Big Bend Campground

For Californians seeking a quintessential High Sierra camping experience with the added convenience of being strategically located near two of the state's most iconic natural wonders, Big Bend Campground in Lee Vining is an exceptional choice. Nestled along the tranquil banks of Lee Vining Creek within the stunning Inyo National Forest, this campground offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat. It’s a perfect blend of serene natural beauty and practical accessibility, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the Eastern Sierra and beyond.

Big Bend Campground has earned its reputation as a "Great camping location" due to its intimate setting and the captivating natural features surrounding it. Visitors consistently highlight the beauty of being "Right next to the stream and small waterfall," creating a soothing soundtrack for your wilderness escape. The towering pines and aspens provide ample shade and a true forest ambiance, making every campsite feel like a private sanctuary. This peaceful atmosphere, combined with the invigorating mountain air, allows for a truly restorative experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the standout advantages of Big Bend Campground for local adventurers is its incredibly "convenient for day trip to Mono Lake and or Yosemite areas." This strategic location means you can easily spend your days exploring the unique tufa towers of Mono Lake or venturing into the high country of Yosemite National Park via the Tioga Pass entrance (when open), all while returning to the comfort of your peaceful campsite each evening. This flexibility is a significant draw for Californians looking to maximize their outdoor adventures in this renowned region.

Big Bend offers a classic, rustic camping experience, welcoming both tent campers and those with RVs, though it's important to note it's a dry camping (no hookups) environment. The campsites, numbering around 16 to 17, are well-spaced, contributing to the quiet and uncrowded feel. Each site is equipped with essential amenities, including a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and crucially, a bear locker for safe food storage – a necessity in this active bear country. The facilities, particularly the "Bathrooms clean" and availability of "Potable water," are consistently praised by campers, ensuring a comfortable stay despite the lack of showers.

As a "first come first serve" campground, Big Bend encourages a spontaneous approach to adventure, though arriving early, especially during peak season or holidays, is highly recommended to secure a spot. The presence of a friendly and knowledgeable camp host, who can often be found "across from the camp" and may even sell "firewood," adds to the welcoming atmosphere and provides valuable local insights. While cell reception is generally "just outside of cell reception" or "poor in the area," this is often seen as a benefit, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Big Bend Campground embodies the rugged beauty and accessible adventure that Californians cherish in their outdoor pursuits.

Big Bend Campground is ideally situated on Poole Power Plant Rd, Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA. This places it directly within the breathtaking Inyo National Forest, renowned for its stunning High Sierra landscapes. The campground is located just off Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road), a few miles west of its junction with Highway 395 in Lee Vining. This makes it incredibly accessible for those traveling on the main north-south artery of the Eastern Sierra.

The drive to Big Bend is straightforward, primarily on paved roads until the final turn onto Poole Power Plant Road, which may be gravel but is generally well-maintained. Its elevation of approximately 7,800 feet (2,377 meters) provides a welcome respite from the summer heat of lower elevations. The campground's strategic position makes it highly convenient for day trips: it's about 15 miles from the Tuolumne Meadows entrance of Yosemite National Park (via Tioga Pass, when open) and just a short drive to the unique geological formations of Mono Lake. Due to heavy snowfall, Tioga Pass Road (and thus access to Big Bend) is typically open from late May or early June through October or November. Always check road conditions with Caltrans or the Inyo National Forest before planning your trip.

• 16-17 individual campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (bear box).
• Potable (drinking) water is available at the campground.
• Clean vault toilets are provided for visitor use.
• Trash collection facilities are on-site.
• A seasonal camp host is typically present, often selling firewood.
• No electrical, water, or sewer hookups at individual campsites (dry camping/boondocking).
• Cell service is generally poor or non-existent in the immediate campground area.
• Maximum stay limit of 14 days.
• Overnight fees apply (e.g., $30/night for a single site, with discounts for America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes). Payment is typically by cash or check.
• Pet-friendly environment, but pets must be leashed and properly controlled.

• Serene creek-side camping: Many sites are located directly next to Lee Vining Creek, offering soothing sounds and picturesque views.
• Stunning natural beauty: Surrounded by towering pines, aspens, and granite peaks, providing a classic High Sierra ambiance.
• Excellent location: Highly convenient for day trips to Yosemite National Park (Tuolumne Meadows area) and Mono Lake.
• Fishing opportunities: Lee Vining Creek is a popular spot for fishing, particularly for trout.
• First-come, first-served: Offers flexibility for spontaneous trips, appealing to those who prefer not to make reservations far in advance.
• Bear country precautions: Each site is equipped with essential bear lockers for safe food storage.
• Opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding Inyo National Forest.
• Quiet and peaceful atmosphere, promoting relaxation and a deep connection with nature.
• Small waterfall located near some campsites, adding to the scenic charm.
• Suitable for both tents and small RVs/trailers (up to approximately 30 feet in length).
• Clean and well-maintained facilities, as highlighted by customer reviews.

Address: Poole Power Plant Rd, Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA

Phone: (760) 873-2400 (This is the general information number for the Inyo National Forest, which manages Big Bend Campground).

Mobile Phone: +1 760-873-2400 (Same as above, typically directing to the Inyo National Forest service).

For more specific and localized information regarding Big Bend Campground, it's often best to contact the Mono Lake Ranger District directly. Their general information phone number, if available and different from the main Inyo number, should be sought from the official Inyo National Forest website.

For Californians, Big Bend Campground embodies the very essence of a perfect High Sierra escape. Its primary appeal for locals lies in its strategic location – offering a peaceful creekside retreat that doubles as an incredibly convenient launchpad for day trips to both the breathtaking high country of Yosemite National Park and the unique beauty of Mono Lake. This accessibility allows residents to maximize their precious outdoor time, experiencing diverse landscapes and activities without excessive travel between destinations. The fact that it's often bustling with "locals from Lakeview" (and by extension, other Californian towns) during peak times speaks volumes about its recognized value within the community.

The "first come first serve" policy, while requiring a bit of spontaneity, often appeals to the adventurous spirit of Californians who prefer the flexibility of not being tied down by reservations. The rustic charm of dry camping, combined with the assurance of "clean bathrooms" and "potable water," provides a comfortable yet authentic wilderness experience. Waking up to the soothing sounds of Lee Vining Creek, enjoying a campfire under star-filled skies, and having a "camp host" readily available for firewood and local tips, all contribute to a highly desirable camping environment for those familiar with the Eastern Sierra's offerings.

Moreover, the opportunities for "day trip to mono lake and or yosemite areas" highlight its practical benefits for California residents who love to explore. Whether it's fly fishing in the adjacent stream, embarking on scenic hikes, or simply relaxing by the fire pit, Big Bend Campground offers a comprehensive outdoor experience. It represents a cherished local secret for many, providing that perfect balance of seclusion and adventure, making it an indispensable part of California's rich outdoor recreation landscape and an ideal choice for your next High Sierra adventure.