Independence Creek Road (FR 13S17) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Independence Creek Road (FR 13S17) in CA
A 2.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Inyo County, CA. The road serves Onion Valley Trailhead.
Inyo National Forest, Mt. Whitney Ranger District allows dispersed camping here. Camp at least 200 ft from water.
1.6 of the 2.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 1.8 of the 2.5 miles in are dirt. Climbs 420 ft over 2.5 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 14%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 9 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Gates 1.1 and 1.8 miles in.
Kearsarge Peak stands 3,469 ft above the site, 1.2 miles north. A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. Little Pothole Lake lies 0.6 mi off. The nearest town, Lone Pine, is 20 mi off.
September normals 37–62°F, 0.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Inyo National Forest, Mt. Whitney Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov