Best Dispersed Camping near Bishop, CA
Looking for the best Bishop dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Bishop, CA (51)
1. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping
Bishop, California12 Reviews•27 Photos•409 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
Inyo National Forest, California11 Reviews•33 Photos•506 SavesLocated near Mammoth Lakes, Crab Cooker Hot Springs is one of several hot water springs in the area that are suitable for soaking in. The pool consists of a manmade cement tub with water piped in from a mineral spring about 30 feet away. Though the water at the source is too hot to bathe in, or even to touch, the tub has been outfitted with a valve that allows for the control of hot water.
Crab cooker is located on land that is owned by the LA Department of Water and Power, which forbids camping. However, camping is permitted on nearby public land.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
5. White Mountains Despersed
Bishop, California1 Review•3 Photos•21 Saves- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Toilets
6. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
Mammoth Lakes, California10 Reviews•18 Photos•553 SavesRegulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.
You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.
Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.
Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).
Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:
Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.
Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
7. Inyo National Forest Dispersed Camping
June Lake, California12 Reviews•34 Photos•758 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services, such as trash removal, tables, or toilets. There are extra responsibilites and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Most of the land in Inyo and Mono counties is publicly owned. Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is allowed throughout much of the area. If you plan to backpack into a wilderness area to camp, you will need a wilderness permit, issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers. If you wish to camp outside of developed campgrounds/sites, there are a few things you need to know:
Land Ownership: The three major land-owning agencies in the Eastern Sierra are the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the City of Los Angeles. Dispersed camping is allowed on most Forest Service and BLM land. However, camping is prohibited on land owned by the City of Los Angeles.
Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a copy of the Inyo National Forest map, which depicts land ownership as well as roads, streams, trails and other features. The map also shows “restricted use areas” where dispersed camping is not allowed.
Restricted Use Areas: Certain high-use recreation zones, including those along paved roads leading into the mountains, are not open to dispersed camping (see Inyo National Forest map). Dispersed camping is not allowed in the following areas: Horseshoe Meadow, Onion Valley, Big Pine Creek, Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, McGee Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Reds Meadow Valley, June Lakes Loop, Lee Vining Canyon, Lundy Canyon, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and any research area.
Owens River: All land along the Owens River is owned by the City of Los Angeles, and is closed to camping.
Length of Stay: On Inyo National Forest land, you may camp up to 28 days per six months on any one ranger district (there are 4 ranger districts on the Inyo –Mt. Whitney, White Mountain, Mammoth, and Mono Lake). Always check with your local ranger station.
Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface. These sites might have a primitive fire ring. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Try to select a campsite at least 100 feet from lakes and streams.
Campfires and Fire Permits: If you plan to build a campfire or use a barbeque or camp stove, you must obtain a campfire permit from a Forest Service, BLM, or CalFire office. You must have a shovel and a container of water (for drowning the fire). Clear an area least 5 feet wide all the way around your fire ring down to mineral soil. During times of high fire danger, camp fires are prohibited; always check with the local fire office or ranger station for fire restrictions.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Marie Lake, John Muir Trail
Mono Hot Springs, California1 Review•12 Photos•50 Saves- Pets
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
10. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
Mammoth Lakes, California6 Reviews•22 Photos•220 SavesMammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. While known for winter sports, it is also a mecca for mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts when the snow melts. Hiking and equestrian trails go into wilderness areas of Sierra Nevada.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Bishop
103 Reviews of 51 Bishop Campgrounds
Thomas and James S.
Guide
Creek Side Independence Dispersed 2
Breathtaking peace
Mountain side relatively flat dirt area to park. Has a sizable fire ring for the cold nights! Absolutely magical to sit next to the creek listening to the roaring waters! Much needed after the desert!
Jacob T.
ScoutObsidian Meadows Dispersed
Decent camp site
Pulled in here since the sun was setting and we wouldn’t make it to lone pine. Nice off road trail with some scattered sites.
Mouni
Traveler
Mono Lake South Dispersed
Amazing Spot
This was an amazing find, there’s only maybe 1 spot that wouldn’t require AWD it gets to be somewhat deep sandy/gravely roads after that. But otherwise, close to the lake, beautiful, and peaceful.
I have ATT and had plenty of service here.
Laura M.
Legend
Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping
Love it here
This is our 3rd time staying here and we love it every time. There were only a few other campers here when we stayed the week before Christmas and there were plenty of spots open. Even when it’s busy, it seems like you can always find something. We love it here. So peaceful and absolutely quiet. Lots of rock climbers come in for the day and leave in the afternoon.
Something we hadn’t noticed before were all the goatheads, everywhere. Watch your dog’s paws.
Decent cell reception for ATT and Verizon, not great, but usable. Easy drive to Bishop for supplies, and the free dump & water fill at the Speedway at the other end of town is really nice.
The road in is fairly washboarded, but manageable. The road along the back side of the stone “wall” has gotten worse since we were here last. Parts of it are really rutted and washed out. Hopefully they are fixed at some point, not sure I’d feel comfortable driving our class c on it as it is now. Luckily there are plenty of spots out off the main road so we didn’t need to drive down that road this time.
Saw the rangers go by a couple of times during our 2 night stay here. One stopped and took notes and took a picture of our rig- glad to see that they’re tracking people and enforcing the 14 day limit!
Cas M.Traveler
Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs
Great spot
Great spot. There were quite a few people out but it was also labor day weekend, I still had no issue finding a spot and there were more sites available. Amazing stars and great hot spring.
Clara T.GuideFish Lake Valley Hot Springs
Nice spot!
We were driving from Las Vegas to Yosemite > It’s a nice spot to spend the night, it’s almost halfway.
The access to the spot was 30min of dusty road but flat enough to drive at 35mph in a campervan.
The parking area is quite big Now one when we arrived near 8.30PM 2 cars when we woke up
It’s nice to be in the middle of nowhere, without any service. A lot of animals near the water (frogs, ducks, birds, cows, fishes)
There is toilets
Ciara W.Guide
Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
Plenty of spots (few for starlink)
Plenty of spots either in this area or the one down the road. If you work remote keep searching and you’ll find a spot where starlink isn’t blocked by trees.
10 minutes from town. About 25 minutes the famous mobil gas station. They sure did treat us good. Expensive gas but 2 water spigots, easy to access bathrooms and delicious meatloaf
DJ M.Guide
Sage Hen Dispersed
Quiet, pines
Sagehen gives you beautiful roads throughout, no 4-wheeler required. Pines tree forest, big lots and 1bar phone reception just up the hill. I take my chair and take care of business.
- CChris V.Traveler
Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
too hot in summer, beware large trailers
this site has limited turnarounds and would be challenging for motor homes over 24 feet and or trailers. Road is doable with a car but the grade sucks. Surface changes to sand half a mile from the springs, would be a risk for heavy vehicles when wet
Adrian J.TravelerObsidian Meadows Dispersed
Lots of rocks
The road is maintained but requires high clearance.
There are many sites on the way in and then 5 or 6 once at obsidian meadows trail head.
A few rock fire rings, but cannot be used when we were there.
Good AT&T and T-Mobile coverage
- ZZaq O.Traveler
Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
Among trees
Great option, plenty options a dirt road
Robert H.TravelerScenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside
Great Access to Sierra Nevadas.
Nice flat spots along the Scenic Bypass road (not just where the map says). More secluded spots up the hill. The dirt hill road is fairly decent, but no medium+ to large rigs.
5 minutes into Mammoth town. 30 mins to Route 120 west turn, that takes you into Yosemite (tioga pass). I enjoyed a week's stay here. Negatives? Poor and spotty cell. A lot of airborne dirt when dirtbikes, and ATV's are active on weekends.
I would return to this enjoyable spot.
joel G.GuideMono Lake South Dispersed
Over night stay
Stop here after coming over the mountain through Yosemite needed a place to camp on the east side before we headed home. Very different place the ground is very soft with pea gravel like granite pine trees and pine cones had to use four low with the Jeep to pull our teardrop back in to camp spot. The camp spot that's marked on the app was taken so we turned right and left the hill and found one back further in the trees
- ttiffany K.Traveler
Independence Creek Dispersed BLM Site
Not camping site
This road leads to a sewer treatment plant and road is gated. Unpassable gravel road.
Maile H.TravelerScenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
So close to resort and beautiful and popular
GREAT SPOT. so so close to the mountain. If you want to real dispersed camping you kind of just have to drive off the road there are some obvious adjacent roads to sites and also some not so obvious clearing that people just literally drive off the road into. If you are just looking to spend the night close the resort for parking you are not alone and will probably see everyone parked along the road on the side. Everyone gets up at 5:30 and drives to mountain and goes back to sleep. Great spot so beautiful. Drive the west half of the scenic loop road and keep an eye out. Day light helps for finding road turnoffs !
- NNikolas P.Traveler
Mono Lake South Dispersed
Sandy road, bring awd
Great lil spot. Had a really nice campfire with a view of the lake. Recommend having 4wd or AWD since the road gets sandy and there are signs warning you to have 4wd.
Andy V.Scout
McGee Creek
Wouldn’t recommend
There were only about two spots before you hit a boulder in the middle of the path and the two paths were taken up by some trailers that look like they’ve been there a long while
- Andy V.Scout
Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping
Great little spot
Roads were open as of 5/23. A handful of spots with rock fire pits. Not too much noise and lots of stars
- JJeremiahScout
Independence BLM Dispersed
Completely Inaccessible - May 2024
There are rocks blocking the turn off. If you still proceed the trail is completely washed out. No way to proceed with a trailer and you will ahem have to back down the road which is approximately zero fun.
- CCindy L.Traveler
Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
Great spot
We didn’t want to take our camper and trailer combo down the side road to the hot springs but it was only a short bike ride. We camped in a wide spot on the road, but only 2 cars went by. It was late March and we woke up to snow. There are many nooks to camp in, but some of the side roads are narrow and rutted.
Samantha D.ScoutMcGee Creek
Creek retreat
Such a great spot and close to a lot of the local hiking. Nice and flat areas for van parking. Some occasional noise from the road but not bothersome at all. Spots closer to the creek create a nice white noise. Beautiful view of the mountains in the morning. Will definitely be back here again.
- CCariniTraveler
Mono Lake South Dispersed
Great one night stand.
It can be challenging in this area to find a spot to camp in winter, but this fits us just fine. Wood-lined paths, lake views, and quiet nights. Just watch out for horse droppings!
- SShawn M.Guide
White Mountains Despersed
Trailhead camping
This should be the trailhead for white mountain . There is a bathroom but that’s it . Be prepared to drive on dirt roads to get here
Pavla L.GuideVolcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping
Closed road
we tried to get here today, but one route was closed and the other was unpassable.
Beth M.GuideMcGee Creek
Glorious Region
The campground is nice as described. Verizon gets some cell signal. The real glory is in the McGee of Creek trail at the end of the road. It's only a couple of miles away and is fantastic, easy hiking. The October foliage was amazing.
CarrieTravelerCrab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
Easy to find
Was able to easily find this spot using directions from this app. We came on Labor Day weekend, Sunday and easily found a spot. It was right off the main road so not the best spot but it was perfect for the night. The hot spring was awesome and so many stars at night!
peter A.ScoutMcGee Creek
Road Closed
Sept 2023. Road was closed so we walked the half mile or so in. Beautiful spot!
Guide to Bishop
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bishop, California, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bishop, California
- When visiting Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping, be prepared for a washboard road that can be bumpy but manageable for most vehicles.
- Keep an eye out for goatheads, as they can be a nuisance for pets; many visitors have noted their presence in the area.
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, especially during off-peak times when fewer campers are around, allowing for a truly tranquil experience.
Rock climbing and outdoor adventures while free camping near Bishop
- The Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping area attracts rock climbers, making it a great base for those looking to tackle local climbing routes during the day.
- Nearby trails offer excellent hiking opportunities, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and unique geological features.
- After a day of adventure, unwind by the campfire, as fires are allowed in designated areas, enhancing the outdoor experience.
Dispersed campers should check out McGee Creek
- McGee Creek provides a beautiful setting with flat areas perfect for van parking, making it accessible for various camping setups.
- The creek nearby creates a soothing white noise, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- With easy access to local hiking trails, this spot is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bishop, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bishop, CA is Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bishop, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 51 dispersed camping locations near Bishop, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.