Van-tested notes
At 8,600 ft en route to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, this is arguably the best stargazing campground in California — astronomers haul telescopes up here. First-come, ~$14/night (fee reported inconsistently; bring cash).
Know before you go
- No water — fill up in Big Pine
- Cold at night year-round; snow closes access in winter
- Zero cell signal — download maps
The facts
Cost
$14/night
Legal status
legal
Distance from LA
290 mi · ~5 hr drive
Elevation
8,600 ft
Season
may to oct
Van access
moderate
Safety score
9/10
Last verified
2026-07
Cell signal
Verizonnone
AT&Tnone
T-Mobilenone
Amenities
Pit toiletsPicnic tablesFire ringsStargazingWhere it is
Get directions in Google Maps →Community reports · last 90 days
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