Independence Creek Campground
Campground · Eastern Sierra corridor
Independence Creek Campground sits at 4,035 feet in California's Eastern Sierra, offering high-altitude access to creeks and granite terrain. Wind and afternoon thermals dominate the exposure, making early visits the rule.
Wind picks up steadily through the morning and peaks in mid-afternoon as thermals drive air off the valley floor. The 30-day average wind of 14 mph masks gusts exceeding 30 mph during afternoon hours. Creek noise masks the sound of vehicles; the campground drains fast after rain.
Over the past 30 days, Independence Creek Campground averaged a NoGo Score of 9.0 with 14 mph winds and 59-degree temperatures. The week ahead will track close to these benchmarks. Plan morning visits to avoid the predictable afternoon wind spike; expect crowding to remain low through early season.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Independence Creek Campground
Independence Creek Campground lies in the Eastern Sierra corridor along Highway 395, approximately 10 miles north of Independence, California. The campground occupies a drainage on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada at moderate elevation (4,035 feet). Access is via Highway 395; from the Inyo County seat of Independence, drive north on 395 approximately 10 minutes to the marked turnoff. The location sits in the rain shadow of the crest, making it drier and warmer than comparable elevations west of the divide. Granite outcroppings and sagebrush dominate the landscape. The creek runs year-round, fed by snowmelt through early summer.
Spring and early summer see the strongest wind; the rolling 30-day average of 14 mph wind speed and maximum gusts of 32 mph reflect the typical pattern for the Eastern Sierra at this elevation and season. Afternoon thermals are the primary wind driver; mornings are consistently calmer. Average temperature over the past month has been 59 degrees Fahrenheit, consistent with 4,000-foot elevation in the rainshadow. Crowding remains low (7.0 on a 10-point scale), reflecting the modest base popularity of the location and lack of major trailheads or lake recreation. Snow is rare at this elevation; when it does fall, it clears quickly. Smoke from fires to the south or north can settle into the drainage during late summer and early fall, reducing visibility and air quality.
Independence Creek Campground suits car campers and short-day hikers targeting creek access and Sierra granite. The modest facilities and low crowds make it ideal for visitors avoiding the Inyo National Forest's busier corridors around Onion Valley or the Bristlecone Pines. Experienced Eastern Sierra users plan around the afternoon wind window; morning and evening are the only reliable periods for creek access or photography. Parking fills rarely, but the campground can be full on holiday weekends. Water availability is high due to year-round creek flow; the campground's layout follows the drainage. The nearby town of Independence (10 miles south) offers basic supplies and fuel. Highway 395 is the sole reliable access; winter closures are uncommon at this elevation.
Nearby alternatives include Onion Valley Campground (higher elevation, steeper terrain, stronger wind) and the creek drainages of the Inyo National Forest to the west. Independence Creek Campground is warmer and windier than comparable elevations in Yosemite or the high Sierra lakes. If afternoon wind is unmanageable, lower-elevation sites near Bishop or Lone Pine offer shelter; if you prefer calmer alpine conditions, consider timing a visit to late September when thermal wind weakens and the 30-day average wind drops below spring peaks.