Browns Owens River Campground, near Mammoth Lakes, California, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors. With its stunning views of the Eastern Sierras and proximity to the Owens River, it’s a prime location for fishing, hiking, and simply soaking in nature.

The campground offers a range of amenities, including clean bathrooms and showers, though you’ll need to grab some shower coins for hot water. Many visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the well-maintained sites, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. As one camper put it, “The staff was very friendly. Bathrooms and showers were clean.”

For those looking to explore, you’re just a short drive from hot springs and other attractions in the area. The campground is also a great base for stargazing at night, with clear skies that let you take in the beauty of the universe. 

While some campers mentioned the lack of shade, the breathtaking scenery and the chance to fish right from your campsite make it worth it. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Browns Owens River Campground is a solid choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

Browns Owens River Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Inyo National Forest. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Inyo National Forest camping trip.

Inyo National Forest

The Best Camping Near Inyo National Forest, California

This camp ground is a great place to stay on your way to or from an adventure in the eastern Sierra. It’s easy to get to, has a small store, bathrooms/showers, and storage for your recreational vehicle if you want to leave it in a beautiful place during the off season :)

Beautiful scenery, easy to get to

I expected to be miserable here. Not one tree and no grass. But, we ended up staying the entire summer. 

The morning after we arrived I was able to take in the majesty of the landscape over morning coffee and I was hooked. There is grass, but the kind you find in grasslands, the river is home to an entire ecosystem bustling with life. 

This is in the heart of BLM land and open range cattle wander by nearly every day. They even wander through the camp now and then. At night you will hear the coyote pack celebrating a meal a couple times a week (sad for the little calf’s, but such is life) 

If you have off road toys and/or love to fish you will be at home. The trials just go on forever. 

There is a general store with a lot of what you need in a pinch. We went to the vons in mammoth weekly for shopping and to load up the truck with logs to cut into firewood. 

The cell service here is AMAZING. We were spoiled and able to work from here without one glitch. 

Curfew is enforced for generators, but some spaces are pretty big so late night talking around the fire is totally oaky. 

I don’t think I would have ever left if they didn’t close for the winter in September. We did encounter one of the strangest rainstorms I’ve ever seen! Peep the video to see for yourself. 

We were here during the creek fire, so some of our pix and vids are fairly Smokey 

Oh! Can’t forget, there is a beautiful geological site nearby too. Must see. 

Epic 

As I walked in to the head office, that situated in the entry of the camping grounds. I Lady greeted me with the biggest smile. I paid $36 for the cover. I got to choose wherever I wanted to camp. I chose to camp next to the water. I wasn’t satisfied at first with the first lot that I chose so I decided to go back and ask if I could change. She gladly excepted. I set up camp, right next to the water, lit up a fire around 6 PM. Great evening.￼
Throughout the day temperatures vary between 80 and 96°. But quickly went back down around 4 PM writing this right now at 11 PM and it is about 65°.

Simply amazing 

This is a great spot for fishing, might be easier to book than many of the Forest Service Campgrounds because it’s privately owned and run.  Absolutely no shade. We tented but with family who had an RV but we didn’t really stay in the area during the day, which is why this campground gets the stars for location.  Super close to Mammoth or Crowley, Not far up 395 to other points of interest, or back to Bishop.  But many come here for the fishing.  We had a problem with free ranging cattle.  First night they were on the opposite bank, lots of mooing in the early AM.  But the next night, a calf got separated from the herd across the river and they were noisy and agitated and in our campsite so that was an early AM annoyance.  Staff at the store super nice, but your ice, cold drinks, fishing tackle or ice cream bars there.

Great location but … Cows

We so enjoyed our time here. Fishing stream right in back of the RV. Incredible views.

The weather was warm and pleasant, even for July. Staff was helpful and friendly. This place is a hidden gem. The only problem was we didn't stay longer. We will be back.

This is what dry camping is about

If you enjoy beautiful views, a campsite near the Owens river and fishing then this will be a paradise ￼for you. The campground is located right along the Owens river with beautiful views of the eastern sierras. The campground staff is always extremely helpful and friendly. ￼ You can also bring your ATV/off-road vehicles to ride on the local trails. 

Dry camping paradise 

Staff was very friendly. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Located right next to the Brown’s Owens River, with multiple gates to walk to the river and fish. Good for stargazing.

Conveniently located next to hot springs, Hot Creek Geological Site, lakes, and ~15 minutes from downtown Mammoth.  

Great Tent and RV Campground

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Kellie’s, Brown's Owen River Campground, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a beautifully maintained campsite. The facilities were spotless, and the scenic views were breathtaking. 

Kellie has created a perfect blend of comfort and nature, with plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the river, there's something for everyone. The attention to detail and the friendly atmosphere made our stay truly memorable.

I highly recommend Brown’s Owen River Campground to anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable getaway. We can't wait to return! Five stars all the way!

Wonderful

We stayed 2 nights, went fishing and had a blast. No electricity or water. Showers are old-you have to buy shower coins for 6 min of hot water. But the river, fishing and view is gorgeous. Most campers have a generator for power but it has to be turned off at 10pm. 

Photos of Browns Owens River Campground

Real photos from real campers