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Pleasant Valley County Park
Overview
Pleasant Valley County Park offers a tranquil escape for travelers exploring the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Managed by Inyo County, this campground serves as a primary basecamp for those who appreciate a primitive camping experience without the noise of more commercial sites. Situated near the banks of the Owens River, it provides a quiet atmosphere where the natural sounds of the high desert take center stage, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
Location & Surroundings
Located just north of the city of Bishop, the park is nestled within the expansive Owens Valley. The surrounding landscape is defined by dramatic, unobstructed views of the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east. The park sits adjacent to the Pleasant Valley Reservoir, offering easy access to some of the most scenic high-desert terrain in California. The open vistas and lack of light pollution provide incredible stargazing opportunities on clear nights.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic facility specifically designed for self-contained RVs and campers who enjoy dry camping. The park features basic but essential amenities to support your stay, including:
- Individual picnic tables and fire rings at each site.
- Access to centrally located vault toilets.
- Potable water stations for filling jugs or containers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a premier destination for year-round fishing, particularly for those seeking trout in the Owens River or the nearby reservoir. For land-based adventures, the volcanic tablelands offer unique hiking and photography opportunities. Climbers will find themselves a short drive from the famous Buttermilk Country bouldering areas. Additionally, the charming town of Bishop is close by, offering local galleries and the world-famous Erick Schat's Bakkery for essential supplies and treats.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for independent RVers and boondockers who travel with their own power and water supplies. It is a fantastic choice for anglers and climbers who want to stay as close as possible to their recreation sites. If you prefer a quiet, natural setting over a resort-style environment with concrete pads, this park provides the perfect blend of solitude and accessibility to the many wonders of the Eastern Sierra region.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Nancy Scroggin
It looks like a lovely spot but totally hard to secure a site. The site we picked showed open. The kiosk didn't work. There's no internet service but it says to book online through RA camping app. We had to set up our Starlink to get on the internet and after figuring out how to navigate the RA site, it wouldn't let me pay. I finally found where it said all sites must be reserved 24 hours in advance. How can you have a walk up site a day early? There are a couple tents and a half dozen camper rigs. The campground is nearly empty so that's a lot of sites setting empty because there's no way to pay day of arrival. We considered leaving but instead, being honest as much as possible, I paid for the next day even though we won't be here. So, currently you can't stay if you arrive the same day.
Tom Clark
Great campground where you are just 20 ft or so from the Owen's river. Picnic tables and firepits are in campsites, nothing else. It does have some pit toilets, and it does have a well with good drinking water which is tested once a month.
eddie mendoza
Had a great time with the family. Easy to access and far enough away to feel disconnected. Camp sites are marked and in good shape. Definitely recommend going there. The river was easy to fish and trap crawfish.
Jay Pablo
Love this spot. I've been going here for years. Great fishing, quiet, and nice views in every direction. Bathrooms are pits, but if you're into the rugged, this is the place to be.
Jonathan
We found this campground very confusing, here's why: First, there's two types of campsites - reserved online and walk up only sites. So it you are arriving without a reservation, you'll need to note the available walk-up sites before you choose one that someone else reserved. Second, there's not very clear boundaries between sites and the markers are at the BACK of the sites, not toward the front. Once you find a site and get set up; however, the location is peaceful and the scenery and mountain views amazing. One word of warning to note is about the raccoons; they are marauding little beasts! We put our cooler on our rooftop rack and they climbed up the hood and onto the roof to try to plunder it! Also, very nice to have clean bathrooms and garbage collection readily available here as well. We hope to visit this beautiful place again soon!