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Crowley Lake (BLM)
Overview
Crowley Lake (BLM) offers a primitive camping experience set against the dramatic backdrop of the Eastern Sierra. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this area is a favorite for those seeking solitude and a closer connection to nature without the constraints of a traditional resort. It provides an authentic high-desert atmosphere where the landscape is the primary draw for those traveling through Mono County, making it a staple for off-grid explorers.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just south of Mammoth Lakes, CA, the site sits at an elevation that provides sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the expansive waters of Crowley Lake. The terrain is characterized by sagebrush-covered hills and wide-open skies, offering a sense of immense scale. Its proximity to Benton Crossing Road makes it accessible yet feels worlds away from the busy mountain town traffic and commercial centers found in the nearby resort villages.
Amenities & Park Features
As a BLM-managed area, this is a dry camping location with minimal developed infrastructure. Travelers should arrive fully self-contained, as there are no hookups or potable water. Notable aspects of this area include:
- Expansive space for various rig sizes to find a level spot.
- Unobstructed southern exposure for solar charging and stargazing.
- Direct access to miles of dirt roads for exploration.
RVers must practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the delicate ecosystem and ensure the land remains open for future visitors.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Fishing enthusiasts frequent the area for the world-class trout found in the Upper Owens River and Crowley Lake itself. For those interested in geology, the Crowley Lake Stone Columns are a must-see, featuring unique natural pillars formed by ancient volcanic activity. Additionally, the nearby Hot Creek Geological Site offers a fascinating look at steaming turquoise pools and bubbling vents, all within a short drive from the dispersed camping area.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for boondockers and off-grid enthusiasts who value quiet and scenery over luxury amenities. It is a perfect fit for mountain bikers and anglers looking for a rugged basecamp near the Eastern Sierra’s many trailheads and waterways. If your travel style involves self-sufficiency and adventure, the raw beauty of Crowley Lake's BLM land will likely be a highlight of your California high-country road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Itzel Vizcarra
Best sunrise I ever had. This place has a great view of the lake and mountains.
Fred Trujillo
Great BLM and only $10 a night!! 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes and tons of stuff to do within minutes from your campsite.
Rudy von Ravensberg
Hard to beat, super cheap nightly rate, dump station on site if you need it, water Spicket to fill up of necessary. Dark and quiet, takes larger rigs… even large fire pits.
Brenda Meeks
Nice place to stop for a night or to be close enough to explore Mammoth Lakes & hotsprings
0ENomads
Spent two nights here. Nice peaceful spot, Cheap and easy to get to. Good views of Crowley Lake and the Mountains. Sites have bear boxes to store food, a fire ring, a picnic table and lantern hanging pole.
Emma webb
Just arrived and it's around 9pm, most spots full but I was lucky to snap up one of the last ! Feels safe, lots of people here, family friendly,and it's nice and quiet. Can't wait to wake up and see the views ! Edit*woke up early the next morning and found the natural hot springs just 15 mins away :) There's heaps around, these were named the Hill top springs
Shannon Brawley
Beautiful view of Crowley lake here and the mountains around! $10 a night, first come first serve camping, lots of spots available when we came. They did provide bear vaults for your food but there we’re definitely mice around so we made sure the food was in a plastic container they couldn’t get into. The site has tables, fire pits and vault toilets.
V l
Loved this campground. The landscape is just phenomenal. Potable water, pit toilets and fire pits. One star off because the entire 3 nights I stayed, there wasn’t toilet paper in the bathroom.
Walt
Great campsite for $8/night. Good view, lots of out houses, decent space between campsites, a whole row of pull through campsites for motorhomes, and every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. Rv sewage dump $5 and two drinking water spigots.
MaChaNillas
Love it! Kid and I arrived 630pm mid-June 2022 and plenty of sites to choose from. Gravel road from entrance to your campsite but doable with a sedan. BLM land, $8/night, 50% discount if you have America the Beautiful & other passes (I forget which). Great views of Crowley Lake and McGee Mountain. Quiet, clean and well maintained road to/from and toilets. There isn’t a campsite where you won’t have great views. It’s up on a hill. The highway is between the Lake and campground but you won’t hear the traffic noise, it’s far enough that you’ll only be able to see traffic from a distance. The site is spaced out nicely and does have portable water pump.