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Goodale Creek (BLM)
Overview
Goodale Creek Campground offers a quintessential high-desert experience managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Located in the heart of the Owens Valley, this site provides a rugged, natural setting for travelers who want to escape the crowded commercial parks. The landscape is defined by vast sagebrush plains and impressive volcanic rock features that reflect the unique geological history of this Eastern California region, providing a peaceful retreat for those who love the outdoors.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of Independence, California, the park sits at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet. Its location provides an unobstructed front-row seat to the towering peaks of the Eastern Sierra to the west and the Inyo Mountains to the east. The surrounding terrain is open and airy, allowing for breathtaking sunrises and some of the clearest, most vibrant stargazing opportunities found anywhere in the state due to the lack of light pollution.
Amenities & Park Features
As a primitive BLM site, Goodale Creek focuses on a rustic camping style. The park features roughly 43 sites, most of which include a picnic table and fire ring. While there are vault toilets available throughout the grounds, visitors must remember there is no potable water or hookups on-site. RVers must arrive with full freshwater tanks and sufficient battery power or solar panels to enjoy this scenic dry camping environment comfortably and safely.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the historic Manzanar National Historic Site, located just a short drive south. Outdoor enthusiasts can venture into the nearby John Muir Wilderness or take a scenic drive to witness the majesty of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. For those who enjoy trout fishing or nature photography, the seasonal creek and the shifting mountain light offer endless recreation and artistic inspiration.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for self-contained RVers who appreciate solitude and a back-to-basics approach to mountain travel. It is perfect for photographers, hikers, and travelers navigating the Highway 395 corridor who prefer natural beauty over structured resort-style amenities. If you value wide-open spaces, spectacular mountain views, and the quiet hum of the high desert over high-speed Wi-Fi and swimming pools, Goodale Creek is a perfect fit for your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kathy M
If you are looking for a remote place to stay, with nice fire rings, picnic tables and stars galore, this is your spot. It was private, quiet, and beautiful. Camp host we super sweet. AND $5 fee. Nothing fancy here, no showers or electricity which was part of the magic for us! By the way, it was not a problem to bring in 25 foot Class C RV.
James Barton
This place is great! Keith is an awesome host who greeted us and was a wealth of information about local things to do. Great recommendations for food in the nearest town. We camped one night and it was spectacular and very scenic and peaceful. Bathrooms are the cleanest we have seen at any RV park we have been to lately.
Jeffrey Solomon
Very nice and budget-friendly campground. No water but there are restrooms if you need them. The sites are very nice. With picnic table and fire pit, but challenging to level if you have a trailer or RV. Some of them are drive-thrus most are back in. The views of the Sierra are great with odd rock formations around the campground. At least when we were there in mid-march it was very uncrowded but I'm sure as the weather warms up that will change.
Nicholas Rheeman
Ideally located between Bishop and Lone Pine. if you want peace while soaking in the beauty of the Sierras this campground checks all the boxes. Keith is super friendly host who goes out of his way to make sure everyone is enjoying their time. He went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed and gave us great recommendations for nearby restaurants. One of the best hosts we ever encountered.
Lise Rheeman
Great campsite for hikers. Very few RVs and very quiet! Keith Cooper is a great camp host. Very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Gave good recommendations on places to eat.