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Goodale Creek (BLM)
Overview
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.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
William Kemper
Great little BLM campground. Dry camping. $5 a night. $2.50 with "geezer" card. Spacious sites not too close together. Some sites had room for larger RV's. Picnic tables, fire rings, lantern holder post. A little shade from planted trees. Was a host on site. Pit toilet restrooms. Restrooms were clean and recently painted. Beautiful view of the Sierra's.
thecrazyZjer
Great camping spot just off of 395. Beautiful views of the eastern sierra's with a creek running right through the campground that you can fish. Camp host is awesome and very informative if you have any questions!
Ronnie Grinrn
Actually nicer than Tuttle Creek (Alabama Hills) campground @ 5$ cheaper, buy drinking water with the 5$ savings. I only seen two trees at Tuttle Creek, Goodale has trees at most of the sites for shade, furry friends prefer Goodale Creek over Tuttle Creek. Wifi good too.
Brian Kirby
Stayed in site 7 and the views for sunrise and sunset are outstanding! The vault toilets were super clean which is a plus plus as we all know that! Also, hosts are very polite and do a great job all together! 🤙😎
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.