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BLM Camping

Horton Creek

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Horton Creek is a Bureau of Land Management camping ground 12 miles west of Bishop town at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet. At such a height, it provides a remarkable view of the Wheeler Crest and Mt. Tom. Also, there is the Tungsten Hills close enough for campers to explore. The area is inhabited by wild animals, which provide an opportunity for wildlife viewing. Other exciting activities include hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and biking.

Located 11.6 miles north of Inyo National Forest and 155 miles east of Sierra National Forest, the area is a must-go camping ground. Hunting and fishing are allowed, but you must obtain a California Fishing and Hunting license. There are 49 campsites, each providing picnic tables, lantern holders, portable water, and fire pits. The recommended RV length is 30 feet. You won’t require any reservations, but charges are $8 per site per night and a one-time $5 dump station fee.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Horton Lake Trail

It is a popular out-and-back trail that is sometimes challenging with a great view of Lake Horton. Consider it for backpacking and hiking, and if you bring a dog, always keep it on a leash.

Length: 7.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake Trail

You might encounter more people when hiking this trail, as it is renowned for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing. You may bring your dog, but it must remain on a leash.

Length: 6.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Mount Whitney Trail

It is an in and out strenuous trail that increases to an average of 500 feet per mile, and hikers will experience switchbacks.

Length: 22.5 miles

Intensity: Hard

Crystal Lake Trail

It is another popular in-and-out trail close to the Mammoth Lakes. Also, it offers a beautiful view of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. An alternate trail leads hikers to the Mammoth Crest for more interesting scenery.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Fishing is allowed with all anglers required to get a fishing permit. Trout is a common fish species, and it includes types like rainbow trout and brown trout. If you are lucky, you might catch largemouth bass—other great fishing spots include Bishop Creek, Owen River George, South Lake, and Lake Sabrina.

Climbing

Mt. Tom is approximately 16.4 miles from Bishop town. It is an excellent climbing spot reaching 14,000 feet high, and some trails leading to the top could reach 10,000 feet. Mount Tom via Horton Lake Trail is among the many trails leading you to the top of the mountain. Only experienced hikers should attempt to reach the highest levels of Mt. Tom, as some trails could be challenging.

Wildlife Viewing

During early spring, campers have a high chance of witnessing wintering deer herds grazing at Horton Creek. Inyo National Forest is also home to wildlife like the slender salamander and the bighorn sheep.

Horseback Riding

The Mt. Whitney Trail in Inyo National Forest is the best for horseback riding. It is long, 22.5 miles, and gains in elevation for every mile you cover. As you ride on this trail, you see animals like squirrels, deer, quails, and marmots. Also, there is a great view of nearby lakes and meadows.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are more Bureau of Land Management campgrounds around Bishop town beside Horton Creek. Millpond campground is reasonable for RV camping, located 6 miles northwest of Bishop, and charges $25 per night for standard sites. If you want a site with electric and water hookups, charges are $30 per night. Amenities include restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, fire rings, partial hook-ups, and picnic tables, and there is no limitation to the length of an RV. Another area is Big Trees campground, located 14 miles west of Bishop. It has 16 campsites that allow a maximum of 6 people per site, including children. Only two vehicles are allowed per site, with a $7 fee for any additional vehicle. There isn't any reservation as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and campers will access fire rings, picnic tables, bear-proof food storage lockers, tap water, and vault toilets. Bishop Park campground is 3 miles from Lake Sabrina and has 18 campsites with 8 campsites allowing tent camping only. The other 10 campsites can accommodate only small RVs. The charges are $30 per night, and amenities include tap water, restrooms with flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof storage lockers.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible on some public lands in Inyo County, California. Common BLM RV camping areas that allow dispersed camping include Owens River-Hot Creek Road north of Mammoth Lakes, Bald Mountain Road, and the Mazourka Canyon. These camping areas don't provide amenities like bathrooms, fire rings, or picnic tables. Also, there are rules and regulations for camping on these lands. The BLM camping near me map and guide provides more information about such policies.

RV Rentals Near Horton Creek Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Horton Creek BLM trip

A Bureau of Land Management camping trip requires you to be fully prepared. Pack food staples, clothing, bedroom items, and other personal items and toiletries. Also, check for essential RV items like electrical adapters, extension cords, fire extinguishers, drinking water hoses, battery jumper cables, and an emergency road kit. Camping and outdoor gear like cameras, binoculars, fishing gear, radio, headphones, journals, and camping chairs are also essential. Before leaving for your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

As you camp on these public lands, your activities might lead to littering, resulting in environmental pollution. For example, if you participate in target shooting, the area you use will be littered with cartridges and shells. It is your responsibility to clean the area after you finish the practice. When you light a fire, do it on bare soil with a diameter of about 5 feet. If you cook, dispose of any leftovers in available trash bins. You may pack the leftovers and other trash in plastic bags to be disposed of when you leave. The reason for such regulations is to maintain the quality of the natural resources in the camping area.

Horton Creek Location

To get to Horton Creek from the town of Bishop, use U.S. Highway 395 to drive 8.5 miles to Sawmill Road. Take a left turn upon reaching Sawmill Road and take an immediate right to South Round Valley Road. Next, drive 3 miles to the campground, which should be on your left.

Address: Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office Bishop, CA 93546

Ready to visit Horton 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 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.