Big Pine Creek Campground

Campground · California · 30 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Tinemaha Roadless Area (Roadlessarea Rule (2001)) · Open Access

30
Bookable sites
45 ft
Max rig length
up to 6
People per site
7,743 ft
Elevation
Large boulders frame a campsite in the forest
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

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.

The facts

  • 30 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 45 ft
  • Up to 6 people per site
  • Loops: BIG

Site types

  • 26 Standard Nonelectric
  • 4 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

30 campsites at Big Pine Creek Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
001BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft6 🐾
002BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft6 🐾
003BIGStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved30 ft6 🐾
004BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved45 ft6 🐾
005BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft6 🐾
006BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft6 🐾
007BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft6 🐾
008BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft6 🐾
009BIGTent Only Nonelectric—Paved—6 🐾
010BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft6 🐾
011BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft6 🐾
012BIGTent Only Nonelectric—Paved—6 🐾
013BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft6 🐾
014BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft6 🐾
015BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft6 🐾
016BIGTent Only Nonelectric—Paved20 ft6 🐾
017BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft6 🐾
018BIGTent Only Nonelectric—Paved—6 🐾
019BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved15 ft6 🐾
020BIGStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved35 ft6 🐾
021BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft6 🐾
022BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft6 🐾
023BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft6 🐾
024BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft6 🐾
025BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft6 🐾
026BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft6 🐾
027BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft6 🐾
028BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved20 ft6 🐾
029BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft6 🐾
030BIGStandard NonelectricBack InPaved30 ft6 🐾

Getting there

From Highway 395, turn west on Crocker Street in Big Pine, the continue west up Big Pine Canyon Road for 10 miles to end of road. Turn left crossing Big Pine Creek and left again past Glacier Lodge for 100 yards.

37.12583, -118.43250 · 37°7'33.0"N 118°25'57.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.52.92.51.50.90.40.50.40.40.81.52.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.2 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 Creek Campground

Can you reserve a site at Big Pine Creek Campground?
Yes, Big Pine Creek Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Big Pine Creek Campground have?
30 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Big Pine Creek Campground?
45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Big Pine Creek Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Big Pine Creek Campground.

Also listed by

Big Pine Creek Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Big Pine Creek Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $26.00 per night.

Restrictions:

  • Dogs on leash only. Maximum stay 14 days. Active bear area; all food must be secured overnight and when not attended, bear boxes are provided and must be used typical bear box size 48" x 30" x 36"). Always keep a clean camp and do not feed wildlife.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Big Pine Creek Campground

Comments

Contact

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.