Upper Sage Flat Campground
Inyo National Forest

Big Pine Lake #2 and Temple Crag, Inyo National Forest, CA
Big Pine Lake #2 and Temple Crag, Inyo National Forest, CA

Upper Sage Flat Campground
Inyo National Forest


Upper Sage Flat Campground

Upper Sage Flat Campground is next to Big Pine Creek in the Inyo National Forest, 10 miles west of the town of Big Pine. The campground is ½ mile up the road from its sister, Sage Flat Campground. Visitors to Upper Sage Flat Campground enjoy beautiful mountain scenery with mature forests of pines and cottonwoods. Big Pine Creek, which runs past the campground, is stocked annually with trout.

Nearby trails lead up to the spectacular Big Pine Lakes and other destinations in the John Muir Wilderness. Mountaineers are drawn by the jagged peaks along the Sierra Crest.

Upper Sage Flat Campground has 21 campsites, most well shaded among mature pines and cottonwoods near the creek. The campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The maximum length of stay at the campground is 14 days.

Shop Amazon for: Camping Essentials



Upper Sage Flat Campground Basics
Upper Sage Flat Campground Location: Glacier Lodge Road, 10 miles west of the town of Big Pine on Highway 395
Elevation: 7,480 feet
Mileage from major cities: 302 miles north of Los Angeles
175 miles south of Reno.
Number of Campsites: 21
Camping Season: Late April through October, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicles, 2nd vehicle $7 per night
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Recreation Resource Management for Inyo National Forest
Information -
Inyo NF, Bishop		 (760) 873-2400

Reservations at Upper Sage Flat Campground
Reservations available 18 campsites may be reserved during peak season (late May through mid-September); the others are first come, first served. All campsites are first-come, first-served whenever the campground is open during non-peak times.
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 40 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated, but some sites are accessible
Fees: $29 per night
Reservations: Upper Sage Flat Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Upper Sage Flat Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Upper Sage Flat Campground:
  • Hike and fish along Big Pine Creek.
  • Hike uphill trails leading past waterfalls to Lon Chaney's wilderness cabin and on to Big Pine Lakes.
  • Visit nearby Glacier Lodge.
  • Glacier Pack Train (760-938-2538) can pack you and your group into wilderness camps.
  • Try some mountain biking or horseback riding.

Shop Amazon for
Trout Fishing Favorites
More Information: For information about backpacking in the area, Lon Chaney's cabin, and artist Robert Clunie, see High Sierra Trails - Big Pine Lakes


Upper Sage Flat Campground, Big Pine Creek, Inyo National Forest, CA

Upper Sage Flat Campground





Crane Prairie Lake, Oregon.

Crane Prairie Lake




Upper Sage Flat Campground, Big Pine Creek, Inyo National Forest, CA

Upper Sage Flat Campground

Southern Eastern Sierra
Attractions and Activities

The Eastern Sierra is a wonderland of beautiful lakes and streams, comfortable campgrounds, and soaring peaks. Campers at Upper Sage Flat Campground, are near the trailhead for Big Pine Lakes.

  • Hike up Big Pine Creek past waterfalls to actor Lon Chaney's wilderness cabin and Big Pine Lakes.
  • Fish for trout in popular Bishop Creek or nearby Lake Sabrina and South Lake.
  • Find excellent fishing at Convict Lake, Rock Creek Lake, and Lake Crowley.
  • Enjoy interesting hiking trails leading into the Sierra Nevada.
  • Head to the Rock Creek area for challenging mountain biking trails.
  • Go on a trail ride with Rock Creek Pack Station or near Lake Sabrina and North Lake see Bishop Pack Outfitters.
  • Find great fishing at Convict Lake, Rock Creek Lake, and Lake Crowley.
  • Spend days fishing and hiking among the beautiful Mammoth Lakes.
  • Take a day hike up the trail into Little Lakes Valley at Rock Creek.
  • Enjoy a day at Rock Creek Lake's beach area for swimming.

Key Upper Sage Flat Campground Regulations

  1. Keep bears away by storing food and scented items in bear-proof lockers. Do not store these items in your vehicle.
  2. Quiet Hours extend from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  3. Generators are allowed only during non-quiet hours; three-hour maximum run time and must be attended while running.
  4. Dogs must be always kept on leash and always attended. No more than 2 pets are allowed per campsite.
  5. Fires are only allowed in provided fire rings. Collect only down and dead firewood.

Check Inyo National Forest - Upper Sage Flat Campground for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds


Big Pine Creek Campgrounds


Bishop Creek Campgrounds


TOP



General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Purchase firewood locally to avoid spreading pests.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.