Onion Valley
This quiet campground is set amidst breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain peaks, thick forests and waterfalls in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Its location on the creek and proximity to the John Muir Wilderness make it a popular hub for hikers, anglers, photographers and those who want to relax in a peaceful, natural setting.
The campground is tucked away near the end of Onion Valley Road. Campsites are private and primitive, and every site has a scenic view. Amenities include vault toilets, and bear-proof food storage lockers, which campers are required to use. Firewood is for sale on-site.
Need to Know
- Trailers are not recommended; tent trailers are permissible
This campground has no water.
- Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating; do not leave food in car; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals; campground is patrolled at night by security teams during periods of high bear activity
Two pets per site and must be leashed at all times.
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Click here for more information about Inyo National Forest
Natural Features
Situated at an elevation of 9,200 feet, the campground is surrounded by the towering peaks of the John Muir Wilderness and immersed in shrubs, lodgepole pine and aspens. Lovely wildflowers color the landscape in late spring and early summer. The campground is adjacent to a creek and lake.
The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear,which frequent the campground, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds.
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. Some trails lead into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to the west.
Recreation
Majestic scenery and challenging trails draw campers to the Onion Valley area for hiking and horseback riding. The campground is near Kearsarge Pass, Robinson Lake and Golden Trout Lakes Trailheads, which access several alpine lakes and mountain peaks within the John Muir Wilderness, as well as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing. From the campground, anglers can try for rainbow, brown, brook and Alpers trout in Robinson Lake and a nearby creek.
Contact Information
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Independence CA
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 760-937-6070
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The campground is 13 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. Follow Onion Valley Road for 13 miles to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 020, Loop DRV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop ONION, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop DRV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop ONIO, Type Walk To
- Site 010, Loop ONION, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop DRV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop ONION, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop DRV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop DRV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop DRV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop ONIO, Type Walk To
- Site 017, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop DRV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop ONIO, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop ONIO, Type Walk To
- Site 016, Loop ONIO, Type Walk To
- Site 018, Loop ONIO, Type Walk To
- Site 022, Loop ONIO, Type Walk To
- Site 009, Loop ONION, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop ONIO, Type Walk To
- Site 003, Loop DRV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop ONION, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
