Free dispersed camping runs the length of Owens River Road, a paved corridor through Inyo National Forest where campers pull off onto dirt side roads to set up. The main road is paved, but the offshoots vary considerably in condition, and some have washed-out sections that require careful navigation. Rigs up to 26 feet have made it work on certain spurs, though drivers should assess each turnoff individually before committing.
Sites closest to Highway 395 tend to fill first, especially on holiday weekends. The 4th of July in particular draws large groups with off-road vehicles, and at least one recent visitor reported noise well into the early morning hours. Crowd levels and noise can vary sharply depending on the weekend, so mid-week visits or late-season trips in September and October tend to yield quieter conditions. Big Springs Campground sits just to the west and serves as a useful landmark for finding spots further down the road.
There are no toilets, no trash service, and no developed amenities of any kind. Pack out everything. Cell coverage on Verizon runs around two bars, slow but functional for calls and texts. Dispersed camping near Inyo National Forest gives context for the broader range of free options in the region if this corridor doesn't pan out. As Adam B. notes, the road makes a practical overnight stop after a long drive, with the area staying reasonably clean when visitors carry out their waste.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOwens River Road Dispersed is located in California near Inyo National Forest
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/30/26- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/30/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/30/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/30/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark 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.
Drive Time
- 5 hrs 22 min from Visalia, CA
- 5 hrs 23 min from Merced, CA
- 5 hrs 30 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 52 min from Fresno, CA
