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Indian Creek (BLM)
Overview
Located in the rugged beauty of Alpine County, Indian Creek Campground offers a high-desert camping experience managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,600 feet, this destination provides a unique transition between the high Sierra Nevada peaks and the arid Great Basin. The campground serves as a gateway to the Carson River Valley, providing an excellent vantage point for exploring one of California's least populated regions. It is a peaceful alternative to the busier Lake Tahoe area, offering scenic mountain views and a quiet atmosphere for travelers seeking solitude.
Location & Surroundings
The park is positioned just outside Markleeville, California, nestled among rolling hills covered in sagebrush and Jeffrey pines. The Indian Creek Reservoir serves as the focal point of the local landscape, providing stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks. The terrain is characterized by unique volcanic rock formations and diverse local flora that changes dramatically with the seasons. Travelers will appreciate the expansive views of the Eastern Sierra, where the lack of light pollution makes for exceptional stargazing opportunities during clear summer nights under the dark sky.
Amenities & Park Features
As a BLM-managed facility, the park focuses on a rustic experience without utility hookups. However, visitors will find well-maintained paved parking pads that can accommodate many RV sizes, though larger rigs should navigate the loops with care. Each site includes a sturdy picnic table and a steel fire ring for evening campfires. While there are no sewer or electric connections, the campground provides seasonal access to potable water and vault toilets. The layout is thoughtfully designed to provide a sense of privacy and space between neighboring campsites.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Anglers frequent the area for the excellent trout fishing available at the reservoir, which is stocked regularly. Just a short drive away, you can explore Grover Hot Springs State Park, known for its therapeutic mineral pools and lush meadow hikes. For those who enjoy scenic drives, the nearby Monitor Pass offers breathtaking vistas of the Carson Iceberg Wilderness. The West Fork of the Carson River is also close by, providing additional fishing, photography, and bird-watching spots for those who enjoy being near the water.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is an ideal match for self-contained RVers who enjoy dry camping in a serene, natural setting. It appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize fishing, hiking, and nature photography over resort-style amenities. If you are looking for a quiet mountain retreat with easy access to high-altitude adventures and fewer crowds than neighboring tourist hubs, Indian Creek is a perfect fit. It is particularly well-suited for those seeking a primitive experience without sacrificing the convenience of a level, paved site for their rig.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Cyndi Huffman
Appears to still be closed sadly. The airport rd portion that goes thru the other edge of the reservoir would be a great place to dry camp. Road is rough. Hopefully they repair it from the fire in 2021 don’t can reopen. There is a locked with many locks gate closing off the prior camping area.
Chris Crabb
This place has been closed for over 2 years👎👎👎
Shantanu Patel
Neat, clean and quiet campground. Campsites are spaced far enough from each other. Big bathrooms and hot water showers open up another dimension especially for the first timers.
Glen San Marcos
Just left (Fri 8/30) to avoid the Labor Day weekend chaos. Great campground. The host now is Tom, and he (and I assume his wife) run an excellent ship. When you arrive your camp site will probably be spotless. I saw them cleaning a just vacated spot like it was their own home. I was in an RV so I didn't need the camp's facilities, but they looked as clean as the camp sites. There's a nice hike that starts on the west side of the CG that goes up to a small lake over the ridge called Summit Lake. It's a pretty easy hike, 1.5 miles to the lake.
Glen San Marcos
Just left (Fri 8/30) to avoid the Labor Day weekend chaos. Great campground. The host now is Tom, and he (and I assume his wife) run an excellent ship. When you arrive your camp site will probably be spotless. I saw them cleaning a just vacated spot like it was their own home. I was in an RV so I didn't need the camp's facilities, but they looked as clean as the camp sites. There's a nice hike that starts on the west side of the CG that goes up to a small lake over the ridge called Summit Lake. It's a pretty easy hike, 1.5 miles to the lake.