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BLM Camping

Pleasant Valley Pit 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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Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is approximately 12 miles away from Bishop, California. The site sits in an old gravel quarry not far from the Happy and Sad Boulders. The Volcanic Tablelands Wilderness Study Area is to the north past the Owens River. You'll also have access to Inyo National Forest, which spans more than 2 million acres and boasts thousands of miles of hiking and off-roading trails. Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is maintained by the Bishop Field office, which is part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This federal organization manages one in every 10 acres of land in the United States. Drive a little over three hours south to find Death Valley National Park. Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are about 340 miles away.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Tungsten Peak Trail

Much of this well-defined trail requires vigorous scrambling. There's very little shade, but you can opt to follow the easier sandy footpath. The summit promises gorgeous views of the region’s wildflowers and the distant Mount Tom. Length: 2.1 miles Intensity: Hard

Buttermilk OHV Road

Explore this beautiful trail in Inyo National Forest with a mountain bike or off-roading vehicle. The path begins easy before requiring some technical and ridgeline driving. There are several water crossings that tend to run dry during the summer. Length: 14.5 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Owens River is home to both brown and rainbow trout. There's plenty of walk-and-wade access in the Upper Owens, but many experienced anglers head to the Lower Owens to beat the crowds. Stop by Crowley Lake for region-famous trout fishing opportunities. The Crowley Lake Fish Camp has a full-service marina with 90 rental boats, more than 200 private slips, and even full-hookup RV campsites.

Climbing

The Owens River Gorge is one of the state's most concentrated sport climbing sites. Many of the more moderate crag routes are in the sub-5.10 range, but the most popular climbs reach up to 5.11. Don't forget to check out the bouldering at Buttermilk Country, which has some classic stones reaching more than 20 feet high. You don’t want to miss trying the 14-foot V9 Soul Slinger or the easier 14-foot V0 Hero Roof boulder.

Wildlife Viewing

Visiting Pleasant Valley Pit Campground will give you the chance to see tule elk, mule deer, jackrabbits, salamanders, coyotes, marmots, and bighorn sheep. You may even spot free-roaming mustangs, bears, or mountain lions. Some of the local bird species include blackbirds, gulls, egrets, herons, and condors.

Picnicking

Plan your meals under the stunning trees in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Even if the visitor center is closed, you can follow the trailhead up into the mountains. Bishop City Park has plenty of shady spots and benches, a playground, and bathrooms. There's also a small lake that often has ducks as well as a dog area.

Stargazing

For the best views of the night sky, head to the Alabama Hills. On moonless nights, the glittering skyline presents a breathtaking picture of the Milky Way. Coyote Ridge looms over Bishop to give you an unobstructed view of the tableland and White Mountains. It's best to tackle this path in a high-clearance vehicle. You also have the option to visit the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. All visitors must reserve tickets.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The BLM Pleasant Valley Pit Campground offers 75 RV and tent sites that can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet long. Each spot comes with a picnic table, lantern holder, and fire pit. You won't have access to any RV hookups or potable water. Reservations aren't required, and each site costs $5 per night. You can also stay at the family-friendly Browns Millpond Campground. They have 72 campsites with electricity and water. Other amenities include horseshoe pits, a fishing pond, coin-operated laundry, and ball fields. The campground is open from early March until the end of October. Bishop's Highlands RV Park is another great RV camping option with 103 full-hookup sites. You can expect level, paved sites perfect for big rigs.

Free Camping

If you're interested in a more rugged camping experience, boondock your RV along Route 395 Scenic Highway or U.S. Highway 6. Dispersed BLM camping is available at the nearby Volcanic Tableland in the Eastern Sierras. The sites are spaced far apart and provide great access to local hiking trails. You'll also find several primitive camping spots near the Crab Cooker Hot Springs. While you can't park directly at the hot springs, you're free to camp on the adjacent public land.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Pleasant Valley Pit Campground BLM trip

When you plan your California trip can have a huge impact on your budget and experience. More visitors stop by during the peak summer season to take advantage of the warmer weather. The best ticket and campground deals will be found in the low winter season. It's best to pack layers of clothing, so you can throw on warmer jackets when the sun sets. Consider packing essentials like sunscreen, insect repellant, paper maps, a compass, and a first aid kit. Hikers should invest in sturdy boots, rain gear, and a sun hat that covers the face and neck. When you first arrive, be sure to have your campsite and RV prepared before nightfall to avoid the chilly temperatures. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

All BLM visitors have a responsibility to adhere to the "Leave No Trace principles while camping and hiking. In pristine environments, avoid fragile areas with delicate vegetation or riparian zones. If you have access to a bathroom, use it. If not, bury your waste in a hole about 8 inches down and at least 200 feet away from any water source. Toilet paper should be packed out with the rest of your trash and food scraps. Don't forget to keep your noise to a minimum and keep your pets under control.