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Baker Creek Campground
Overview
Baker Creek Campground offers a peaceful and scenic retreat for those looking to experience the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Managed by Inyo County, this facility is situated at an elevation of roughly 4,000 feet, providing a convenient gateway to high-altitude adventures while remaining easily accessible from the valley floor. It is widely known for its scenic creekside sites and plenty of shaded spots that offer a much-needed cooler respite during the warmer summer months in the Owens Valley. Whether you are passing through on Highway 395 or looking for a multi-day fishing basecamp, this park provides a classic California camping experience.
Location & Surroundings
Located just west of the small town of Big Pine, the campground sits along the banks of the namesake Baker Creek. The surrounding landscape features a striking contrast between the lush riparian corridor and the arid, dramatic peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Travelers will find themselves surrounded by native sagebrush, cottonwoods, and willow trees, with clear views of the jagged mountain skyline. It serves as a strategic basecamp for exploring the Owens Valley, providing a serene atmosphere far from the highway noise while remaining close enough to town for basic supplies and local dining options.
Amenities & Park Features
As a county-run facility, the amenities at Baker Creek are focused on providing a natural and rustic experience for the outdoor enthusiast. The park features over 70 individual sites, many of which can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers. On-site facilities include the following essentials:
- Vault toilets and potable water spigots located throughout the loops.
- Individual fire rings and picnic tables at every designated site.
- Direct access to the creek for seasonal fishing and cooling off.
Each campsite is equipped with these basic essentials, though travelers should note there are no hookups or dump stations available. This makes it an ideal choice for self-contained RVers who appreciate a traditional camping atmosphere and the sounds of moving water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Fishing is the primary draw for many visitors, as the creek is regularly stocked with rainbow trout during the season. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the world-famous Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to some of the oldest living trees on Earth. For hikers, the nearby trailhead to the Big Pine Lakes and the Palisades Glacier offers world-class scenery featuring turquoise alpine waters. The Owens River is also a short distance away, providing additional opportunities for fly fishing and birdwatching against the stunning backdrop of the High Sierra peaks.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is a perfect fit for boondockers and traditional campers who prefer nature over resort-style amenities. Because it lacks full hookups and fancy facilities, it attracts travelers seeking a quiet environment and direct access to outdoor recreation. It is especially popular with anglers and mountain photographers looking for a convenient, affordable spot to park their rig while exploring the vast public lands of Inyo County. If your travel style involves self-sufficiency and a love for the sounds of a rushing creek, Baker Creek will likely be a highlight of your trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kaitlyn _ resonant_wizard_6
This place is beautiful surrounded by mountains making a lovely view. Has many sites. some with a creek running behind them which is lovely to sleep or meditate near. Some near a lake or pond. The site we choose was 2. the site it self could use some improvements. The table is under a weeping willow that hangs over, that is way to close to my head at 5'7 for comfort. So we used the table at the next site over, which was on a slope that also made it hard to use. But as they have posted they charge fees if you move the tables so I worked with what was here. It would be nice if they moved the table out from directly under the weeping willow and moved over the other table so it is a little more flat. We arrived on Tues which is apparently a day where they don't allow you to book online so we had to get a ticket from a solar powered kiosk. If you push any button it turns on. I also wish they would have bear warnings at the kiosk so you know they frequent this area. We saw 1 shortly after dark. Thankfully it left us alone😅 but still good to be aware.
Misty
Such a beautiful place 🤩 quiet and peaceful ❤️ i always vist here when i am in town ❤️ its even beautiful in the winter time ❤️
Leslie Smith
We loved our campsite number 10 right on the creek. But I think they're pretty much all right on the creek. Our stretch of the campground had sites 8-12 and we were the only one in this stretch, and it was awesome. As others have noted, the campground is very dusty/sandy, so I had been trying to get a spot that wouldn't be passed by many cars, and number 10 was great. There was an outhouse nearby, and I had seen a couple of other ones on our drive to the site. No water is available at this campground - unless you want to count Baker Creek, which had a lot more water in it than I thought it would (the dogs loved splashing around in it!). The campsites had picnic tables and fire rings The campground was quiet, except for the babble of the creek, and I felt safe there. The stars were incredible.
Isabelle Murphy
Stayed one night in mid-April. Slept in our minivan.The weather was pleasant - not too hot or cold. Found a site close to the restrooms. Pros: 15-20 mins out of town, the creeks are pretty and provide white noise so you don't really hear other campers across the way, plenty of trails, fairly quiet, bathrooms are clean. There are trash and recycling bins as well. Our fur baby enjoyed exploring around our little spot. Cons: Not all tent sites are level, roads are dusty and rutted. Tent sites are close together so in the high season I can imagine it getting pretty cozy with your neighbours. Our table at tent site #24 was pretty sloped. We parked some larger rocks underneath the low end to level it out. The creek was running pretty high so it was fairly loud. If the sound of running water triggers you to get up in the middle of the night to pee, you might find a spot where it is not running so fast 😉 It was also a little buggy, spent ten minutes chasing down a kamakazi mosquito before we could fall asleep! We drove around in the morning and found areas (almost lots) where RVs were parked. All in all, a reasonably pleasant stay for this first time camper.
M L
What a hidden gem. It’s on the corner from a gas station and a fantastic BBQ spot. Only 20 min from Bishop and about an hour away from all the lakes you can hike along. The bathrooms were SO CLEAN! There is a creak for easy access to water so you can save the area from fires. But bring your own potable water for cooking and cleaning. Excellent views of the stars! Reservation was a breeze and very well-maintained.