The Eastern Sierra mountains frame Bishop's dispersed camping options, with some of the best primitive campsites found on BLM and national forest land. Dispersed campsites near Bishop range from flat, accessible spots in Buttermilk Country to remote backcountry sites with dark skies and no neighbors. Bishop City Park Campground has nearby undeveloped areas where you can camp without designated sites or facilities. You'll need to bring everything with you since these spots lack restrooms and water sources. Following Leave No Trace practices helps keep these places wild for future campers. Several primitive spots exist around Bishop Area State Park, but remember to pack out all trash and waste. Camping regulations require staying at least 200 feet from streams and lakes to protect water quality. Most dispersed areas allow stays up to 14 days before you need to move. Many access roads become rutted after rain, making high-clearance vehicles necessary in places like Buttermilk Country. The backcountry feeling is worth it though, with few neighbors and dark night skies. Fire bans happen frequently during dry months, so bring a camp stove instead. About 20 minutes west of town, the Bishop Recreation Area has good flat spots for dispersed camping. Winter snow blocks many forest roads from November through May, while July and August can bring 100+ degree heat. Check with the White Mountain Ranger District for current road and trail conditions before heading out. The drive to get groceries and gas in Bishop is typically 15-30 minutes from most camping areas.
"This BLM land is managed by the Bishop Field Office. There are many clearings where you can find a spot to camp."
"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."
"May 2023- We happened upon this place through "the dyrt" and what a hidden jewel! We camped right next to the stream and stayed one night and it was peaceful and far away from any highway."
"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."
"This is a must stop on the way to mammoth lakes. big, open, former river bed i assume. Probably not safe during rainy seasons."
"The area was dry when I was there. Nice views."
"Great location in Bishop California. Very secluded area and beautiful sunset… Port-o-Johns were very clean."
"This is a great location, I was here mid week and there’s hardly anybody here, I imagine on the weekend it probably gets more crowded and is an ATV/off-road area that’s probably a little more loud on"
"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"
"Road was a little bumpy but I made it in my stock crosstrek, but you get to a very open circle and no one around but close to traffic like 10 min away !"
"4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees."
"About 8 spots at the end of the dirt road. Only one bar of service. It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft."
"There are a few ways to exit (or enter) the John Muir Trail and for our trip we chose to exit on the Piute Pass Trail (also known as Piute Canyon closer to the JMT)."
GuideDidn’t stay at this exact spot but a bit farther down Casa Diablo road. First few spots were occupied but spread out. Super peaceful. Road was in good condition late Oct 2026 and fine for 26’ RV. 5G AT&T service.
GuideI've camped here several times in the last few months and it got real busy over holiday periods. Now, the first week of October, it is wonderful. I have a beautiful camping spot and it's really quiet, hardly anyone coming by in the day. In summer months it can get tedious with off road vehicles creating dust and noise. But there are so many places to camp here - depending on the size of your set-up and how far you're willing to leave the main road. There's no facilities here, pack it in and pack it out. Let's keep this place beautiful!
GuideCrab Cooker seems to be empty or cold about as often as it’s functioning. While I was camping nearby, I often went on to Shepard due to Crab Cooker conditions.
The parking lot is City of LA, no overnight parking. But just before you pass the property of LA sign there’s a stellar camping loop to the right.
GuideThe Rock is a small hot tub, and not as hot as some of the others. It has shade much the day because of the way it’s situated on a sort of hill.
Any damage mentioned in the 2025 reviews has been repaired.
There are two camping areas besides the main parking area. One is past the spring and partially flooded with the drain off. The other is a little pull out on the way down to the spring. Both are lovely as long as you don’t expect any privacy in the space.
There is quite a bit of traffic, tho most people seem to leave without even getting in the tub.
I’m confused about the cover photo on this listing, because this location is nowhere near pavement.
GuideHad three bars with t-mobile. Very quiet and reasonably busy for a Sunday night. Well maintained and gorgeous.
GuideSo many spots! The road just keeps going back! Lots are pretty far off the road, so very quiet and dark.
GuideIf you're in the Mammoth area this is a good spot, and if you have 4x4 there's even more areas to choose from further up the trail. 10 min from town. Pack it in, pack it out. Good tree/sky ratio for shade and solar, also starlink slaps in this location. FYI- road closed in winter
GuideI camped here in 2024 and it was a good location, apart from several off-road vehicles driving nearby especially on weekends. However this summer it's blocked off, with signs saying there's logging in process. Last tried to camp there 11 July and still no access.
TravelerWe tried to camp here but after getting set up the bees descended upon us. They didn't seem aggressive but were bothersome enough that we decided to go to another spot off highway 120 a few miles west. Spots were flat, spacious, and well spaced. Nice view of the lake through the pines. There are two roads from 120 to this site. The eastern road is 4WD only, soft sand and gravel surface. The western road is drivable by pretty much anything.
Primitive camping near Bishop, California offers campers volcanic tablelands, creekside sites, and access to high desert terrain with elevations ranging from 4,000 to over 8,000 feet. The area receives less than 6 inches of rainfall annually, creating arid conditions that require careful water planning. Roads into many dispersed sites remain rutted year-round, particularly following winter precipitation.
Bouldering opportunities: The Volcanic Tableland area provides numerous rock climbing options. "Sad Boulders is a rock climber's playground. There are petroglyphs to be found on some of the boulders in the area, as well as rattle snakes, only saw one baby though," notes Laura M. from Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping.
Hiking at McGee Creek: Access trails directly from your camping area without driving. "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," reports Beth M. from McGee Creek.
Hot springs soaking: Several primitive hot springs let you relax after exploring. "The hot spring was kind of broken when we were there so that was a bummer, but you could hike out to the slightly muddy creek for some hot water," explains Alyssa L., who visited Crab Cooker Hotsprings.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies around Bishop attract astronomers and casual stargazers. "I drove in at night and the Milky Way was shining bright. Got some decent star shots. It's a great way point if you're traveling through and need a quiet and free place to crash," shares Jibran B. from Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant distance between camps. "There are many clearings where you can find a spot to camp. Even though most spots were taken the weekend we stayed there, everyone is so spread out that you still have silence and privacy," writes Laura M. about her experience at Crab Cooker Hotsprings.
Mountain views: The surrounding ranges create dramatic backdrops for campsites. "Beautiful spot overlooking Bishop Valley framed by the Sierras and white mountains," notes Steve L. about his camping at Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping.
Cell service varies: Coverage depends on specific location and carrier. "There is ok Verizon service, better ATT service, and T-Mobile alternated between roaming and no service," reports Laura M. about Volcanic Tableland.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Check current regulations before planning campfires. "Roads were open as of 5/23. A handful of spots with rock fire pits. Not too much noise and lots of stars," shares Andy V. about his May visit to Volcanic Tableland.
Road conditions require planning: Many access roads need high clearance vehicles. "The road in, Casa Diablo, is gravel and heavily washboarded," warns Laura M. about Deep Canyon. Another camper notes that Deep Canyon has "Some soft gravel/sand areas, but made it everywhere fine with fwd. The area was dry when I was there."
Watch for hazardous plants: Some areas have thorny vegetation that can harm pets and children. "Something we hadn't noticed before were all the goatheads, everywhere. Watch your dog's paws," cautions Laura M. about Volcanic Tableland.
Creek access spots: For family-friendly water play, seek out creek-adjacent sites. "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," shares Samantha D. about McGee Creek.
Animal encounters: Cattle and wildlife sightings add to the experience. "Views on the other are rolling fields/foothills with lots of cutie vocal Moo Moos and Alkali Lake! You can see other hot springs in the distance," describes Rachel W. from Poleta OHV Upper Staging Area.
Length restrictions: Many areas have limited turning radius or narrow access roads. "It would be hard to access with anything thing over 22ft," explains Thomas K. about Crab Cooker Hotsprings.
Suitable parking surfaces: Look for firm ground, especially after rain. "This is a great location, I was here mid week and there's hardly anybody here, I imagine on the weekend it probably gets more crowded and is an ATV/off-road area that's probably a little more loud on weekends as well," reports dirtdog about Poleta OHV Upper Staging Area.
Dump station access: Plan for waste management needs. "Easy drive to Bishop for supplies, and the free dump & water fill at the Speedway at the other end of town is really nice," notes Laura M. about facilities near Volcanic Tableland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free BLM camping available near Bishop, California?
Yes, numerous free BLM camping options exist near Bishop. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping offers multiple clearings for camping managed by the Bishop Field Office. Independence BLM Dispersed provides free camping about an hour south of Bishop with easy highway access, making it ideal for exploring the Eastern Sierra region. Additional BLM areas include Poleta OHV Upper Staging Area and areas around White Mountains. These sites typically allow 14-day maximum stays and follow leave-no-trace principles. Most have no facilities (no water, toilets, or designated fire rings), so come prepared with everything you need, including sufficient water. Many BLM sites have variable road conditions, so check access requirements for your specific vehicle.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Bishop, CA?
Dispersed camping near Bishop follows standard public land regulations. Most areas have a 14-day maximum stay limit, as noted at Laurel Springs Campground. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, so portable stoves are recommended. The pack-in, pack-out principle is strictly enforced—all trash must be removed when you leave. At Mono Lake South Dispersed, camping is permitted on USFS and BLM land but requires staying above the 1941 water line (marked by signs). Many areas require camping in previously disturbed sites only, staying at least 200 feet from water sources. Some locations may be seasonally closed due to wildlife protection or weather conditions. Always check current regulations with the Bishop Field Office of BLM or Inyo National Forest before your trip.
Where can I find dispersed camping near Bishop, CA?
Bishop offers numerous dispersed camping options in the surrounding area. Owens River Road Dispersed provides many camping spots along a paved main road with various offshoots suitable for RVs up to 26ft, though road conditions on side routes vary. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping offers multiple turnoffs for camping, with no facilities but convenient proximity to downtown Bishop. Other options include Buttermilk Country Road, Deep Canyon, and Silver Canyon Road. Most sites require careful navigation on dirt roads—some with washboarding or rocky sections—so check vehicle clearance requirements before venturing out. Many sites fill quickly on weekends, especially those closest to Highway 395, so arrive early or have backup locations in mind.
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