Lone Pine

Death Valley National Park

Deep in the heart of Death Valley's wilderness lies Saline Valley Campground, a legendary primitive sanctuary where adventurers shed both their inhibitions and their clothes. This remote oasis demands commitment—a bone-rattling 35-mile journey from the nearest pavement tests both vehicle and spirit. Your high-clearance chariot (4WD strongly recommended) will navigate washboard roads and rocky passages as you descend from mountain passes to this desert refuge at 1,375 feet. Here, in one of America's most isolated campgrounds, natural hot springs bubble up from ancient earth, creating a clothing-optional community where freedom takes on new meaning beneath endless desert skies.

Independence, CA, USA

Nestled in the dramatic eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Grays Meadows Campground offers a serene escape along the babbling waters of Independence Creek. This hidden gem in the Onion Valley area enchants visitors with its dual personality—an upper section perched among ancient oaks and a lower meadow that opens to sweeping mountain vistas. Adventure seekers flock here as a gateway to the legendary John Muir Wilderness, where pristine alpine lakes and towering peaks await. Whether you're lacing up hiking boots at dawn, casting a line into crystal-clear waters, or savoring the last runs of spring skiing, Grays Meadows serves as your perfect basecamp for Sierra adventures.

Independence, CA, USA

Perched at an impressive 9,200 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Onion Valley Campground offers adventurers a breathtaking basecamp where alpine meadows meet towering granite peaks. This coveted high-country retreat serves as your gateway to endless wilderness adventures, with direct access to the legendary John Muir Wilderness and the backcountry of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Here, where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly against the mountain sky, you'll find yourself immersed in one of California's most spectacular alpine settings.

Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine, CA, USA

Perched dramatically at 8,000 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Whitney Portal Campground serves as the gateway to adventure for those drawn to the majesty of Mt. Whitney. This alpine sanctuary welcomes everyone from ambitious hikers preparing for summit attempts to families seeking respite in the mountain air, all while accommodating RV travelers who appreciate the rare combination of high-elevation camping with accessible amenities.

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Perched at the gateway to the Eastern Sierra, Tuttle Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences without breaking the bank. This hidden gem features 83 thoughtfully spaced campsites nestled among desert terrain, including 10 convenient pull-through spots perfect for RVs and a spacious group site ideal for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Each site comes equipped with sturdy concrete picnic tables and fire pits where stories are shared under star-filled skies. While embracing a rustic camping experience with vault toilets, the campground provides seasonal potable water for your convenience. A dump station is available for $10 during operating seasons, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of campers.

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Cold Springs Campground, where alpine serenity meets rugged adventure in Sequoia National Park's spectacular Mineral King region. This remote tent-only sanctuary sits high in the Sierra Nevada, offering intrepid campers direct access to crystalline alpine lakes and legendary backcountry trails. Here, far from the crowds, you'll discover the raw beauty that makes Mineral King one of California's most treasured mountain escapes.

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Nestled along the gentle banks of Independence Creek, this intimate family-friendly campground offers a perfect blend of serenity and adventure in California's Eastern Sierra. Here, the soothing melody of flowing water accompanies your stay as towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada frame the horizon. Just minutes from the poignant Manzanar National Historic Site, Independence Creek serves as both a peaceful retreat and a gateway to exploration. Whether you're casting a line into the creek's cool waters, setting off on scenic hiking trails, or pedaling along quiet country roads, this hidden gem provides an authentic taste of the Owens Valley's natural beauty and rich history.

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Tucked away on the banks of a gurgling stream, Portuguese Joe Campground offers an authentic slice of California's outdoor heritage. This intimate retreat features just 20 sites, creating a peaceful atmosphere where campers can truly disconnect from the crowds. As your gateway to the legendary Alabama Hills and the towering presence of Mt. Whitney, this hidden gem delivers spectacular adventures at budget-friendly prices. Here, the simple pleasures of camping—morning coffee by the creek, evening stargazing, and the sound of water over rocks—take center stage.

Inyo National Forest

Highway 395 and SR 136 Lone Pine, CA 93545

Perched at a breathtaking 10,000 feet elevation, Cottonwood Pass Walk-in Campground serves as your gateway to the pristine Golden Trout Wilderness. This intimate collection of 18 secluded sites winds through ancient Lodgepole pine groves, offering backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts the perfect launching point for epic Sierra Nevada adventures. Each site requires a short walk from your vehicle, ensuring a more peaceful, authentic camping experience away from the crowds.

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine, CA, USA

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Independence, CA, USA

Highway 395 and SR 136 Lone Pine, CA 93545

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Independence, CA, USA

Inyo National Forest

Bishop Creek, South Lake Road, near Four Jeffrey Campground, CA

Escape to Mountain Glen Campground, where just five secluded sites await beneath a canopy of quaking aspens and graceful willows. This hidden gem along the melodic waters of Bishop Creek offers the perfect basecamp for tomorrow's alpine adventure or a tranquil week-long retreat from the demands of modern life. Here, intimacy meets wilderness, creating an atmosphere where every camper becomes part of the mountain's quiet rhythm.

1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541

Tucked into a scenic bend along the melodious Lee Vining Creek, Big Bend Campground invites adventurers to claim one of its 17 intimate campsites within the majestic Inyo National Forest. This hidden gem serves as the perfect basecamp for those drawn to both Yosemite's stunning Tuolumne Meadows entrance and the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Basin Scenic Area. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, and bear-proof food storage lockers to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety during your stay.

INYO, CA, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Big Pine Canyon offers adventurers a gateway to some of California's most dramatic alpine wilderness. This stunning canyon serves as your basecamp for exploring ancient glaciers, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and towering granite peaks that pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. Whether you're seeking challenging mountaineering routes or peaceful streamside camping, Big Pine Canyon delivers an authentic High Sierra experience that will leave you breathless—both from the altitude and the sheer beauty surrounding you.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Gather your favorite people at Camp 4 Group Campsite, where up to 35 adventurers can create lasting memories together in the heart of nature. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes groups with everything needed for the perfect outdoor gathering – spacious picnic tables for shared meals under towering trees, crackling fire pits for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and regular garbage collection that lets you focus on what matters most: quality time with friends and family.

Six Rivers National Forest

Tucked away in the vast wilderness of Six Rivers National Forest, Bailey Canyon Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This hidden gem provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including vault toilets and fresh drinking water, while each thoughtfully arranged campsite comes complete with a sturdy table for meals under the stars and a campfire ring where stories and s'mores come to life after dark.

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Saddle up for an unforgettable equestrian adventure at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern camping comfort. This specialized horse-friendly retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions with direct access to the legendary California Riding and Hiking Trail. Well-appointed horse corrals ensure your equine partners rest as comfortably as you do, making this the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that wind through California's stunning backcountry.

Eldorado National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Eldorado National Forest, Northwind Campground beckons those seeking solitude amid towering pines and whispering aspens. This hidden gem rewards visitors who venture off the beaten path with pristine natural beauty and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that's increasingly rare in today's busy world. The smooth paved roads leading to this intimate campground make it an accessible retreat where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and wind through the trees.

Sequoia National Forest

Perched at an impressive 7,800 feet elevation, this mountain retreat features 73 thoughtfully designed campsites nestled among towering pines and crisp mountain air. The campground welcomes RVs up to 24 feet, with each site featuring a paved parking spur for easy setup and bear-proof storage boxes for peace of mind. Adventure seekers will love the direct access to thrilling OHV trails right from camp, while fresh drinking water is available throughout the season. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping off-road adventures or simply yearning to wake up above the clouds, this high-elevation haven offers the perfect basecamp for your mountain escape.

Sequoia National Forest

Rail Creek Rd, Klamath National Forest, California

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Lake Campground, where 18 thoughtfully placed sites await at 6,100 feet among towering conifers and fragrant manzanita. Choose from 13 convenient drive-in sites or venture to one of 5 secluded walk-in tent sites for a more intimate connection with nature. The crown jewel is the crystal-clear, 25-acre lake that plunges to depths of 110 feet—a tranquil haven for paddlers and anglers pursuing rainbow trout in its cool waters. A gentle, quarter-mile paved trail winds through the forest to the lake's edge, making this mountain paradise accessible to all. As you settle into this bear country sanctuary, proper food storage becomes part of the authentic wilderness experience under star-filled skies.