Onion Valley Campground is a remote and private campground located 13 miles west of Independence at an elevation of 9,200 feet. Located at the end of Onion Valley Road, the campground is popular with hikers and backpackers who use it as a starting point for nearby hikes.
The campground has 29 private, primitive campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs up to 25 feet long. Several sites are walk-in tent-only. All sites offer views surrounding mountain peaks, forests, and waterfalls.
Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate, and a bear-proof food storage locker. Bears frequent the area, so avoid storing any food in vehicles, and be sure to use the storage lockers.
Amenities include vault toilets. While drinking water was available in the past, it is no longer provided, so you must bring your own for drinking and cooking. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. There is no cell phone service at the campground.
Published season dates are May 15–October 24, 2026, and May 14–October 23, 2027, weather permitting. With its popularity and limited number of sites, it’s best to make a reservation, especially during peak season.
While there were first-come, first-served sites in the past, all sites are reservation only today. You can book a site through recreation.gov or by calling their toll-free number.
Most people camping at Onion Valley Campground use it as a base for hikes into the John Muir Wilderness. The trailhead for Kearsarge Pass is located next to the campground, making it ideal for day hikers and backpackers seeking alpine lakes and unspoiled scenery in the wilderness.
Hikers and backpackers without a campsite reservation must park at the trailhead parking lot.
Aside from hiking, the area is also popular for fishing, with Independence Creek flowing through the campground.
Since it’s a remote area, it’s a good idea to bring all the supplies and drinking water you’ll need. Independence, the closest town, is 13 miles west and has markets, shops, restaurants, a gas station, and other essentials.
Nearby campgrounds include Grays Meadows Campground and Independence Creek Campground.
Fees
| Season Dates / Year | Site Type | Nightly/Daily Rates |
|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 - October 24, 2026 | Standard Nonelectric | $31.00 |
| May 15, 2026 - October 24, 2026 | Tent Only Nonelectric | $31.00 |
| May 15, 2026 - October 24, 2026 | Walk To | $31.00 |
| May 14, 2027 - October 23, 2027 | Standard Nonelectric | $31.00 |
| May 14, 2027 - October 23, 2027 | Tent Only Nonelectric | $31.00 |
| May 14, 2027 - October 23, 2027 | Walk To | $31.00 |
| October 24, 2026 - May 14, 2027 Out of Season - No Booking Available | N/A | |
Reservations can be made by visiting recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Season Dates
| Season Dates |
|---|
| May 15, 2026 - October 24, 2026 |
| May 14, 2027 - October 23, 2027 |
Directions
From the intersection of US 395 and West Market Street in Independence, head west on West Market Street and continue onto Onion Valley Road. Follow the road for about 13 miles from US 395 to the Onion Valley trailhead area. Bear right toward Campground Road, then turn right onto Campground Road and follow the signs into Onion Valley Campground.
GPS Coordinates: 36.77145,-118.34059
