- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Big Pine
Top-rated campgrounds near Big Pine
1. Inyo National Forest
2. Sierra National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Big Pine
1. Inyo National Forest
2. Sierra National Forest
The best waterside camping near Big Pine guide
Where to go
The Mojave Desert
Big Pine is within easy reach of the Mojave Desert, which has a number of fantastic protected areas. These include Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Mojave National Preserve.
Los Angeles County
If you need a little Southern California beach time, the Los Angeles County coastline is within day-tripping distance away. If you want to stay the night, Malibu and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offer plenty of camping options.
The Southern Sierras
A short drive southwest of Big Pine, the southern Sierra Nevada range is a great place to camp, swim, and hike, especially in the summer months. The star attraction, Sequoia National Forest is home to 38 different groves of sequoia trees plus ample opportunities for camping and backpacking.
When to go
Temperatures vary greatly in Big Pine, with cold and snowy winters and oftentimes sweltering summers. It's definitely a summer destination, particularly if you're planning on camping, though the weather is usually warm and dry enough during the April-May and September-October shoulder seasons. If you do decide to visit in late summer or early fall, you may not be allowed to have a campfire, as fire bans are common during the wildfire season.