The best camping in Inyo National Forest, CA

Encompassing nearly 3,000 square miles of land in California and western Nevada, Inyo National Forest offers ample opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation throughout the year. Popular attractions include the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, towering Mount Whitney, Devils Postpile National Monument, and the salty inland sea of Mono Lake. Inyo is home to nine designated Wilderness Areas, spanning nearly a million acres, and backpacking (with a permit) is a popular way to explore these areas. That said, many campers stick to the numerous campgrounds, some with full RV hook-ups, that are spread throughout the vast expanse.

• Best for trekkers: As the name suggests, Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground serves as a basecamp for trekkers making their way up to the top of Mt. Whitney.
• Best for RV campers: Big Pine Creek Campground offers a mix of tent-only and electric hookup sites plus fantastic wilderness views.
• Best for anglers: Bishop Park Campground offers easy access to fishing on Bishop Creek.

1. Many campsites in the Inyo National Forest can be booked up to six months in advance through the Forest Service website. Reservations go live every morning at 7am Pacific Time. If you’re looking for a cabin or yurt, it’s wise to reserve right when sites go live.
2. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis. If possible, try to arrive by Thursday to avoid the weekend rush.
3. If you aren’t able to secure a campsite or cabin for the dates you want, consider booking a Hipcamp in the area or look into camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.

Inyo National Forest is a year-round destination, with ample opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities in the summer, plus great skiing and snowshoeing come winter, particularly in the June Mountain Ski Area. The weather is warm enough to camp comfortably in late spring or early fall. While most of the campgrounds in the area are only open from April or May until September or October, there are a few BLM- and county-managed campgrounds that are open year-round.

• The best place to pick up supplies before heading off into the forest is the town of Bishop, near the junction of State Highway 168 and the US-395.
• Wildfires are an issue in this part of the country, so make sure to look into any fire bans before you head out and be prepared for alternative ways to prepare your food.
• Check for road closures before heading out. Snow and avalanches can close sections of road in the winter, while construction work can cause major delays in the summertime.
• Don’t expect to have cell coverage everywhere in the forest. It’s wise to download offline maps before you head out.