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Dispersed Camping

Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping

13 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping, near Bishop, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This area offers a unique experience with spacious sites that allow for a sense of privacy, making it perfect for a peaceful retreat under the stars.

Visitors rave about the stunning views and the easy access to trails, which makes it a great base for exploring the Eastern Sierras. Many campers have noted the clean environment and the presence of rock fire pits, ideal for cozy evenings. One camper mentioned, “Super beautiful and very easy and quick to get to from town,” highlighting how accessible it is for a quick getaway.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to enjoy campfires and the ability to bring pets adds to the charm of this location. Just be prepared for some wind and the occasional wildlife encounter—one camper found a scorpion near their tent, so keep an eye on your gear!

If you're looking for a quiet, free place to crash while enjoying the beauty of the desert landscape, this spot is worth checking out. With the Milky Way shining bright overhead, it’s a perfect waypoint for travelers or anyone wanting to soak in the natural beauty of the area.

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Location

Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.42500733 N
118.42660397 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Big Trees Campground

Big Trees Campground

39 min away

Four Jeffrey Campground

Four Jeffrey Campground

56 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
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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

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Reviews

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13 Reviews

mThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2025

Perfect

Easy access, remote without being too far, private and spread out

Month of VisitAugust
Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 14, 2024

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!

  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Laura M., September 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Laura M., September 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Laura M., September 14, 2024
  • (12) View All
Andy V.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 23, 2024

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

Month of VisitMay
Pavla L.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2023

Closed road

we tried to get here today, but one route was closed and the other was unpassable.

Month of VisitOctober
Kristyn C.
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2023

Beautiful!

Super beautiful and very easy and quick to get to from town (about 10min). There were plenty of large spots that were spread out enough to feel private. Spots had fire rings.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Kristyn C., July 20, 2023
Albert V.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Great spot

This is a great spot to explore the Eastern Sierras. Sites are pretty big and afar from each other and there's signal. It can get pretty windy and hot in the summer, but otherwise it's a great place. 

Be aware of the wildlife in the high desert: I found a scorpion btw the tarp and the tent. Make sure you check stuff you leave outside during the night!

Month of VisitJune
J
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2021

Great spot, easy to find

We wanted something near Bishop. Hardly anyone around, but other vans helped us know we were in the right place. A bit windy and cold though!

Month of VisitOctober
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2021

Gem in the desert

Was stoked to find this gem a short drive from Bishop. 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. I haven’t even seen this place in the day yet but I’ll be back to explore more. Good day!

Update: morning was exceptional. Pure stillness. Good sun for solar charging. Can’t wait to come back here.

SiteAre they even labeled? Haha
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Jibran B., September 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Jibran B., September 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Jibran B., September 1, 2021
Leanne O.
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021

Great spot

This place was easy to find, the road was well maintained, and our spot was very clean. There was a fire ring available, but no other amenities. I had Verizon cell service, which was a nice perk.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Leanne O., August 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Leanne O., August 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Leanne O., August 16, 2021
  • (4) View All
Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2021

Lots of other people but still felt private

This BLM land is managed by the Bishop Field Office.  

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. The spots do have stone fire pits.

The road in, Casa Diablo, is gravel and heavily washboarded. 

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. Areas are being restored so tread lightly and "Don't Crush the Brush". 

There are no amenities here so pack in and pack out and bring water.  It was nice to see that there wasn't too much trash laying around so let's help keep it that way.  

We did see a Ranger drive by twice during the 4 nights we stayed there, so that was nice.

There is ok Verizon service, better ATT service, and T-Mobile alternated between roaming and no service.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Laura M., April 6, 2021
  • This is the road heading south from Casa Diablo Rd to the row of camp spots
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping by Laura M., April 6, 2021
  • (7) View All
Showing results 1-13 of 13 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations apply when camping on BLM land in the Volcanic Tablelands?

No special permits are required for dispersed camping in the Volcanic Tablelands, as it's managed by the Bishop Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. The standard BLM dispersed camping regulations apply, including the 14-day stay limit. Campfires are permitted only in existing fire rings, though fire restrictions may be in place during high fire danger periods (some visitors have noted fire bans at certain times). Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. Always check with the Bishop BLM Field Office before your trip for the most current regulations and fire restrictions.

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping in the Volcanic Tablelands near Bishop, CA?

The Volcanic Tablelands offers numerous clearings with established dispersed camping spots, each providing excellent privacy and solitude. The best locations feature stone fire rings and are spread far enough apart that you'll enjoy peace and quiet even when other campers are present. Many sites offer stunning views overlooking Bishop Valley, framed by the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. Look for the clearings with existing fire rings, which indicate established camping areas. Even during busier periods, the expansive landscape typically allows you to find an available spot with plenty of space.

What are the road conditions and vehicle requirements for accessing the Volcanic Tablelands camping areas?

The main access roads to Volcanic Tablelands are generally well-maintained and accessible by most vehicles. Standard passenger cars can reach many of the camping areas, though some routes may occasionally close or become difficult to pass. The roads are typically dirt or gravel, and while they don't require high clearance or 4WD under normal conditions, conditions can change with weather. Some visitors have encountered closed routes, so having alternative access plans is recommended. Most dispersed sites are located off short spur roads from the main access routes.

What is the best time of year to camp in the Volcanic Tablelands?

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions in the Volcanic Tablelands. Summer months can be extremely hot during the day, with temperatures cooling significantly at night. The area can get quite windy and cold during winter months, though some enjoy winter camping here when crowds are minimal. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) typically provide mild temperatures and clear skies. The area is known for exceptional stargazing opportunities year-round due to minimal light pollution, with the Milky Way clearly visible on clear nights. Consider the desert climate when planning your visit.

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