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Inyo/Upper Grays Meadow
Overview
Upper Grays Meadow is a premier destination for those seeking a rustic escape within the Inyo National Forest. Located at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet, this campground offers a transition between the high desert floor and the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It serves as a quiet sanctuary where the sounds of the breeze through the pines and the rushing water of Independence Creek dominate the landscape, providing a serene backdrop for your stay.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just west of Independence, CA, the park is nestled in a canyon along Onion Valley Road. The surroundings are defined by dramatic granite cliffs and dense thickets of willow and aspen trees. The proximity to Independence Creek provides a lush riparian environment that attracts local wildlife, making it a picturesque spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts who appreciate the stark, magnificent beauty of the Eastern Sierra region.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional Forest Service site, the amenities focus on the essentials for an authentic outdoor experience. The park offers paved parking pads that can accommodate moderately sized RVs and trailers, though there are no hookups available. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-resistant food locker, which is mandatory for safety in this active wildlife corridor. While the park provides vault toilets and potable water, travelers should arrive prepared for a dry-camping experience.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is always within reach for guests staying here. A short drive further up the mountain leads to Onion Valley, the gateway to the Kearsarge Pass and the John Muir Wilderness. Anglers often frequent the nearby creek for trout fishing, while history buffs can visit the Manzanar National Historic Site located just a few miles away in the valley. The rugged terrain offers endless opportunities for high-altitude hiking, peak bagging, and alpine lake exploration.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for active outdoor adventurers and RVers who prefer raw scenic beauty over resort-style luxuries. If you enjoy boondocking or dry camping and want a front-row seat to some of California's most impressive mountain scenery, this park fits perfectly. It is a wonderful choice for hikers and anglers looking for a peaceful, quiet basecamp that feels miles away from the bustle of modern life.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Certified Floor Covering And Tile Design
An amazing place and if you’re lucky enough there’s plenty of sites with the creek right behind you where you can take a dip in the river
David Smith
Beautiful campgrounds water is running a little slow this time in July but other than that, it’s a nice place to take the wife and kids
Beverley Woodworth
Sometimes it is not just clean bathrooms that can make a stay at a campground enjoyable. After chatting with Brianna and her husband, I realized how lucky I was to have finally met truly friendly and helpful camp hosts. I’m spoiled now tho and want to clone them to take with me to every campground I’m going to next! Fun, good people who clearly love what they do. They take great care of the campsite too, as other commenters have mentioned. Do yourself a favor and go say hi to them at the camp host site when you are there. I highly recommend them and the campground.
Beatriz Viveros
I’ve been coming here with my family for the past few years and it’s always a great memorable experience. Restrooms are always clean and satisfactory. Hiking trails are close by but you have to drive up the mountain.
Joe Traveler
Note there's a lower and upper Grays Meadows campgrounds. Upper has a bit more tree coverage and larger pools of creek water. There was no upper camp host. The west section of upper has a very tight narrow turn around so walk in first if you have an over 20ft trailer or RV. The east side has better access for even 30ft+ units. A step up from independence creek CG but still nothing compared to the BIG trees and alpine stream campgrounds up the mountain near Whitney Portal.