Cedar Flat Group Campground
4.3011 reviews798 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514, USA
Cedar Flat Group Campground
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$35.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees for group standard area non-electric range from $25 to $35 per night during peak season.
About this campground
Nestled in the rugged White Mountains, Cedar Flat Group Campground offers three spacious sites that have become a favorite basecamp for geology students, stargazers, and adventurous hikers. The landscape here tells an ancient story through weathered rock formations, while aromatic pinyon and juniper trees provide natural shelter alongside hardy rabbit brush and fragrant sage that paint the high desert canvas.
Cedar Flat Group Campground is tailored for group camping, accommodating up to 50 people per site.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Cedar Flat places you at the doorstep of California's ancient wonders. Just a short drive away, White Mountain Peak—the state's third-highest summit—beckons ambitious hikers with its otherworldly lunar landscape. But the true treasure lies in the nearby Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where gnarled sentinels have stood watch for over 4,000 years, making them the oldest living trees on Earth. These twisted monuments to time offer a humbling perspective on nature's endurance.
Weather and SeasonsCedar Flat basks in remarkably clear skies, with nearly 90% of nights perfect for stargazing—a celestial gift that draws astronomers from far and wide. During the camping season, days warm to a pleasant 74°F, ideal for exploration, while evenings cool to a crisp 51°F, perfect for gathering around the campfire. The consistently dry conditions and comfortable humidity levels create an outdoor paradise where rain rarely interrupts your adventures.
ElevationPerched at 7,300 feet above sea level, Cedar Flat offers a true high-country experience. The crisp mountain air carries a refreshing bite that invigorates the senses, though newcomers should pace themselves as they adjust to the thinner atmosphere. This elevation brings cooler temperatures that provide welcome relief from valley heat, creating perfect conditions for comfortable summer camping.
Natural Features and SceneryRising 7,300 feet into the eastern California sky, Cedar Flat showcases the stark beauty of the White Mountains' high desert ecosystem. The campground's setting is a masterclass in adaptation, where tenacious pinyon pines and twisted junipers sink deep roots into the rocky soil. Between these hardy sentinels, silvery sage and golden rabbit brush create a tapestry of textures and subtle colors that shift with the changing light, offering photographers and nature lovers endless inspiration.
Geological RegionCedar Flat sits within the magnificent Inyo National Forest, occupying a dramatic position east of the deep Owens Valley in the ancient White Mountains. This unique geological wonderland showcases millions of years of Earth's history written in stone. The arid landscape supports a fascinating high-desert ecosystem where pinyon and juniper forests thrive alongside sage-covered slopes, creating a living laboratory that draws geologists, botanists, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore one of California's most distinctive mountain ranges.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information for campers with disabilities is not available in the provided data.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate 25 to 50 people, making them suitable for large groups.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer spacious layouts with room for tents and common areas, providing privacy between camping groups. "Nice not to be on top of each other," as one reviewer stated.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect Camp Ferguson for privacy, shade, and space for large tents. Bring water as this is a dry camp.
Best CampsitesCamp Ferguson received high praise for being spacious, shaded, and far enough from other sites to ensure privacy. Camp Noren and Camp Nelson are also frequently mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No explicit check-in time provided.
Check-out
No explicit check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each group campsite accommodates between 25 and 50 people.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate between 25 and 50 people, including space for large tents and communal areas.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree group sites with picnic shelters, tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and plenty of space for tents.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 15 to October 15 each year (peak season). Closed October 15 to April 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo indication of walk-up availability is provided in the sources.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations are allowed with a $10 change fee unless adding/removing nights or switching campsites of the same type. Cancellations before arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and may have additional penalties for late cancellation within 14 days.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cedar Flat Group Campground is favored for geology field trips, hiking, and stargazing. Its remote location provides excellent opportunities for night sky photography and observing nature.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available nearby, including trails leading to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and White Mountain Peak.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities for observing lizards and other local wildlife, as mentioned in user reviews.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed in the source materials.Water Sports
No water sports are applicable or mentioned in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is a dry camp, so visitors must bring their own water. The steep, narrow access road can pose challenges for large vehicles and inexperienced drivers.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate rain
Precipitation: 4.3%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (4.30% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate rain
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including hospitals and fire stations, are located in Big Pine, CA (12 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 to October 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, with dumpsters on-site mentioned in user reviews. Recycling practices are not detailed.
Proximity to water featuresThis is a dry camp with no nearby water sources; all visitors must bring their own water.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention issues such as lack of toilet paper in vault toilets and challenges with reservations during pandemic closures.
Campground Map
798 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514, USA
Driving directionsFrom Big Pine go east on Highway 168 approximately 11.5 miles and turn left into the campground entrance. The junction of 168 and White Mountain Road (to the Bristlecone Pines) is about 1/2 mile beyond the campground entrance. Highway 168 is narrow and steep. RVs and large vehicles should note a section of the road is a single lane with very limited visibility. Uphill traffic has the right of way, but be prepared to stop and back up to the last wide spot if necessary.
Highway 168 is narrow and steep, with a section that is single-lane and has limited visibility. RVs and large vehicles may encounter challenges, and uphill traffic must be given the right of way. Driving conditions require caution and preparedness.Nearby places
Big Pine, CA (12 miles)
Nearby supplies
The nearest source for water, food, or fuel is 12 miles away in the town of Big Pine, CA.
Camper Reviews
4.3
11 reviews
Cedar Flat Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are largely positive about the layout, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to attractions like Bristlecone Pine National Monument. Common complaints include issues with vault toilet maintenance and inadequate camper support during emergencies.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praise the spacious sites, privacy, and quiet atmosphere. "Far enough away from the other sites to be a nice quiet getaway," one user commented. "Wonderful location and camping spot!!"...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include lack of vault toilet maintenance (e.g., "No toilet paper in either toilet"), and issues with reservation management during the pandemic.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing sufficient water due to the lack of potable sources and preparing for the steep, narrow road leading to the campground. Uphill traffic has the right of way, but drivers should...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground operates seasonally from April 15 to October 15. Summer months are recommended for stargazing and hiking, but users advise bringing water and supplies due to its remote location.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Note this is a dry camp, bring your own water." "Nice not to be on top of each other." "Far enough away from the other sites to be a nice quiet getaway." "Best campground I have ever stayed at."
Based on 11 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Camp Ferguson in Loop 1 received multiple positive comments about its spaciousness and maintenance. Camp Nelson and Camp Noren in Loop 2 were also praised, though maintenance issues like lack of...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025