Big Pine Canyon
Campground · California · 2 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Inyo National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 2
- Bookable sites
- 35 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 25
- People per site
- 7,511 ft
- Elevation
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.The facts
- 2 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 35 ft
- Up to 25 people per site
- Loops: CGLC, GLAC
Site types
- 1 Group Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
Amenities
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.
2 campsites at Big Pine Canyon
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLY | CGLC | Group Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 25 | 🐾 |
| PAL | GLAC | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | Paved | 20 ft | 25 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From Highway 395 in Big Pine, California, turn west at flashing yellow traffic light and continue on Crocker Street/Big Pine Road for 9 miles. The group campground is just above Upper Sage Flat Campground on the left.
37.12833, -118.42222 · 37°7'42.0"N 118°25'20.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.5 | 2.9 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 2.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Big Pine Canyon
- Can you reserve a site at Big Pine Canyon?
- Yes, Big Pine Canyon is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Big Pine Canyon have?
- 2 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Big Pine Canyon?
- 35 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Big Pine Canyon?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Big Pine Canyon.
Also listed by
Big Pine Canyon also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Big Pine Canyon's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- $90.00 per night.
Restrictions:
- Active bear area. Please store food properly and don't feed the bears; bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48" x 30" x 36").
Camping near Big Pine Canyon
- Big Pine Creek Campground 0.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Upper Sage Flat 0.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Table Mountain (Inyo) 9.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Four Jeffrey 11 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Forks Campground (Inyo) 12.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bishop Park Group 12.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Sage Flat Campground 0.5 mi · Campground
- Willow Campground 9 mi · Campground
- Mountain Glen Campground 10.4 mi · Campground
- Four Jeffrey Campground 11.7 mi · Campground
- Sabrina Campground 11.9 mi · Campground
- Intake 2 Campground 12.2 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 760-935-4339
- Email AliceA@camprrm.com
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments