Operated by the Inyo County Superintendent of Schools, Bernasconi Education Center (BEC) is located at 4,500 feet on 91 acres between the Owens Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The camp's natural setting includes hiking trails, ponds, streams, Great Basin plant communities and breath taking views of the Eastern Sierra. The facility offers various indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for groups such as non-profits, schools, colleges, church groups and others.

Heated and cooled cabins with bathroom/shower and dorms with access to a central restroom/shower building are available to our guests. Separate staff housing for eight is available.

A restaurant style kitchen and dining hall with capacity of 125 may be rented. It also makes a large group meeting room.

The facility is a multi-purpose space and is used by various groups. It is centrally located for exploration of the Owens Valley, White Mountains, Sierra Nevada and the rest of the beautiful Eastern Sierra. Universities have conducted field studies, using the site as a base camp, church groups have held retreats, and public and private schools have used the site as an outdoor camp.

For on-site activities there is a conference room for 50, and more than two acres of grass quad with picnic tables and apple trees. A basketball court is located near the ponds and a volleyball net is available on request. Guests must bring their own equipment. An outdoor amphitheater and campfire pit are in a shaded glen. Hiking trails range from an easy stroll to a strenuous walk up the bluff.

Hostel Bed Capacity: 125

The site has three houses with four to six bunks in each of the three bedrooms with one bathroom and shower. There is also a central meeting area in each facility. Additionally there are two dorms with bunk beds for up to forty in each, and access to a separate central restroom/shower complex. Guest are to bring their own sleeping bags, towels etc.

Self catering in an equipped restaurant style kitchen with dining for 125. Guests pick up after themselves during their stay and at departure. Basic custodial supplies for sweeping, cleaning, etc. are available for self service. A laundromat, grocery store and other services are available in Big Pine.

Rate Range: Site is rented by each building used. See website for rates.

From Highway 395 in Big Pine; turn between the Shell and Mobile stations; drive West on Crocker and out of town. Turn right on Sugarloaf Rd., the first paved road, approximately 1.5 miles from the gas stations. Stay on the paved road which dead ends at the site in approximately one mile.

Low impact site with available recycling.