Lower Saline Valley/Warm Springs Campground
Campground · Eastern Sierra corridor
Lower Saline Valley/Warm Springs Campground sits at 1378 feet in the Eastern Sierra's lower desert corridor. A low-elevation base camp near natural hot springs, it offers steady sun and milder winters than higher Sierra valleys.
Wind averages 10 mph but can spike to 38 mph in the afternoon; mornings are calmer. The low elevation keeps temperatures moderate year-round, ranging from 57 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Head here early in the day to avoid afternoon thermal wind.
Over the last 30 days, conditions averaged a NoGo Score of 7.0 with temperatures holding around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and wind at 10 mph on average. The week ahead follows the same pattern: stable early mornings, wind climbing by midday. Watch for afternoon gusts as the sun heats the valley.
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About Lower Saline Valley/Warm Springs Campground
Lower Saline Valley/Warm Springs Campground lies in the Eastern Sierra at 1378 feet, well below the high-Sierra passes and accessible year-round from the Owens Valley. The location sits near natural hot springs in a low desert drainage. Access is typically from the south via US 395 and local roads into the Inyo County back country. The low elevation and position in the Saline Valley system make this a viable camp when higher elevations are snow-locked or thermally extreme.
Temperature swings from 57 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit across the full year; the 30-day average is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, well above alpine camps. Wind averages 10 mph but can gust to 38 mph in afternoon thermals. Crowding remains low year-round, with a 30-day average of 7 on a NoGo scale, meaning the site stays quiet even in peak season. Spring and early summer see the most reliable conditions; late summer heat pushes temperatures toward 90 degrees Fahrenheit and can degrade air quality from distant fires.
This campground suits visitors seeking a low-key base camp with natural hot springs and minimal crowds. The low elevation appeals to those avoiding snow, and the sparse infrastructure means you self-select for independence. Experienced desert campers come here to escape the Yosemite/Lake Tahoe corridor while still accessing high-country day hikes. Wind-sensitive activities (fly fishing, paddling) work best on calm mornings; plan water-based days for early light before thermals kick in.
The Saline Valley lies inland of the Inyo Range crest, making it sunnier and windier than canyons to the west. Compared to Lone Pine or the Alabama Hills, this site is more remote and less developed. Nearby thermal springs and the wide-open desert character attract a different user than mountain lake camps. Its low elevation makes it a logical fall and winter option when Sierra Nevada passes close seasonally.