Horton Creek Campground

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

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Horton Creek Campground

Horton Creek is a Bureau of Land Management campground near the town of Bishop, California. It is a popular camping and recreational area that neighbors Inyo National Forest and Sierra Nevada Wilderness. The site also lies at the base of the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The creek neighbors several water sources that provide excellent fishing opportunities. The South Lake and Sabrina Lake are the closest to Horton Creek. Campers can also enjoy other activities like hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

This Bureau of Land Management camping ground operates between May and October. There is an $8 per site per night fee and a $5 dump station charge. There is no reservation as it is a first-come, first-served BLM RV camping area with a 30-foot recommended RV length. The total number of sites is 49, each offering a fire ring, lantern holder, and picnic table. There are no hookups, but campers can access portable water.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Crystal Lake Trail

This is an out and back trail that offers excellent views of Mammoth Lake and continues toward the Mammoth Crest at an average elevation gain of 787 feet. Hikers can bring their dogs, but they must be on a leash.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Mammoth Mountain via Twin Lakes Trail

The trail is strenuous at over 2000 feet, starting from the Twin Lakes Campground and crossing the seven lakes viewpoint and the bottomless pit. It is recommended for experienced hikers. Any dogs brought along must be on a leash.

Length: 5.7 miles

Intensity: Hard

Horseshoe Lake Trail

The Horseshoe Lake Trail is a family-friendly loop trail near Mammoth Lake. It is famous for trail running, biking, and hiking. Dogs are allowed, and they can be off-leash in specific areas of the trail.

Length: 1.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The South Lake and Sabrina Lake are the closest water sources neighboring Horton Creek. Common fish species are the wild brown, rainbow, and brook trout and the Alpers trophy trout. Sabrina Lake is the most preferred boating spot. If you choose to fish in Horton Creek, you will find species like rainbow and brown trout. A California fishing license is required for all anglers.

Climbing

Climbers and mountaineers have two close options while camping at Horton Creek: Mount Tom and Mammoth Mountain. Mammoth Mountain has rugged cliffs that are ideal for climbing. Also, there are some areas where visitors can attempt ice climbing with help from a local guide. Mount Tom has a trail that begins from the Owens Valley and elevates to 10,000 feet. Campers that make it up this mountain may also get a chance to ski.

Wildlife Viewing

Inyo National Forest is a popular wildlife viewing area as it is home to animals such as Sierra bighorn sheep and wintering deer. Another place with plenty of wildlife is the Owens River in Inyo County. Animals inhabiting this area are the bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pine marten. Butterflies can also be found within the region.

Photography

Majestic mountain peaks surround Horton Creek, and rolling hills serve as an excellent background for photographs. Also, the forest canopy is a great site to photograph from higher ground. The nearby South Lake will be a great spot if you want to take pictures with a large natural water body in the background.

Horseback Riding

An excellent area for horseback riding in Bishop is the backcountry of the eastern side of the Sierra Mountains. Many canyons lead to this area, creating long and wide trails at the bottom that are ideal for horses. If you can make it to the Bishop’s Lodge Ranch in the Eastern Sierra, you will have access to professional pack outfits and professional guides.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Finding Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds in California shouldn’t be difficult as many are accessible online by searching "BLM camping near me." If you are looking for RV camping in Bishop, you might get recommendations like the Brown’s Mill and Pleasant Valley Owens River campground. Brown’s Mill campground is adjusted to Inyo's Millpond County Park, offering 72 campsites with RV and tent camping options. Visitors are charged $30 to access amenities like showers, fire rings, picnic tables, laundry facilities, and water hookups. Dogs are allowed but must always be on a leash. Pleasant Valley Owens River campground charges $14 and is at its busiest from November to June. Accessible amenities are fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. There is no on-site water supply; the closest is about a mile away. Forks campground is 15 miles west of the town of Bishop and offers 21 campsites each at $30 per night. The maximum recommended RV length is 30 feet, and only two vehicles are allowed on a single site. Any extra vehicle is charged $7 per night. Amenities found on the campsite are picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, flush toilets, and tap water.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible within the Inyo National Forest or neighboring areas. Monache Meadows Jeep Road is a remote, rough, rocky area in Kern Plateau that is ideal for dispersed camping, fishing, and hiking. Alternative dispersed camping in the same area is the Coyote Flat. It is a steep, rocky road elevated at 10,000 feet with the Palisade Glacier views at the southern end. Both campgrounds have no water or camping facilities.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Horton Creek Campground BLM trip

BLM camping grounds allow you to camp in your RV, pitch a tent, or use a sleeping bag. Also, most camping sites will provide facilities like garbage cans, picnic areas, hookups, ground shelters, and tent pads. These will make your camping easier as you only need to bring what you need, such as food, water, and other necessities. It is essential to understand that some campgrounds may not offer any facilities. It is common in primitive camping sites. You may check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management requires campers to respect the natural resources of any public lands. Use designated trails to move around the camp or when hiking and biking to avoid damaging the landscape by creating multiple routes. Also, ration your water usage to ensure enough is left for wildlife and future campers. Use sand, gravel, or rock as your cooking areas and clean the area once done. Avoid startling wildlife by observing them silently from a distance. By following the guidelines and policies of public land camping, you play a significant role in keeping the area at its best.

Horton Creek Campground Location

US Highway 395 north leads to Sawmill Road, 8.5 miles from the town of Bishop. A left turn followed by an immediate right should take you to South Round Valley Road, a three-mile distance and close enough to the campground. You will see the Horton Creek campground on the 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.