road although only about 1 and 1/2 Lanes wide! It looks like there are three sizable pull-offs along the road, we went to the very last one before it becomes the private land of the Armenian Church Camp. Intermittent T-Mobile coverage. Nice views, grass (which of course means evidence of cows), and only one other car passed by all day.
LegendNear the Mount Whitney portal, and also near the turnoff to death valley. Full hookups well run campground. The Wi-Fi is weak but good enough for text and email. Was greeted by very helpful staff. Nice store for camping necessities. Quiet. Big park.
LegendOne of the few campsites that is open in the park (Dorst and Buckeye Flats being closed for the 2026 season) this site books up fast. Beautiful wooded site with lots of wildlife and shade. Wildlife includes bears, but all we saw was a turkey walking through the campsite. Lots of walking trails available from there campsite. Communal water, toilets, dumpster, recycling and pump out available. Each site seems to have a fire ring with a grate, a picnic table, and a bear box. No T-Mobile coverage, but you can get Wi-Fi at the visitor station.
GuideI'm a remote worker and I was hoping to camp here for a few days but I could not get a T-Mobile signal. Only at the beginning of going up the road. Did I get signal.
LegendGreat site for dry camping. Had a bit of an issue with mice getting in my rig here.
Right on the river and lots of grasses for mice.
Nice walking trail right outside the campground.
Not much privacy, but spots are nicely spaced.
LegendHung out here for a few days while I was waiting for weather to clear at higher elevation. Really enjoyed my stay here. Dry camping with no frills, but only $8/night--First come, First serve.
Picnic table at each site. Place to drop your garbage. Not too far outside of the town of Bishop that has everything you could want.
Would definitely recommend!
ScoutThis is the place to feel awe. Desert mountains with bands of vivid colors are the back drop for spectacular tan dunes. Who cares if the campground is a small open parking lot with a few picnic tables, fire rings and a backcountry outhouse. Same, who cares if you rattle your bones on washboard roads to get there. Don’t miss this one.
GuideSequoia trees the size of your freaking house. I’ve had apartment widths smaller than the circumference of these trees. AND this is the only spot that they grow. It feels like you’ve jumped through a portal onto another dreamy, green, forestry, planet. The campground is also rad. All of the amenities are there. Good luck not puking on the drive up with all of its hairpin turns. Oh, and the likelihood of seeing a bear is very high. Please prepare for that beforehand so you know the proper ways to handle that.
ScoutYou’re gonna drive a lot of miles to get there and the gates gonna be closed and there’s gonna be nobody to contact about it and you’re gonna have to turn around and drive all of those miles backwards. Consider this as me taking one for the team. now nobody else has to suffer like I did.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Independence, California extend into various elevations from 3,900 feet in town to over 9,000 feet at higher campgrounds. The area spans desert conditions at lower elevations to alpine settings at higher altitudes, with dramatic temperature variations between day and night. Camping options include both established campgrounds with designated sites and dispersed camping areas on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands.
Fishing opportunities: Independence Creek runs through Grays Meadows Campground offering trout fishing. "Nice quiet campground pet friendly and clean good fishing around the area," notes one camper. Several visitors report the fishing is productive with proper techniques.
High-elevation hiking: Onion Valley Campground provides direct access to high-elevation hikes with minimal driving. "Great car camping sites with the cleanest pit toilets I've ever experienced. The scenery is sublime. We stayed here as a first night before a several day backpacking trip in the Sierras," one visitor reports. Trails lead to multiple alpine lakes within short hiking distance.
Winter camping: Several lower-elevation campgrounds remain open during winter months when higher campgrounds close due to snow. "This campground was still open early Nov when others up the road were closed," notes a visitor about Grays Meadow. Winter camping offers solitude but requires preparation for potential subfreezing temperatures.
Mountaineering preparation: Many use Independence area campgrounds as acclimatization bases before attempting higher peaks. "In 2018, I acclimated to the High Sierra at Onion Valley for one night before a trip down the JMT. The campground is nestled in an idyllic eastern Sierra cañon with excellent star gazing," reports one mountaineer.
Creek-side camping: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at several sites. At Tuttle Creek Campground, one visitor enjoyed "Just a couple miles from the Alabama Hills. $10 a night BLM campground. Vault toilets. Both water and dump station are closed 80+ sites and all have great views."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution provides exceptional stargazing. "Milky Way Heaven," describes one camper at Alabama Hills Recreation Area, adding it's "Easily one of my favorite places! The views here are like nothing else, perfect place without reception, fresh mountain air away from everything."
Varied elevation options: Campers can choose their preferred climate by selecting different elevations. "We started in the lower campground with wonderful shade and the stream roaring by. Very private with large growth around us. We soon realized we were missing the gorgeous valley view and incoming thunder storm so we packed up and moved our RV up the hill to the upper campground," reports a visitor at Grays Meadow.
Off-season tranquility: Late fall and early spring camping offers fewer crowds. One camper at Goodale Creek notes: "We stayed here twice on our hwy 395 road trip from OR to Joshua Tree—once on the way down and because we loved it so much, we stayed 3 nights on the way back."
Recent regulations changes: Alabama Hills camping regulations have changed significantly. "The only places you can camp are designated now. Tuttle creek. Everywhere else there are signs for no camping and only day use," reports a visitor from May 2023. Always check current regulations before planning dispersed camping.
Wildlife concerns: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife including rodents and bears. At Whitney Portal, "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions. So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service."
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds have seasonal water shutoffs. "Labor day weekend and half the campground is closed, water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed. We specifically chose this campground for the convenience of water and dump station," notes a Tuttle Creek visitor.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires driving steep mountain roads. Whitney Portal's "position at the end of the road means you'll need to ascend/descend a mile in elevation over 13 steep and twisting curves every time you leave or return."
Site selection for shade: During summer months, shade significantly impacts comfort. At Lone Pine Campground, "Depending on your individual campsite, there may not be a lot of shade available to you, so plan accordingly if you are going in the summer. We were lucky the adjoining campsite had a pine tree in it whose shade we could steal in the afternoon."
Campground terrain varies: Some campgrounds offer better settings for children than others. "If you have kids, definitely choose lower campground with shade, larger sites and creek close by," recommends a Grays Meadow visitor comparing the upper and lower sections.
Activity options: Several campgrounds provide natural features for exploration beyond hiking trails. At Lone Pine Campground, "There was a nice stream you could fish with some trout. There are a couple big boulders the kids can climb on and around."
Pest awareness: Insect activity varies by location and season. "There are pull in sites and walk in sites. All pull in sites seem to be surround by low growing shrubs and they have so many mosquitoes. The walk in site are under the conifers and are gorgeous," notes an Onion Valley visitor.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. "Sites are pretty close to level. Packed dirt roads around campsites in good condition," reports a Tuttle Creek visitor about the terrain.
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds near Independence have minimal RV hookups. At Taboose Creek Campground, "It is dry camping but does have a few toilets and they take cards with a machine to make things easier for nightly payment... They also allow longer term stays and provide a phone number for a mobile sewage pickup for RV's."
Big rig accessibility: Size limitations affect site selection at most campgrounds. "Dispersed camping on National Forest Land. There's a mile of gravel and then another half mile of dirt road, but if you go slow, most vehicles should be fine. We towed a 30ft travel trailer with no issue," reports a visitor to Symmes Creek area.
Seasonal variations: RV camping options change significantly with seasons. One visitor notes, "Winter operation mode. No water, no host, no firewood, and no fees. Campground open date is April 25, not sure when winter season starts. Price is $25 when open."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds in Independence, CA?
Independence, CA offers several camping options in the Eastern Sierra region. Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground is located just 6 miles up the road from Independence with nicely spaced sites and shade trees. For those seeking free dispersed camping, Independence BLM Dispersed provides a convenient base for exploring the area, situated along Hwy 395 between Bishop and Alabama Hills. Additional options near Independence include Goodale Creek Campground and Symmes Creek Campground. Most campgrounds in this area are accessible via drive-in, with varying seasonal availability - Lower Grays Meadow, for example, has historically remained open into early November when other nearby sites close for the season.
What amenities are available at Independence Creek Campground?
Independence Creek runs through Grays Meadows Campground, which is divided into upper and lower sections. The upper section features oak trees and willow-lined creek access with excellent trout fishing opportunities. The campground offers clean restroom facilities and potable water during the regular season (typically April through fall). During winter operations (March), the campground remains accessible but with reduced services - no water, no host, no firewood, and no fees. Many campsites are positioned right along Independence Creek, creating perfect spots for fishing or relaxing in hammocks. The creek's soothing sounds provide a peaceful backdrop to your camping experience.
How far are campgrounds near Independence, CA from local attractions?
Onion Valley is tucked into the eastern Sierra above Independence, offering beautiful scenery with a relatively short, though winding, drive back to town. For those looking to explore the broader region, Independence is positioned about 45 minutes south of Bishop and approximately 30 minutes north of Alabama Hills Recreation Area, making it an ideal central location. Whitney Portal campground, famous for its access to Mt. Whitney trails, is also within reasonable driving distance. This strategic location allows campers to use Independence as a base for exploring numerous Eastern Sierra attractions while enjoying relatively uncrowded camping compared to more popular destinations.
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