Sage Flat Campground
4.7423 reviews798 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514
Sage Flat Campground
$23.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight use fee ranges from $23 to $29 per single site. Additional vehicle charge is $10/night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Pass holders receive 50% discount on single campsite fees.
About this campground
Nestled beneath towering Jeffrey pines along the rushing waters of Big Pine Creek, Sage Flat Campground offers a perfect mountain escape for families seeking adventure in the Eastern Sierra. This tranquil retreat in Inyo National Forest features 27 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with bear-proof food storage to ensure both your safety and the protection of local wildlife. The mature forest canopy creates a natural cathedral of shade, making summer afternoons delightfully cool while the gentle sounds of the creek provide nature's soundtrack to your camping experience.
Sage Flat Campground accommodates tent camping and offers group-friendly sites. RV facilities are limited.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 7,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Sage Flat enjoys the crisp, clean air and refreshing temperatures that make mountain camping so appealing. Summer days bring warm sunshine filtered through pine boughs, while evenings cool down to perfect campfire weather. The high elevation means you'll escape the intense heat of the valley below, trading it for pleasant days and star-filled nights. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland, though the campground typically closes during the coldest months. The most coveted camping weeks feature crystal-clear skies, gentle breezes, and those perfect goldilocks temperatures that make you want to spend every moment outdoors.
ElevationAt 7,400 feet above sea level, Sage Flat occupies that sweet spot where the air is noticeably thinner and cleaner, yet still comfortable for most visitors. This elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned summers and spectacular star-gazing opportunities thanks to the reduced atmospheric interference. The high mountain setting means you're camping in true alpine territory, where the landscape shifts from desert to forest and the temperature can drop 20-30 degrees from the valley floor below.
Natural Features and ScenerySage Flat showcases the Eastern Sierra's stunning biodiversity in one compact paradise. Majestic Jeffrey pines dominate the landscape, their vanilla-scented bark and massive trunks creating a primeval forest atmosphere. Along Big Pine Creek, cottonwoods and aspens paint golden brushstrokes in autumn, while spring and summer bring carpets of vibrant wildflowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The creek itself dances through the campground, its clear mountain waters providing both a scenic centerpiece and a natural playground for those wanting to dip their toes or try their luck at fishing.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Inyo National Forest, Sage Flat sits at the intersection of dramatic geological forces that have shaped the Eastern Sierra for millions of years. The campground's Jeffrey pine forest thrives in decomposed granite soils, a testament to the ancient plutons that form the backbone of the Sierra Nevada. Big Pine Creek has carved its path through this landscape, creating a riparian corridor where deciduous trees flourish alongside the conifers. In spring and early summer, the understory explodes with wildflowers that have adapted to this unique mountain ecosystem, creating a living tapestry of color against the forest floor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as large and generously spaced, with 27 tables and grills on-site.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has somewhat open sites with minimal vegetation screening, offering moderate privacy.
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Big Pine Creek may offer better views; some sites can be grouped for larger parties.
Best CampsitesNot explicitly stated. Users note that all campsites are generally good.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated. Typical family campground guidelines apply.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are somewhat open, with limited vegetation screening. Campground stretches along Big Pine Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April 23 through October 31.
Reservation PlatformsNo online reservations; walk-up availability only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable; some user reviews confirm finding sites without reservations.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sage Flat Campground provides a mix of outdoor activities that cater to nature enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Big Pine Creek enhances the recreational experience.
Hiking
The Big Pine Creek Trail starts 1.5 miles from the campground and provides access to the John Muir Wilderness trails.Fishing
The creek offers opportunities to fish for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Alpers (hybrid) trout. A user mentioned, 'Fishing was good, caught about 10, released them all.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife, including deer and Sage Grouse, are commonly observed. A user remarked, 'Deer roaming thru the camp daily.'Winter Activities
No details provided about winter recreational activities.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding were mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed; collecting wood in the campground is permitted.
- Quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area. Proper food storage in bearproof containers is mandatory.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 27.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
White Mountain Public Lands Information Center (798 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514, Phone: (760) 873-2500)
Good to know
Peak season datesLikely summer months due to elevation and weather.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities. Campers are advised to keep a clean camp due to bear activity.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Big Pine Creek, providing opportunities for fishing and cooling off in pools.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention generator noise from large RVs, vault toilets, and limited supplies at nearby store.
HostCamp host David Mac previously mentioned in reviews; described as friendly and helpful. User review notes David is no longer at Sage Flat.
Campground Map
798 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514
Driving directionsIn Big Pine, CA, at intersection of US 395 and Crocker St., take Crocker St. west 9.2 miles to campground on left. Note: Elevation gain to campground is 3,400 feet.
Campground is accessible via paved roads. Elevation gain of 3,400 feet may pose challenges for some vehicles.Nearby places
Big Pine (9.2 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Glacier Lodge Store (1.5 miles away, limited supplies and small cafe menu), General Store in Big Pine for comprehensive supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.7
23 reviews
Sage Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Sage Flat Campground receives positive reviews for its clean facilities, shaded sites, friendly camp host, and proximity to natural attractions. However, some users noted noise from RV generators and the lack of cell service as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, shaded campsites, spacious sites, friendly and helpful camp host, proximity to the creek and hiking trails, and bearproof food storage.
Based on 23 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise from RV generators, no cell service, and the lack of flush toilets.
Based on 23 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring firewood or purchase it on-site, inquire about hiking trails and fishing spots from the camp host, and prepare for possible bear encounters by adhering to food storage rules.
Based on 23 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Campers generally enjoy the summer season for its shade and cooler mountain temperatures. Wildlife sightings and fishing opportunities are highlights during this period.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Such a beautiful place with gorgeous huge Jeffrey Pines.'
2. 'The cleanest, most well-kept and friendly campground I've ever visited.'
3. 'Deer roaming thru the camp daily.'
4. 'Toilets are clean...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are noted for their spaciousness and suitability for groups. No individual site numbers were mentioned.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, but no further information was provided about accessibility features.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed. One user had issues with the camp host regarding dog rules.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025