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Dispersed Camping

Owens River Road Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Owens River Road Dispersed is located in Inyo National Forest, featuring flat terrain with sparse vegetation. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Mammoth Lakes and the scenic Mono Lake, offering opportunities for exploration and recreation.

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Location

Owens River Road Dispersed is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Leaves from Hwy. 395 north of Mammoth lakes at Owens River road. The paved road follows the headwaters of the Owens River until the road turns into dirt. Turn right at 3S44 and continue to Hot Creek Geological Site, featuring bubbling hot springs. Route ends back on Hwy. 395 after passing the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery, which is open for tours, weather permitting.

Coordinates

37.748800000001154 N
118.93239999999918 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Pine Glen

Pine Glen

10 min away

Devils Postpile

Devils Postpile

26 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Showers
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Owens River Road Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


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2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2023

Really nice place to stop for free!

Long day on the road. LA to owens river rd. Took 7 hrs so finding this spot is great for a night. Dirt roads are narrow for an 8 foot wide RV but doable. Only 2bars for Verizon. It’s slow but can still text and call.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Owens River Road Dispersed by Adam  B., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Owens River Road Dispersed by Adam  B., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Owens River Road Dispersed by Adam  B., July 2, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2022

Lots of Spots Along Owens River Rd

There are a ton of spots to camp along Owens River Rd.  All the spots closest to 395 were taken when we went in late September, but we found this spot that I've marked here that was easily accessible in our 26ft Motorhome.  Owens River Rd itself is paved, but the offshoots are hit or miss so take it slowly and proceed at your vehicle's ability. 

This particular spot was nice and big and is probably suitable for any size rig.  The pavement on the road heading in was partly washed out but we were easily able to drive around the pits.  See video - it's long but I recorded us leaving the spot and showed the pits in the road.

Good cell reception, very quiet, very little traffic.  

No amenities, no toilets, no trash service.  Area was clean! Hopefully it stays that way.

Site37.748850, -118.932439
Month of VisitSeptember
  • video of us leaving the spot - see road conditions
    Play button icon
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  • Review photo of Owens River Road Dispersed by Laura M., October 10, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Owens River Road dispersed camping located?

Owens River Road dispersed camping is located just off Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra region of California, near Mammoth Lakes. The area offers numerous camping spots along a paved road that branches off from the highway. This dispersed camping area provides easy access to the Owens River and serves as a convenient base for exploring the Mammoth Lakes region and surrounding Inyo National Forest.

Is there a map available for Owens River Road dispersed camping sites?

There's no official detailed map specifically for Owens River Road dispersed camping sites. The main road is paved and easy to follow, with various unmarked dirt offshoots leading to camping spots. Most campers explore the area upon arrival to find available sites. For navigation purposes, standard Inyo National Forest maps will show the main Owens River Road. The Forest Service office may provide general guidance about the area.

Do you need a permit for dispersed camping on Owens River Road?

No specific permit is required for dispersed camping on Owens River Road in Inyo National Forest. This area follows standard dispersed camping regulations on National Forest land, which typically allows up to 14 days of camping. Always practice Leave No Trace principles while staying here. For the most current regulations, check with the Inyo National Forest ranger district office before your trip.

What's the difference between Owens River Gorge camping and Owens River Road camping?

Owens River Road camping offers more accessible dispersed camping on a paved main road with dirt offshoots. It's more RV-friendly, with spots that can accommodate larger vehicles including 26-foot motorhomes. Owens River Gorge camping typically refers to more primitive sites closer to the steep-walled gorge section of the river, which may have more challenging access but offers proximity to climbing areas and the scenic canyon. The Road camping area is generally easier to access and more suitable for larger rigs than the Gorge camping areas.