By:
Submission
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. 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. ADA Access: N
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.
Beautiful campground with a variety of sites, reservable and first come first served. Super clean pit toilets. Saw fish in the creek. No one around to buy firewood from.
Went early August and Temps were great, tons of shade trees, bathrooms were extremely clean. Very quiet and a great place to camp. My 2 issues were no fish (well at the time I went) nobody in my camp or anyone I talked to didn't catch any fish. The other, were the roads were overgrown with trees and if your in a class a its going to get some scratches
One of the best camp spots for dry camping in the area. A short drive from Independence and a 15-20 minute drive from Lone Pine makes I easier in case you forgot something or if you want to go eat at a restaurant.
The spot had great fishing and a beautiful stream running through it. I camped in my 35' trailer which had barely enough room for the spot I chose. There are no hook ups. Water only. No dump site and vaulted toilets. Additionally the camp hosts were extremely helpful and nice. Also the vaulted toilets we're immaculate. Cleanest toilets I had ever seen in any camp site.
As a word of caution the wind did pick up around 5 every night so if it starts make sure to tie things down. It definitely can blow pretty hard.
Grays meadow Campground is 5 miles up the hill from Independence. Has a nice little river running through the grounds and a couple of clean bathrooms near the entrance.
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.
