USDA Forest Service · California
Obsidian
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 11
- Hookups
- 11 with water, 11 no hookups
- Season
- May 21 to October 17
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 7,631 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T weak · T-Mobile none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- OPAL OBSIDIAN ROAD (NFSR 32063) · native material · suitable for passenger cars
- Lake
- Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
- Phone
- 760-932-7070
About
Overview
Obsidian campground offers opportunity to get away from crowds amidst shade of aspens and pines. Campground is close to Molybdenite Creek and Little Walker River. The river is stocked with trout. Area trailheads offer several interesting hikes. The trail from Molybdenite Creek trailhead splits, with one branch heading south into the Hoover Wilderness, and one looping north along Wheeler Creek to connect with the trail along the Little Walker River. This can be hiked as a loop from Burt Canyon trailhead (just west of campground). The Emma Lake trailhead leads to a short but steep hike to Emma Lake on the shores of Mount Emma.
Recreation
The Obsidian campground is popular with hikers, fishermen, and campers looking for a quiet rustic campground.
Facilities
This campground is best suited for small vehicles and tent camping. Campsites have picnic tables and campfire rings. The campground has vault toilets for public use. There is no garbage service so please pack in/pack out any trash. There is no potable water available.
Natural Features
The Obsidian campground is at an elevation of 7800 feet.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 21° | 1° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 35° | 17° | 0° | 51° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 37° | 22° | 3° | 61° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 43° | 26° | 4° | 57° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 56° | 33° | 16° | 70° | 11 of 11 |
| June | 70° | 44° | 27° | 82° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 81° | 53° | 44° | 89° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 78° | 52° | 44° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 70° | 45° | 35° | 79° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 60° | 36° | 13° | 74° | 7 of 10 |
| November | 48° | 29° | 2° | 68° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 38° | 19° | 0° | 57° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Obsidian Campground · USDA Forest Service · 0 mi
- Sonora Bridge · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi · 23 sites
- Leavitt Meadows · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 16 sites
- Chris Flat · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi · 15 sites
- Buckeye · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi · 68 sites
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.