Onion Valley

Overview

This quiet campground is set amidst breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain peaks, thick forests and waterfalls in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Its location on the creek and proximity to the John Muir Wilderness make it a popular hub for hikers, anglers, photographers and those who want to relax in a peaceful, natural setting.

Recreation

Majestic scenery and challenging trails draw campers to the Onion Valley area for hiking and horseback riding. The campground is near Kearsarge Pass, Robinson Lake and Golden Trout Lakes Trailheads, which access several alpine lakes and mountain peaks within the John Muir Wilderness, as well as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing. From the campground, anglers can try for rainbow, brown, brook and Alpers trout in Robinson Lake and a nearby creek.

Facilities

The campground is tucked away near the end of Onion Valley Road. Campsites are private and primitive, and every site has a scenic view. Amenities include vault toilets, and bear-proof food storage lockers, which campers are required to use. Firewood is for sale on-site.

Natural Features

Situated at an elevation of 9,200 feet, the campground is surrounded by the towering peaks of the John Muir Wilderness and immersed in shrubs, lodgepole pine and aspens. Lovely wildflowers color the landscape in late spring and early summer. The campground is adjacent to a creek and lake.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear,which frequent the campground, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, 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. Some trails lead into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to the west.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

Camp site features

Across 29 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 29 sites
  • Longest RV: 25 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people
  • Equipment: CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, PICKUP CAMPER, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 18.9 mi

Nearest water fill: 21.0 mi

Directions

The campground is 13 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. Follow Onion Valley Road for 13 miles to the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

347 reviews
5 stars
197
4 stars
86
3 stars
26
2 stars
20
1 stars
18
Cliff P
Loop:Onion
Site:
Reviewed 24 days ago
An amazing location. The campsites were fantastic, and the area and trails were well maintained
John M
Loop:Onio
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Once I figured out the website navigation stuff, very nice. Seemed to be precise and up to date
Luciana S
Loop:Drv
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
We loved the spot; it fits a car and a tent perfectly and is closer to the bathrooms.
David P
Loop:Drv
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Fills up quick.
William B
Loop:Onion
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Nice location close to the trailhead for our backpacking trip.
Ben G
Loop:Onion
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
This campground is one of the highest, most remote campground I've been to in California. Many sites are steep and the walk in sites do not have parking anywhere close. You have to unload and hike up the hill. But the trail nearby to Keasage Pass is fantastic.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Season dates

Peak season

May 14, 2027 – Oct 23, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 12, 2028 – Oct 21, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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