California / Inyo County / Inyo National Forest

Upper Sage Flat

Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically operates from late April or May through late October, with exact dates depending on snowpack conditions.

About

Upper Sage Flat Campground is located along Big Pine Creek at 7,600 feet elevation in Inyo National Forest, 9 miles west of the town of Big Pine. The campground features 20 campsites spread out beneath a canopy of Jeffrey pines and cottonwoods along the creek. Paved parking aprons accommodate most RVs with lengths up to 40 feet. Big Pine Creek is stocked annually with trout and supports populations of rainbow, brown, brook, and alpers trout. The Big Pine Creek Trail begins nearby, providing a 1.5-mile approach to trail systems in the John Muir Wilderness, including routes to views of Palisades Glacier. The creek flows through a narrow canyon at the base of the Sierra Nevada, and the area is frequented by black bears requiring food storage in provided bear boxes. The campground operates seasonally, typically opening in late April or May depending on snow conditions and closing in late October. Nearby attractions include additional wilderness access, Tinemaha Reservoir for fishing and boating, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest on the White Mountains.

Directions

From Big Pine on Highway 395, turn west at the yellow flashing traffic light onto Crocker Street (Big Canyon Road). Continue 9 miles to the campground on the left.

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