The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites are public land with a wide variety of diverse landscapes that offer unique camping and recreational adventures. The federal agency manages more than 245,000 acres of public lands. The recreation areas have developed campsites with restrooms, potable water, and garbage cans. Exploring dispersed camping on public land away from the site is possible if it doesn't severely affect wildlife or conflict with other authorized uses. Many BLM campground sites charge a fee that helps in maintaining the facilities. You can camp out no more than two weeks within a month at these sites.
Happy Boulders in Bishop, California is part of the Volcanic Tablelands at the ecological cusp of the Northern Mojave and Great Basin floristic provinces. The plants and associated wildlife species combine to make this a unique and biologically diverse landscape. Two mountains are within the Happy Boulders: the crest of the Sierra Nevada of 14,000 ft (4,265 m) lies 16 miles (27 km) to the southwest, and the ridge of the White Mountains of 12,500 ft (3,800 m) is 11 miles (18 km) to the east. The area falls between the cold semi-deserts of the Great Basin to the northeast and the hotter Mojave to the south.
A few railroads run through Happy Boulders. Recreational opportunities at Happy Boulders include hiking, climbing, biking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
Mountain biking is only on designated trails, and there are plenty of opportunities to hike around the area. Roads and paths are primarily dirt or gravel. Hikers can also go along the Chalk Bluff Road. There are various historical sites, geographical formations, and other exciting places to explore.
Lake Sabrina-Blue Lake Trail lies between forested repetitive series of switchbacks. It winds up into the forest and flattens out as the course approaches Blue Lake.
Distance: 6.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate to difficult
Exemplary for backpacking, camping, and hiking, this out-and-back trail may offer solitude as well since you're unlikely to see many other hikers. The terrain provides sand, rocks, water crossings, and a waterfall.
Distance: 8.9 miles
Intensity: Easy to moderate
This out-and-back trail is steep and slightly rocky with switchbacks through large boulders and rock slabs. Many visitors come for bird-watching, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people. May through October are the best months to explore here. Dogs are welcome, and some of them may be off-leash.
Distance: 10 miles
Intensity: Difficult
There are two lakes where you can go fishing and boating: Lake Sabrina in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the South Lake. The Owens River provides visitors with some fishing opportunities.
The volcanic Bishop Tuff caps above the Owens Valley in eastern California give climbers memorable moments. It is on Route 395, west of the Nevada Stateline, northwest of Bishop, and southeast of Crowley Lake and Mammoth Lakes.
The Bishop Tuff caps have routes ranging from steep highballs to pumpy beginner-grade climbs. You'll find crimpy faces, loads of finger pockets, juggy overhangs, low traverses, cracks of all ranges, and more.
The Eastern Sierra Forest has plenty of wildlife to see. Mule deer, tule elk, and wild mustangs are common. You can spy bighorn sheep, coyotes, jackrabbits, bears, bobcats, mountain lions, and marmots. Be on the lookout for birds like hawks, harriers, osprey, white pelicans, eagles, and many more.
You can picnic in Happy Boulders at the nearby Pleasant Valley Campground or the BLM Pleasant Valley Pit Campground. The campgrounds have tables, grills, and shelters.
In order to promote marksmanship, public safety, hunter education, competition, and lawful hunting, the Bureau of Land Management organizes opportunities to hunt and engage in shooting sports in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
For laws and regulations specific to your area of interest, check with your state's fish and wildlife agency and your local BLM office.
BLM RV camping at Happy Boulders Campground is possible. There are RV sites at Happy Boulders Campground, but not every site is RV or trailer-friendly. There are no dump stations. Remember that many roads are rough and may be challenging to navigate and maneuver with an RV or trailer. Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is in California's Eastern Sierra and the White Mountains. Camping is $6 a night, with a 14-day stay limit. Amenities include tables, drinking water, toilets, fire pits and rings, and grills. Pets are allowed so long as they are kept on a leash and attended to at all times. The other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds nearby are Brown's Millpond Campground and The Pleasant Valley Campground.
Dispersed camping is allowed in Happy Boulders Bureau of Land Management free camping areas. However, only one highway with limited access to the sites is capable of handling RV traffic. The areas are along the Chalk Bluff Road.
When planning an RV camping trip to the Happy Boulders of California, always remember the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Make a route plan. Get hard-copy maps from your local BLM field office and make sure your course is on public lands.
Share your plans with others. Prepare an emergency plan before leaving, and let someone know where you will be and when you will return.
Check the prices of "BLM camping near me."
Carry enough clothes and footwear to adapt to weather fluctuations. Bring along properly functioning camping equipment, cookware, sunblock, and insect repellent.
You will meet other campers seeking the same adventure you desire.
BLM camping brings you closer to nature than any other form of camping.
Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Happy Boulders is a BLM camping site. While visiting, make sure to follow all regulations and make as little impact as possible on the area. Keep a respectful distance from the abundant wildlife. Dispose of all waste properly, and pack out your trash when you leave. Staying in Happy Boulders and other BLM sites is a privilege to preserve for yourself and other visitors to enjoy on future trips.
Happy Boulders is in Bishop, California. The Bureau of Land Management office address is Bishop Field Office, Bishop, CA 93546.
To get to Happy Boulders, you can use either of the two different routes out of Bishop. From Main Street (395), you can take the junction for Highway 6. Then turn left onto Five Bridges Road and continue until you reach the intersection, at which you will turn left onto Chalk Bluff Road. Continue for 2.3 miles until you reach the Happy Boulders parking.
From Main Street (395), continue north out of Bishop as if you were driving to Mammoth. Turn Right onto Pleasant Valley Dam Road and continue until you pass the County campground. Turn right onto Chalk Bluff Road, and continue for about 3.6 miles until you reach the Happy Boulders parking area.
Ready to visit Happy Boulders? 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 of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying 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.
