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Grandview Campground is nestled in low hills covered with Pinyon and Juniper. A large open area in the middle of the campground gives a truly grand view of the night sky. The combination of 8,600 foot elevation and no intrusive city lights make this a popular site for star gazers and astronomy groups. Campers are asked to minimize their use of generators and lights so everyone in camp can enjoy a peaceful night of stargazing. Grandview is also the nearest campground to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, just 5 miles to Schulman Grove. The campground has 23 sites spaced on two loop roads. Most sites are flat and sandy with ample shade. Each site has a table, fire ring, and parking for one or two vehicles. Firewood sources are limited. Do not collect wood from live or standing trees.
From Big Pine go east on Highway 168 approximately 12 miles. Turn left on White Mountain Road and drive 5 miles. The campground will be on your left. Highway 168 is very narrow and steep.
My favorite campground if I want to be high in elevation, have a great view of the night sky, peace and quiet, and one of the best views of the Eastern Sierra. Definitely check out Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest that is not too far down the main road as well as the Vista of the Eastern Sierra. If you have a high clearance 4x4 drive vehicle there are a few roads for you to explore.
This is one of my favorite campgrounds. No reservations, so there is some risk in finding a spot. Lots of trees, clean pit toilets, no great views, though. Go see the ancient bristlecone pine trees, the oldest living thing on the planet, and it's also a dark sky area for sky viewing.
First come, no reservations. Nice spot not far past the turn off toward bristlecone pine forest. Toilets were spotless/well maintained. Had a monster lightning/thunder event for 2 hrs on 09/12/23.
Situated in a great loop around a beautiful sage meadow at 8500 feet, Grandview Campground is gorgeous with glimpses of the Sierra Nevada to the west and Deep Springs Lake playa to the southeast.
The campsites are spacious and many are quite private. They are all first-come-first-served and there is no fee. However a $10 donation is recommended for upkeep. The USFS website says $5 - clearly hasn't been updated in some time. The official signage at the campground requests $10. Still incredibly reasonable, for all that.
There are well-kept pit toilets onsite but there is no running water. You are responsible for transporting any water you may require for the duration of your stay.
Grandview is a dark skies campground. As such it is popular with astronomy clubs and stargazers. If you are planning a stay here, pay close attention to what phase the moon is in. It fills up quickly during a new moon.
By virtue of the meadow, do be mindful that sound carries very clearly across the area. Please be mindful of your fellow campers as night falls.
The visitor center at Schulman Grove is a short drive from the campground; the drive to the Patriarch Grove is an additional 12 miles on dirt roads up to around 11000 feet.
