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Horton Creek (BLM)
Overview
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Horton Creek Campground offers a high-desert camping experience near the base of the Eastern Sierra. This site provides a peaceful alternative to busier town-center parks, placing visitors directly within the rugged beauty of the Owens Valley. It is known for its wide-open vistas and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada peaks, making it a favorite for those seeking a primitive yet accessible outdoor stay.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a short drive northwest of Bishop, California, the campground sits at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet. The landscape is defined by sagebrush and the lush riparian greenery that follows the path of Horton Creek. The backdrop is dominated by the dramatic silhouettes of Mount Tom and Mount Humphreys, offering photographers and nature lovers a constantly changing display of light and shadow throughout the day.
Amenities & Park Features
As a BLM site, the amenities here are basic but well-maintained for dry camping. The park features paved interior roads, making it accessible for a variety of RV sizes, including larger motorhomes. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring. While there are no individual hookups, visitors have access to vault toilets and seasonal potable water. There is also a centralized trash collection area, ensuring the natural environment remains pristine.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The campground serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the Eastern Sierra. Anglers can enjoy fishing in Horton Creek or travel a short distance to the Owens River. The nearby Buttermilk Country is a world-renowned destination for bouldering and hiking. For a change of pace, the town of Bishop is minutes away, offering famous bakeries and gear shops, while the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest provides a unique day trip opportunity.
Who This Park Is Best For
Horton Creek is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize scenery and tranquility over resort-style luxuries. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and climbers who want to be close to the action while enjoying a quiet night under the stars. Because of its spacious layouts and proximity to Highway 395, it is also a great choice for travelers looking for a scenic stopover during a longer road trip through the Owens Valley.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kaitlyn _ resonant_wizard_6
It's a nice sized campground with options for everything from tent camping to large rigs. We did see a small rattle snake at the edge of our site so be mindful of that. Upper 70s at the beginning of Oct. There is no shade, no water, no electric but it's cheap (10$or 5$ w/pass per night) and with beautiful views of the mountains. Also they do have decent no flush toilets. Also an RV dump station for a fee. All in all we'll stop again if we pass through this area.
Bill Pounds
Nice BLM off grid campground. About 45ish sites. Some pull through. Some large enough for any RV, some smaller for car or tent camping. Water faucets along the access roads and a dump station for a fee, but those may be turned off in winter. As of May 2025, sites are $10, and dump fee is also $10. Access passes honored for 50% off site fees. Holding back 1 star because there is zero shade and this area is brutally hot during summer.
Mindy Brueggeman
Beautiful, clean, quiet campground. $10, lovely views and river can be heard
John Sikes Sikes
Peaceful in a Valley w/ Creek on one side-mountains on two sides-and a beautiful valley below. Can see (but not hear highway 395) trail in the distance. Winds were calm-creek sounds to sleep to-dark skies to star gaze. Bishop temps ( not high in hills).Tap water-vault toilets-table w/ lantern hangar. No critters paid visits to my tent.
P T
Great free campsite. Not too crowded and so peaceful, right next to a creek. Our dogs had such a great time exploring here.
Shannon Brawley
Good place to stay for the night, only $10! Comes with a camping table, fire pit and vault toilets which were clean. First come first serve camping, but there were plenty of spots when we arrived. No shade so it was a pretty hot during the day but very nice to stay for one night. Wasn’t sure if there was water available, there a spout but it said “not for public use” 🤷🏼♀️ so we didn’t use it.
Roxane McCosh
Stayed one night in our 40 ft motor home. Beautiful views of the eastern sierras lots of different types of set ups from campers to tents to 5th wheels. The park is long and skinny so if you park at the furthest site, it’s a long walk down to pay for your camp site. Only $10 for the night plus $10 (if you want to use their dump station. Definitely worth it. Sadly, it appeared there was an elder homeless man with a walker living out of his car. You’re able to stay 14 days before you are required to move on. There is a $5 discount if you joined the senior all access pass to BLM land which I believe is $60 per year. We cooked on the fire pit they provide and stayed indoors. There was a rushing creek nearby which also was refreshing to hear.
Robert Vincent
Stayed here many times.great base for the bishop area.20 min drive into town. Be aware if your tent camping it can get very hot no shade and the wind can be brutal at times.use rocks on the guylines .very peaceful place and the toilets are kept clean.
Mauricio Oviedo
Awesome place to look at the stars, pretty quiet 🤫
Maggie Mynier
Great views, low noise, minimal neighbors, big spots, we fit in a 40 ft 5th wheel with 2 trucks and stayed over a week. Safe, quiet, enjoyable. Big fire rings, picnic tables and lamp hangers.