Description

Keep close to nature’s heart at Onion Valley Campground in the breathtaking eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The parks idyllic location adjacent to the lake, and being just a faint yodel yonder from the John Muir Wilderness makes it a popular stomping ground for hikers, angles, and photographers looking for total immersion. Getting up there at 9,200 feet, the campground itself is protected by majestic, granite peaks, and perfumed sweetly by lodgepole Pine and Aspen trees. The campsites themselves are a bit on the crunchy side, but provide all the basics as well as jaw-dropping mountain vistas. There’s no shortage of wildlife here, so remember to take the proper precautions and respect the locals!
Campsite area
Tent or RV sites
17 sites
Up to 6 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

There are single tracks and dirt roads here, offering something for bikers of all levels. The easy trails include a 1.2 mile lo...Read more

Boating

Sabrina Lake has a boat launch, rentals, marina and tackle shop, and there are no fees! Ideal for summertime fishing. The...Read more

Fishing

Did we mention there are over 400 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers and streams? No? Well, you can imagine how great the fishing ...Read more

Hiking

There are so many trails here! You can explore the breathtaking mountains, see the hundreds of lakes and never run into another...Read more

Horseback riding

There are a good number of horse campgrounds to stay at, as well as pack stations that will give you all of the info you need, ...Read more

Paddling

Many of the lakes allow non-motorized boating, which means kayakers, canoers, and other small paddling boats are welcome out in...Read more

Off-roading (OHV)

There’s an expansive network of routes for off-road vehicles to explore: spanning 2,000 miles, you can drive up into the mounta...Read more

Climbing

Mountain climbers and boulderers will find enough ground to play on. Mammoth Lakes has some moderate climbs, with great names l...Read more

Snow sports

Thanks to the abundant snowfall, cross country skiers have plenty to explore, especially in the Mammoth Lakes area. Gorp offers...Read more

Swimming

June Lake has a swimming beach to suit all your swimming needs, and there is a solid number of campgrounds that offer swimming ...Read more

Wildlife watching

The Inyo forest is home to black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, martens, foxe...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Onion Valley Campground.

Beach
Desert
Forest
Hot spring
Lake
River, stream, or...
Waterfall
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18 Reviews

750
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Drop some Onion Valley Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Laurenz
Laurenz P.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 24th, 2020

How do I book a spot here?

Hipcamper Peter
Peter D.
recommends this listing.
February 4th, 2019

In years of heavy snowfall, water pipes and/or reservoirs may be damaged, so call ahead about water availability. Also, if Onion Valley is full, Upper and Lower Grays Meadows are about a 30 minute drive down the mountain, with good views and a short drive to all of the activities that Onion Valley has.

Hipcamper Nicholas
Nicholas M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
October 26th, 2016

It's a really cool drive up to Onion Valley Campground. The elevation gained is very impressive. The campground is usually booked out pretty far in advance. We went up the night to help acclimate with the elevation before a hike to Kearsarge Pass/Lakes (11,700ft)- we'd be carrying heavy packs so thought it'd smart. It was late September, so it was pretty cold up there at night ~35F so bundle up. Once the sun shows up, its plenty warm enough for long-sleeves. Facilities are kept very clean so that's a plus. The drive down is equally impressive- make sure you're brakes are decent:)

Hipcamper Nathan
Nathan M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 25th, 2015

Definitely not recommended for RVs or Trailers...not only because the road to the campground is an extreme grade, the campground loop and sites are just not set up for for RVs or trailers. Great place however for tent camping. Beautiful setting. Site 8 is +

Hipcamper Cassidy B.
recommends this listing.
May 14th, 2019
Hipcamper Brad A.
recommends this listing.
January 22nd, 2019
Hipcamper Mike H.
recommends this listing.
October 23rd, 2018
Hipcamper Fiona P.
recommends this listing.
July 12th, 2018
Hipcamper Ellen B.
recommends this listing.
June 6th, 2018
Hipcamper Eric J.
recommends this listing.
May 19th, 2018
Hipcamper Marissa M.
recommends this listing.
January 1st, 2018
Hipcamper Jeremiah K.
recommends this listing.
December 19th, 2017
Hipcamper Marina F.
recommends this listing.
August 7th, 2017
Hipcamper Adriane W.
recommends this listing.
June 27th, 2017
Hipcamper Michael C.
recommends this listing.
June 11th, 2017
Hipcamper Mark W.
recommends this listing.
May 10th, 2017
Hipcamper Michelle  L.
has mixed feelings towards this listing.
April 12th, 2017
Hipcamper Marcia G.
recommends this listing.
March 22nd, 2017
Park
Inyo National Forest
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
760-937-6070
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
36.775° N, 118.346° W
Unknown price
Tent Only - Hike In: 7 Sites
(Up to 6 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent Only: 2 Sites
(Up to 6 people per site)
Unknown price
Tent / RV / Trailer: 8 Sites
(Up to 6 people per site)