Cedar Flat Group Camps

For those searching under "Camping Near Me" specifically for group accommodations in a unique high-desert environment, Cedar Flat Group Camps in Big Pine, CA 93513, offers a distinct opportunity. Situated on CA-168 within the vast Inyo National Forest, this campground is tailored for larger gatherings, making it a popular choice for academic institutions, such as geology field trips, and other organized groups. It presents a more rustic and self-sufficient camping experience compared to highly developed campgrounds, emphasizing immersion in nature and spectacular night skies.

Cedar Flat Group Camps is located at an elevation of approximately 7,300 feet, within the White Mountains, east of the Owens Valley. The environment is distinctly high-desert, characterized by an arid landscape. The vegetation primarily consists of pinyon and juniper trees, along with rabbit brush and sage. While some areas within the three branches of the campground—Camp Nelson, Camp Noren, and Camp Ferguson—offer "more trees as you move north," providing "some natural shade," it's important to note that the "Noren branch" is described as the "most desolate." This indicates that shade can be limited, and campers should prepare for exposure to the sun.

Customer reviews highlight that summer temperatures can be "hot" and even "brutal," especially during certain times of the season. This underscores the need for campers to be well-prepared for heat, bringing plenty of water and seeking relief in cooler spots like Big Pine Creek down in the valley. Despite the heat, the air is often dry, and the environment offers a quiet escape from city noise, with one reviewer noting, "Nothing better than leaving the city to do lunch in a place with no traffic or sounds of the city." The terrain is described as having "lots of fine dust everywhere," typical of arid environments. The location provides unique opportunities for observing desert wildlife, with "lots of lizards to watch" being a positive observation. However, campers should also be aware of insects like "flies and a few honey bees," which are attracted to sources of sustenance in the dry conditions.

A significant environmental feature, heavily praised by visitors, is the night sky. With "no nearby light sources," the night sky is consistently described as "awesome if it's clear" and "brilliant for star gazing and night photography." This makes Cedar Flat an exceptional destination for amateur astronomers and photographers.

Cedar Flat Group Camps are designed specifically for group use, offering large sites that can accommodate a significant number of people and vehicles. The campground operates primarily on a reservation basis through Recreation.gov during its peak season, typically from April 15 until October 15. During the winter camping period (October 16 until April 14), it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a reported fee of $20.00 per site during this time. Summer fees vary by the number of people per site, ranging from $25 to $35 per night, with specific capacities for each camp: Camp Noren for up to 25 people ($25), Camp Ferguson for up to 35 people ($25), and Camp Nelson for up to 50 people ($35).

Crucially, Cedar Flat Group Camps are "dry sites," meaning "potable water is not available at this site" and there are "No piped water. No natural water sources." This necessitates that campers bring all their own water, which is a vital consideration given the hot, arid climate. The "nearest source for food, water, firewood or fuel is 12 miles away, in Big Pine, CA," emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and self-sufficiency.

Standard amenities at each group site include:

• Group Campsites: Large, designated areas with ample room for multiple tents, vehicles (up to 10 cars for a 35-person site), and group activities.
• Picnic Tables: Provided at each site for communal meals.
• Fire Rings: Available for campfires, though strict adherence to local fire restrictions and permits is paramount, especially in such a dry environment.
• Shade Ramadas: Present at Camp Nelson, Camp Noren, and Camp Ferguson, offering some artificial shade, which is a valuable asset in the high-desert heat.
• Restrooms: Vault toilets are available at the site. A customer review notes that "The bathroom was clean," which is a positive indicator for a rustic campground.
• Dumpsters: The presence of "alot of dumpsters" suggests convenient trash disposal, although practicing Leave No Trace principles is always encouraged.

It's important for groups to be aware that this is a "remote area with limited cell phone coverage," reinforcing the need to be prepared for self-sufficiency and potential communication challenges.

Cedar Flat Group Camps serves as an excellent base for a range of activities that align with its remote, high-desert setting and proximity to natural wonders:

• Stargazing & Night Photography: This is a major highlight, with the clear, dark skies providing exceptional views of celestial bodies.
• Hiking & Exploration: The surrounding Inyo National Forest offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the high-desert landscape. Although the immediate area around the campground itself may not have "a lot to do up there during the day," it serves as a base for day trips to nearby attractions. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to some of the world's oldest living trees, is only about 30 minutes away via White Mountain Road, offering unique hiking trails and incredible views.
• Geology Field Trips: The area is particularly popular for geology studies due to its unique geological formations.
• Dispersed Camping: One review mentions "lots of room for dispersed camping" in the area, suggesting that while Cedar Flat is a developed group camp, the surrounding national forest offers opportunities for more primitive, dispersed camping experiences for those who prefer them (subject to forest regulations).
• Day Trips to Owens Valley: As suggested by a reviewer, driving "across the Owens Valley and soaked in Big Pine Creek during the day" is a popular way to escape the summer heat, offering opportunities for fishing or cooling off in the creek. The towns of Big Pine and Bishop are nearby for supplies and other activities.

Access to the campground is via Highway 168, which is described as "narrow and steep with a section of single lane road with very limited visibility," requiring careful driving, especially for larger vehicles. Uphill traffic technically has the right of way, but all drivers should be prepared to yield or back up.

For groups searching "Camping Near Me" who prioritize a large, relatively private setting, the tranquility of a remote high-desert environment, and unparalleled stargazing, Cedar Flat Group Camps in Big Pine, CA, is an exceptional choice. The campground’s design for group use, with its separated branches, allows for a sense of privacy even when multiple groups are present: "The three branches are separated, so you can barely see and hear the other groups there." The "decent large campground for the price" makes it an economically viable option for larger gatherings.

Visitors must be fully prepared for a self-sufficient experience, particularly concerning water. This is not a campground for those seeking extensive amenities or shaded, lush environments, especially in summer. Instead, it appeals to those who appreciate rugged beauty, the stark contrast of desert landscapes, and the profound silence of nature punctuated only by the occasional sounds of wildlife. The ease of access via CA-168, even for a Prius (as noted by a reviewer), indicates that the road is manageable despite being steep and narrow.

To ensure a successful trip, it is highly recommended to book reservations well in advance for peak season and to contact the Inyo National Forest Ranger District for the most current information on fees, fire restrictions, road conditions, and any alerts. Visitors should pack abundantly for water, sun protection, and evening warmth, and embrace the opportunity to disconnect and immerse themselves in the unique beauty of the White Mountains. Cedar Flat Group Camps promises an unforgettable group adventure under some of the clearest night skies in California.

Cedar Flat Group Camps

CA-168, Big Pine, CA 93513, USA