Grays Meadows

FS USDA Forest Service · CA · Developed

Conditions

Road Access Paved
Driveway Surface Paved
Season Not recorded
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Elevation 6,100 ft
Max RV Length 40 ft

The managing agency hasn't published season for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Seasonal Snow Area
Rig Size Back In Only
Hookup Dry Camping
Access Paved Access
Style Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites53
Sites Accepting RVs31
Overnight Sites53
Max RV Length40 ft
Back-In Sites32
SurfacePaved

Location

36.7688889, -118.295 · Independence , CA

Photos

Description

Overview

Grays Meadows Campground is situated along Independence Creek in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its location on the creek and proximity to the rugged John Muir Wilderness make it a popular hub for hikers, anglers, spring skiers and snowboarders.

Opening and closing dates may be dependent on weather conditions.

Recreation

Majestic mountain scenery and challenging trails draw campers to the Onion Valley area for hiking and horseback riding. The well-known and demanding Shepherd Pass Trail, which can be reached just west of Grays Meadows Campground, heads up to alpine lakes and the high peaks of the John Muir Wilderness.

Independence Creek is regularly stocked with trophy-size rainbow trout. Anglers flock to the creek for its early trout fishing season, which starts the first weekend in March, ahead of much of the area.

Facilities

The facility consists of an upper and lower campground. The creek borders one side; sites 10, 12, 13, 14, 40, 41, 46 and 51 are closest to the water. Most of the campground is located in a large oak grove, providing shade.

The area is frequented by bears so campers must store food in the bear-proof lockers provided on-site. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground.

Natural Features

Grays Meadows Campground offers a wandering creek, both sunny and shaded campsites and a high-desert landscape. It sits at an elevation 6,100 ft. and is bordered on the west by Mt. Williamson and Mt. Whitney, the highest peaks in the contiguous United States. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, pika and many species of fish and birds.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

Nearby Attractions

Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails.

Directions

Grays Meadows is 6 miles west of the town of Independence, California. Take U.S. Highway 395 to Independence. Turn west on Market Street (which turns into Onion Valley Road) and follow for 6 miles. The first gate accesses sites 36-52. The second gate is 0.25 miles up the road and accesses sites 1-35. Campground manager is at site 7.

Activities

CAMPING FISHING HIKING

Details

Phone760-937-6070
ADA AccessN
ReservableYes

Nearby Campgrounds

Onion Valley 2.8 mi · FS · 30 sites
Whitney Portal 12.9 mi · FS · 47 sites
Lone Pine 13.3 mi · FS · 28 sites
Goodale Creek Campground 15.0 mi · BLM · 43 sites
Tuttle Creek Campground 16.9 mi · BLM · 83 sites
Sheep Creek Campground 20.3 mi · NPS · 111 sites
Moraine Campground (CA) 20.3 mi · NPS · 121 sites
Cedar Grove Stock Campsite 20.4 mi · NPS · 1 sites