GRAYS MEADOWS
Inyo National Forest, CAGrays Meadows sits along Independence Creek in the eastern Sierra shadows of Mt. Whitney and Mt. Williamson, serving the horse crowd and hikers heading into the John Muir Wilderness. The campground splits between upper and lower sections in an oak grove, with Independence Creek running alongside and the demanding Shepherd Pass Trail starting just west of camp.
Campground Details
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 36.76889, -118.29500
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 760-937-6070
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground divides into upper and lower sections, most sites tucked under a large oak grove that provides solid shade in this high-desert landscape at 6,100 feet. Independence Creek borders one side — sites 10, 12, 13, 14, 40, 41, 46, and 51 put you closest to the water. The setting mixes sunny and shaded spots with the creek wandering through, backdropped by the highest peaks in the contiguous United States.
Bear activity is common enough that every site comes with bear-proof lockers. Use them. Mountain lions, mule deer, pine marten, and pika also call this area home, along with the stocked rainbow trout that draw anglers to Independence Creek.
What to Know
This is designated equestrian camping, so expect horse trailers and the associated activity. Independence Creek gets regularly stocked with trophy-size rainbow trout, and the fishing season here starts the first weekend in March — earlier than much of the surrounding area, bringing early-season anglers.
Opening and closing dates depend on weather conditions, typical for eastern Sierra campgrounds at this elevation. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.
Nearby
The Shepherd Pass Trail starts just west of the campground, a well-known and demanding route that climbs to alpine lakes and the high peaks of the John Muir Wilderness. This is serious mountain country — the trail provides access to the vast glacially carved terrain, deep canyons, and snow-capped peaks that define the wilderness area. The Onion Valley location puts you in prime territory for both day hiking and multi-day wilderness entry.