Big Bend Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late May through late October, with exact dates depending on snow conditions. No reservations; first-come, first-served when open.
Stay Limits, Parking, and Developed Recreation Site Use
This forest order was put in place to protect natural resources and promote public safety.
Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project
www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/projects/reds-meadow-road-reconstruction
Wilderness Use Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the portions of the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses located in the Inyo National Forest.
Mount Whitney Zone Access Restrictions
This forest order prohibits recreating in the Mount Whitney Zone to provide for public safety and protect natural resources.
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown on the Exhibits.
Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown in the Exhibits.
Reds Meadow Road Closure Order
This Forest Closure Order prohibits being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road to provide public safety during the 2025 reconstruction season.
ESCCRP Project Area Closure
This forest order prohibits access to roads affected by the ESCRRP project to provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond.
Inn Fire Closure Order
This Forest Closure Order prohibits entrance into the Inn Fire Area Closure to protect public health and safety from environmental hazards, wildfire, and wildfire suppression operations.
Hot Creek Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating in Hot Creek within the Mammoth Ranger District.
Goat Prohibition Order
This Forest Order prohibits possessing or storing a goat within the Inyo National Forest Goat Prohibition Area.
Mammoth Mill Site Area and Trail Closure
This Forest Order prohibits recreating, entering or being in the Mammoth Mill Site Closure Area and the Mammoth Stamp Mill Trail.
B&B Mine Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the B&B Mine and Mill Site Closure Area.
Food and Refuse Storage Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits food and refuse in locations in Exhibits A and C-J, unless stored in a bear-resistant container.
About
Big Bend Campground is a rustic Forest Service campground located at 7,800 feet elevation along Lee Vining Creek in Inyo National Forest. The campground features 17 campsites nestled among pine and aspen trees, accessible via dirt road off Poole Power Plant Road. Its location near the Tuolumne Meadows entrance of Yosemite National Park makes it a popular base for exploring the eastern Sierra. The campground operates strictly first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. Each campsite can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet and includes a picnic table, fire pit, and bear locker (48" x 30" x 36"). Drinking water is available from a hand pump, and vault toilets serve the campground. Lee Vining Creek runs through the area, offering fishing opportunities for brook and rainbow trout. This is active bear country, and proper food storage in the provided bear lockers is mandatory. The campground enforces a 14-day stay limit and quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Due to its high elevation location, the campground experiences heavy use during the summer season and closes for winter due to snow.
Directions
From US 395 at Lee Vining, go west on CA 120 and turn onto Poole Power Plant Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 647-3044 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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