USDA Forest Service · California
Big Pine Canyon
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 2
- Hookups
- 2 no hookups
- Season
- May 15 to October 3
- Max RV length
- 35 ft
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 7,533 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- SAGEFLAT CG UP LOOP Q-071 (NFSR 09S21C-2) · asphalt · moderate degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Inyo National Forest
- Nearest town
- Bishop
- Address
- INYO, CA
- Phone
- 760-935-4339
- Activities
- Camping
2 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Big Pine Canyon Recreation Area includes two group campground sites. Named for glaciers that can be seen at the end of the valley, Clyde Glacier Group Site and Palisade Glacier Group Site sit along Big Pine Creek.
Recreation
Fishing is a popular activity in the creek and nearby lakes. Climbers make use of the steep, glacier-carved canyon walls for excellent climbing opportunities.
The North Fork Trail climbs past waterfalls and zigzags through Jeffrey pine, manzanita and sage before it reaches Big Pine Lakes with views of Palisade Glacier, the largest glacier.
The South Fork Trail climbs to small lakes fed by glacial waters from Norman Clyde and Middle Palisade Glaciers, the southernmost glaciers.
Facilities
The Clyde Glacier standard campsite fits up to 25 guests. Parking includes two 35-foot and six 20-foot paved spaces. Palisades Glacier campsite is also paved and can accommodate 25 people for tent camping only.
Campfire rings and grills are provided.
Natural Features
Big Pine Canyon is heralded for having both the largest and southern most glaciers in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Palisade Glacier, the largest, sits above Big Pine Lakes. These impressive glacial lakes at around 10,000 feet elevation are the source of the North Fork of Big Pine Creek. The South Fork is bordered by the Palisade Crest with peaks over 14,000 feet and Middle Palisade Glacier, the southernmost glacier.
Nearby Attractions
The glaciers in the nearby John Muir Wilderness provide an exciting hiking destination. A commercial pack station is within close proximity for horse enthusiasts looking for an outdoor adventure. A general store, pay showers and pond fishing can be found at a nearby resort.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37° | 24° | 3° | 57° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 36° | 22° | 4° | 53° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 40° | 25° | 9° | 65° | 9 of 11 |
| April | 48° | 29° | 11° | 61° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 60° | 39° | 21° | 72° | 7 of 11 |
| June | 74° | 51° | 29° | 83° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 81° | 59° | 51° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 78° | 57° | 50° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 71° | 51° | 41° | 79° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 61° | 42° | 12° | 74° | 4 of 10 |
| November | 51° | 35° | 12° | 67° | 7 of 10 |
| December | 42° | 28° | -4° | 56° | 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
- Sage Flat Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Big Pine Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 30 sites
- Upper Sage Flat · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 21 sites
- Mountain Glen Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Baker Creek Campground · City, County & Regional Parks · 7 mi · 40 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.