The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Inyo Mountains is an undeveloped area where you can access both the Scenic River and Cottonwood Creek Wild. Enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping with opportunities for fishing, hunting, and backcountry hiking. The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for many government and public lands with the dual mission of preserving them for future generations while allowing current citizens and residents to enjoy Bureau of Land Management camping.
Located 155 miles northwest of Death Valley National Park, Inyo Mountains has options for adventures and activities in a rustic area. Fresno is geographically the closest major city, less than 100 miles away to the southwest. However, with the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in between, it takes about six hours to drive around and get there.
Located in Inyo National Forest, the Mt. Williamson trail is one of three 14,000-foot summits in the area. This challenging route usually takes 18 hours to finish, and you won't find many other people on this very hard trail. The best season to attempt this is March through October. Don't bring your dogs; they're not allowed here.
Distance: 25.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Sabrina Lake is about 20 miles out of Bishop. You can rent boats here. There are vault restrooms. The busy season is July and August. Fishing is permitted, but fish cleaning isn't. There is a fish-cleaning station close to the boat shop beside the lakeshore trail. Boat moors usually open by Memorial Day, but several years of California drought have impacted lake levels. Call ahead for reservations. Motorized boats are permitted, as are car-top boats, kayaks, and canoes. The available species of fish varies each year depending on water levels and what local fisheries stock the waters with.
Climbing is popular in several areas near the Inyo Mountains undeveloped area. You can find many climbing opportunities in the nearby Inyo National Forest. There are also bouldering areas around the Chalk Bluff and Buttermilk areas under the jurisdiction of the Bishop Field Office. You can look up and find "BLM camping near me" in dispersed recreational areas. Contact the local ranger station for fire regulations available at the time for Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Campers and climbers should know that camping is only allowed on public land; climbing areas here are intermixed with private and utility lands.
There are certain endemic animals you'll only find here and nowhere else. In fact, you might not even see some of them while you're here unless you plan very deliberately. The Sierra bighorn sheep is probably the most notable animal, but the black toad is also a relatively local phenomenon. The golden trout, Lyell salamander, and slender salamander are also species you might see at various points that you're not likely to back home.
You have nearly unlimited options about where to picnic in Inyo Mountains. There are many side roads splitting off the main highways, so you can find lots of scenic sites to enjoy open valleys or even canyons. Since the Sierra Nevadas to the west soak up a lot of the rain, the weather here is usually pretty clear. However, it's also arid, so keep fires to fire rings or metal fire grates in select locations.
Inyo Mountains and anything up and down the Owens Valley are great places to see the actual Milky Way galaxy with your own naked eye. Light pollution prevents one-third of all human beings from seeing it where they live, and over three-quarters of North Americans live in urban areas where it's not possible. Population density here is so low that it is possible, especially thanks to clear weather from being in the "rain shadow" of the Sierra Nevadas.
The Swansea-Cerro Gordo OHV route is 34.7 miles of trail looping in the area of Lone Pine, California. This moderately challenging off-road driving route has an elevation gain of over 8,000 feet. Always brace for traffic due to the popularity of this area for off-roading. You can bring your dogs along, and some areas even permit off-leash time. Be sure to check out the Cerro Gordo Ghost Town when you pass by.
If rustic BLM RV camping isn't what you want to do, then check out Lone Pine campgrounds at the base of Mt. Whitney. That peak is the highest peak in the continental United States and backdrops incredible views of the surrounding area. Numerous RV sites are available for reservations online. Wireless phone coverage is spotty. Firewood is available on-site, and showers are available eight miles away at the Portal Store.
Boondocking or dispersed camping is permitted in most areas of Inyo National Forest and on the undeveloped lands of the Inyo Mountains. Always make sure you are not on private property or non-public utility lands. Download any maps you use, as wireless coverage isn't always available.
RV camping spots are limited in this part of the country. Securing reservations in advance can make your trip a lot smoother. This is an arid region, so fires are always problematic. Only start one where it's permitted, and put it totally out before leaving. You might need fire permits in many areas, so you will want to inquire with the local BLM about obtaining the proper permits.
When planning your trip, be sure to bring plenty of water and any food that you plan on preparing in your RV. The communities of Big Pine and Bishop, CA are great places to stock up if you find yourself low on supplies. Also be sure that you prepare for hot weather, especially in the summer. You'll want to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to wear while exploring the area. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Several species of animal are endemic to this region. Keep their habitat clean by properly disposing of all food waste. Pack out all your trash as well. Only camp on durable and cleared surfaces that are free of vegetation. Only drive RVs on established roads. Don't go off-roading to find a camping spot. Choose campsites a minimum of 100 feet away from any water.
Starting from Big Pine, turn east onto Highway 168 and drive for 36 miles. When you get to Canyon Road, turn left and keep in that direction.
Address: Bureau of Land Management, Ridgecrest Field Office, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Ready to visit Inyo Mountains? 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.
