Goodale Creek
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Goodale Creek is a Bureau of Land Management camping ground in Inyo County in California. There are 43 campsites alongside this creek suitable for RVs or tents. Also, the spacious area allows you to park RVs of up to 30 feet and get the opportunity to go fishing, hiking, or mountain biking. The best time to camp is in spring or fall, as the summer might be too hot. Goodale Creek is open throughout the year, costing $5 per night. You'll have access to fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern holders on every campsite. Bring enough water and amenities, as the closest place to get these supplies is in Big Pine, which is 12 miles north of Goodale Creek.
Located 34.6 miles south of Inyo National Forest and 331 miles north of Kings Canyon National Park, the creek offers a great connection with nature. You'll experience remarkable views of mountains and valleys.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Convict Lake Loop Trail
If you want to hike with your family, consider the Convict Lake Loop Trail near Mammoth Lakes, California. It's an easy trail for kids. The best season to hike this trail is during the summer.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Mount Whitney Trail
Mount Whitney Trail is long and strenuous and best for experienced hikers, as it gains an elevation of 500 feet per mile on average. The high altitude makes it more difficult due to its ill effects.
Length: 22.5 miles
Intensity: Hard
Fishing and Boating
If you have a canoe or kayak, you might want to try traveling the length of the creek. Alternatively, you might settle for fishing, which is open to every angler with a state license. You may be prohibited from fishing if there are closures related to the protection of resources.
Picnicking
Picnic tables are available at great locations on every site within the campground. Ensure you pack a picnic basket whenever you head out with your spouse, friends, or family.
Photography
You can bring a camera to take excellent shots of the sweeping mountain views or fellow campers fishing at the creek. Also, you could take pictures of different species of lizards, birds, or insects unique to this area.
Stargazing
The area around Goodale Creek is excellent for viewing the night sky. It's miles away from major cities, making it free of light pollution. You can take great pictures of the moon or star constellations on a clear night.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in most of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. In California, you must obtain a hunting license if you intend to hunt in any public lands that BLM manages. Once you have the license, you'll be free to hunt within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Hunting Regulations.
Target Shooting
Target shooting is permitted at Goodale Creek but not within developed recreation sites or other posted areas. If you plan to shoot at any of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, it should be done safely and without causing damage to the natural resources. Campers hoping to try target shooting must familiarize themselves with the area for the safety of other users. Also, you're prohibited from practicing shooting within 150 yards of any dwelling or 150 feet of any trails or roads.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
There are several spacious RV camping sites at Goodale Creek. You can camp in tents or RVs/trailers. During the day, most areas are open to the sun, but you can find some with taller trees that can provide shade You'll also have excellent views of the mountains. You shouldn't exceed 14 days at any of the campsites, and for Bishop Field Office campgrounds, the maximum allowed time is 28 days. Anyone seeking to exceed the 28 days must acquire a written permit from the Field Office Manager. Nearby RV camps include Grays Meadow Upper, Taboose Creek, Onion Valley, Sage Flat, Tinnemaha Creek, Big Pine Creek, and Grays Meadow Lower. You'll have access to restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings at these sites.
Free Camping 
There could be a Bureau of Land Management free camping spot in California. You can use the BLM camping near me map and guide to get great recommendations on nearby BLM lands and campgrounds. These recommendations may also provide helpful information on BLM RV camping. It would help if you noted that most Bureau of Land Management camping sites have varying fees.
RV Rentals Near Goodale Creek Plan your next adventure
Planning your Goodale Creek BLM trip
Once you've decided your next camping destination is Goodale Creek, you should set your plans. Goodale Creek allows you to camp with your RV/trailer. You should check the local weather forecast to help you pack the correct amenities. Bring some clean clothes to change into. Don’t forget to bring proper footwear, too. Carry enough water, bug repellent, RV cookware, and sunblock. Also, it would help to check the area map to be familiar before traveling. The BLM website is an excellent source of camping information from site selection to camping regulations.
Bureau of Land Management camping offers more affordable options when it comes to camping. For example, at Goodale Creek, you're charged a maximum of $5 per night. It's a popular camping destination for individuals who prefer dispersed camping.
If you plan to camp with friends or family, you could opt for BLM RV camping. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are safe for children and pets. Also, dispersed campers get to connect with nature as they take a break from the modern world. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace 
Anyone camping on BLM lands must take responsibility for keeping a clean environment. Collect any garbage and pack it in plastic bags. If you have plastic bottles, tins, or cans, you should collect them for recycling. Bury human waste at least 200 feet or deeper. Crosscheck your belongings before leaving the site, as campers aren't allowed to leave their property unattended for over 72 hours.
Goodale Creek Location
To get to Goodale Creek, drive 10 miles north of Independence on Highway 395. Continue two miles west on Aberdeen Road. There will be visible signs that you can follow to the campground.
Address: Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office, Bishop, CA 93514
Ready to visit Goodale Creek? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.