Is there anywhere legal to camp along Big Pine Lakes Trail without an overnight permit?
We’re planning to hike the Big Pine Lakes Trail next Saturday. It’s approximately 15 miles out and back, and we originally hoped to split it over two days by camping somewhere along the route.
Unfortunately, the Big Pine Creek North Fork overnight permits are sold out. I understand that permits for other Inyo trailheads are not valid for this route.
Is there anywhere before the John Muir Wilderness boundary—or another established camping area along or very close to the trail—where we could legally pitch a tent without an overnight wilderness permit, without risking a citation or being told to leave?
We know about Big Pine Creek Campground near the trailhead, but we were hoping to find something farther along the route so we could divide the hike between Saturday and Sunday.
We’re not trying to disregard the permit rules. If there is no legal option, we’ll either complete it as a day hike or choose a different overnight trail. I’d appreciate any current information from people familiar with the area.