Upper Sage Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Operates seasonally from late April through late October, weather permitting. Reservations through Recreation.gov; walk-in availability outside peak season. Active bear area with mandatory food storage in provided bear boxes.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
ESCCRP PANORAMA PROJECT AREA CLOSURE
To provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work for the Panorama portion of the ESCCRP project.
About
Upper Sage Flat Campground sits at 7,600 feet elevation in a shaded grove of Jeffrey pines and cottonwoods along Big Pine Creek in the Inyo National Forest. The 20 standard nonelectric sites offer paved parking aprons (most 40 feet long), vault toilets, potable water from a hand pump, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. This is active bear country; all food and scented items must be stored in the provided bear lockers. The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada. Big Pine Creek offers fishing for rainbow, brown, brook, and Alpers trout. The Big Pine Creek Trail departs nearby, leading 1.5 miles into the John Muir Wilderness with access to a network of high-country trails. Hikers can reach Palisades Glacier, the southernmost glacier in the United States. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov; walk-in sites may be available outside peak season. The campground operates seasonally, typically from late April through late October depending on snow conditions. Maximum stay is 14 days. Dogs must remain leashed at all times.
Directions
From Big Pine on Highway 395, turn west at the yellow flashing traffic light onto Crocker Street (Big Pine Canyon Road). Continue 8 miles to the campground on your left.
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 | $29 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 872-4552 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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