Directions
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.
Phone
760-937-6070
Activities
CAMPING, FISHING, HIKING
Keywords
GRAM,INYO NF – FS
Related Link(s)
California State Road Conditions
Overview
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.
