Onion Valley

Campground · California · 29 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

John Muir Wilderness · Restricted Access

29
Bookable sites
25 ft
Max rig length
up to 6
People per site
9,598 ft
Elevation
A waterfall streams down into a mountain valley
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Overview

This quiet campground is set amidst breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain peaks, thick forests and waterfalls in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Its location on the creek and proximity to the John Muir Wilderness make it a popular hub for hikers, anglers, photographers and those who want to relax in a peaceful, natural setting.

Recreation

Majestic scenery and challenging trails draw campers to the Onion Valley area for hiking and horseback riding. The campground is near Kearsarge Pass, Robinson Lake and Golden Trout Lakes Trailheads, which access several alpine lakes and mountain peaks within the John Muir Wilderness, as well as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing. From the campground, anglers can try for rainbow, brown, brook and Alpers trout in Robinson Lake and a nearby creek.

Facilities

The campground is tucked away near the end of Onion Valley Road. Campsites are private and primitive, and every site has a scenic view. Amenities include vault toilets, and bear-proof food storage lockers, which campers are required to use. Firewood is for sale on-site.

Natural Features

Situated at an elevation of 9,200 feet, the campground is surrounded by the towering peaks of the John Muir Wilderness and immersed in shrubs, lodgepole pine and aspens. Lovely wildflowers color the landscape in late spring and early summer. The campground is adjacent to a creek and lake.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear,which frequent the campground, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

Nearby Attractions

Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Some trails lead into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to the west.

The facts

  • 29 bookable sites
  • 30 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 25 ft
  • Up to 6 people per site
  • Loops: DRV, ONIO, ONION

Site types

  • 12 Standard Nonelectric
  • 10 Tent Only Nonelectric
  • 7 Walk To
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

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

Book on Recreation.gov

30 campsites at Onion Valley

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceAccessMax rigPeople
002DRVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—16 ft6 🐾
003DRVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
004DRVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—16 ft6 🐾
011DRVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
012DRVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
015DRVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—16 ft6 🐾
020DRVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
027DRVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
016ONIOWalk To—Gravel——6 🐾
018ONIOWalk To—Gravel——6 🐾
019ONIOWalk To—Gravel——6 🐾
021ONIOWalk To—Gravel——6 🐾
022ONIOWalk To—Gravel——6 🐾
024ONIOWalk To—Gravel——6 🐾
025ONIOWalk To—Gravel——6 🐾
029ONIOTent Only Nonelectric—Gravel——6 🐾
001ONIONTent Only NonelectricBack InGravelWalk In25 ft6 🐾
005ONIONTent Only NonelectricBack InGravelWalk In25 ft6 🐾
006ONIONTent Only NonelectricBack InGravelWalk In25 ft6 🐾
007ONIONTent Only NonelectricBack InGravelWalk In25 ft6 🐾
008ONIONTent Only Nonelectric—GravelWalk In—6 🐾
009ONIONStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
010ONIONStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
013ONIONStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
014ONIONStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
017ONIONTent Only NonelectricBack InGravelWalk In25 ft6 🐾
023ONIONTent Only NonelectricBack In———6 🐾
024ONIONManagementBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
026ONIONTent Only NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
028ONIONTent Only NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾

Getting there

The campground is 13 miles west of the town of Independence, California. Take U.S. Highway 395 to Independence. Turn west on Market Street, which turns into Onion Valley Road. Follow Onion Valley Road for 13 miles to the campground.

36.77472, -118.34556 · 36°46'29.0"N 118°20'44.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 102°F in Jul, down to 57°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F58616976859610210193816757
Low °F303339445362676558483629
Precip in1.40.90.70.20.10.10.10.10.10.20.50.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8 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 Onion Valley

Can you reserve a site at Onion Valley?
Yes, Onion Valley is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Onion Valley have?
30 sites in total, of which 29 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Onion Valley?
25 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Onion Valley?
Yes, pets are allowed at Onion Valley.
Are campfires allowed at Onion Valley?
Campfires are allowed at Onion Valley. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Onion Valley also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Onion Valley's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $29.00 per night.

Restrictions:

  • Active bear area, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48" x 30" x 36").

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Onion Valley

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.