USDA Forest Service · California
Big Pine Creek Campground
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 30
- Hookups
- 30 no hookups
- Season
- April 17 to October 24
- Max RV length
- 45 ft
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 7,756 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
- BIG PINE CRK CG Q-071 (NFSR 09S21N) · asphalt · moderate degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Inyo National Forest
- Nearest town
- Bishop
- Address
- INYO, CA
- Phone
- 760-935-4339
- Activities
- Camping
25 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Big Pine Creek Campground, surrounded by sprawling meadows and towering trees, is perfectly situated in the scenic Big Pine Canyon. Campsites are perched along the cool, fish-filled waters of Big Pine Creek.
Big Pine Canyon is heralded for having both the largest and southern most glaciers in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The campground sits at 7,700 feet elevation among vegetation like Jeffrey pine, sagebrush, aspen and cottonwood trees.
Recreation
The creek and nearby Big Pine Lakes are great for fishing. Both water spots have rainbow, brown and brook trout.
The North Fork Trail gives hikers access to Big Pine Lakes and the Palisade Glacier. The trail climbs past waterfalls and zigzags through Jeffrey pine, manzanita and sage before it reaches Big Pine Lakes.
Facilities
This is a family-friendly and pet-friendly campground. Some campsites boast creek-front access, and each site accommodates a maximum of six campers. Vault toilets are provided for basic conveniences. Firewood is sold on-site.
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
Glaciers in the nearby John Muir Wilderness make 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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (760) 872-4552.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 23° | 3° | 56° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 35° | 21° | 3° | 52° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 39° | 24° | 8° | 64° | 9 of 11 |
| April | 47° | 28° | 10° | 60° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 59° | 39° | 20° | 71° | 7 of 11 |
| June | 74° | 50° | 28° | 82° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 80° | 58° | 51° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 77° | 56° | 49° | 83° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 70° | 50° | 40° | 78° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 61° | 41° | 11° | 73° | 4 of 10 |
| November | 50° | 35° | 11° | 66° | 7 of 10 |
| December | 41° | 27° | -5° | 55° | 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
- Upper Sage Flat · USDA Forest Service · 0 mi · 21 sites
- Big Pine Canyon · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 2 sites
- Mountain Glen Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Sage Flat 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.