Camping near Bishop with horseback riding

An ideal base for exploring the Eastern Sierra in all seasons, with hikes and hot springs nearby.

96% (181 reviews)

United States
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California
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Bishop

96% (181 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bishop

2 top campgrounds near Bishop with horseback riding

100%

(9)

Mill Creek Station HWY 395 Bishop

1 site · RV1 acre · Bishop, CA

Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules werechanged out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. MillCreek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north toReno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart.Learn more about this land:Mill Creek Station Hip Camp parallels Hwy 395, nine miles north of Bishop, half an hour to Mammoth Mountain, an hour from the entrance to Yosemite and two and half hours from Death Valley. Surrounded by world class mountain biking, climbing, hiking, skiing, as well as historic railroad and mining museums. All halfway between Los Angeles and Reno in the eastern Sierra. We have space for three motor homes or RVs. There are no pull throughs so if you are towing a car you may disconnect it and park the car in our parking lot. You must be self contained with water and power. Generators are OK. There is a restroom but there is no shower. We have a hanging fire pit in the backyard behind our house which you may use. Upon request we will open it for you. Wi-fi is available at our residence on the front porch or the backyard .We are 420 friendly but request that cigarette smoking be contained to open areas away from those of us who cannot tolerate cigarette smoke. No Pets please.Our backyard is unique as it was an old stone quarry at one time and now has an outdoor stage for occasional music events which you are invited to attend as well as to explore the rocks. Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules were changed out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. Mill Creek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north to Reno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart. We have a mineral museum and a climbing and mountaineering exhibit dedicated to Warren Harding, a legendary rock climbing pioneer and friendRecreation is unlimited in this area. Mammoth Mountain ski area is ½ hour away. It is also a world class mountain biking destination. There are many other cycling areas in the vicinity as well as hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing, kayaking and general outdoor exploration. We are at an elevation of 4,500 ft and rarely have snow in the winter. We can provide a long list of climbs, hiking trails, and other adventure sports and scenic exploration. In Bishop the Paiute Casino is 6 miles to the south. Laws Historic Railroad and Mining Museum is 14 miles away. It is open to the public with 11 acres of interesting displays of the old western railroad buildings and artifacts including the huge 20 Mule Team Borax wagons. It is a great place to picnic. We are close to western Nevada’s historic mining towns like Goldfield, Tonopah and Gold Point. Death Valley is 2 ½ hours away. Las Vegas is 5 hours and the eastern entrance to Yosemite is 1 hour to the north by Mono Lake. Enjoy your visit!Roger and Mary Lou

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(489)

Kings Canyon Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Wilsonia, CA

This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access The Sequoia & Kings Canyon area has a long history of being visited. Even in the pioneer days, before the road, people had heard tales of the majestic canyon, wild rivers and of the groves of gigantic trees, that many thought to be a hoax. Folks would make the difficult trip up into the mountain to see for themselves. This site, in the early 1900’s was a farmstead providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the areas loggers, ranchers, hotels and backcountry explorers. During the construction of the new highway In the 1920’s the site was used as a labor camp. During the highway construction days a lodge and gas station was built and was known as “Barton Flat”. In the 1950’s the property was sold and became the “Kings Canyon Lodge”. In 2015 the historic lodge and some of the other cabins were destroyed in the “Rough” fire, by a miracle the original 1928 visible gas pumps survived the fire and are still being used to this day. We are hopeful to eventually rebuild a lodge to serve the many visitors.

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Camping near Bishop with horseback riding guide

Overview

Midway between Lone Pine and Bridgeport on scenic U.S. Highway 395, Bishop is a popular jumping-off point for campers exploring the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada. Nestled between the Inyos and White Mountains at the northern end of the Owens Valley, it’s the biggest small town around. Bishop is a good place to grab a bite and replenish supplies, including fresh coffee, baked goods, and books. Then get ready to explore glacial creeks, alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pines, and mountain canyons in the high desert—all within close proximity. Wherever you stay, options for outdoor fun are pretty much endless.

Where to go

Around Bishop

You’ll find a range of RV parks and resorts with full hookup sites, glamper cabins, and on-site cafes that let you enjoy the outdoors with all the comforts of home. Check out Keough Hot Springs, with year-round camping and rustic tent cabins near the natural hot springs pool. Anglers head to trout fishing havens along Bishop Creek and Lake Sabrina, many within a short distance of campgrounds.

Inyo National Forest

Some of the wildest camping spots near Bishop are tucked away in the Inyo National Forest. Head west to North Lake Campground perched within a rugged granite landscape. (Sorry RVers, this one is for tents only.) You’ll wake up to fresh mountain air and excellent views of Table Mountain from Four Jeffrey Campground.

Big Pine Canyon

There are plenty of RV and tent-only sites among several campgrounds situated along Big Pine Creek, which is accessed up a windy mountain road from the namesake town. Day hikers and backpackers can head into the backcountry for a rigorous yet stunningly scenic uphill trek to Temple Crag and the Palisade Glacier, passing up to seven alpine lakes en route.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Craggy mountains tower amid the world’s oldest trees: the bristlecone pines. A visit to both Schulman Grove and Patriarch Grove is recommended, as both are popular for photography.

Lone Pine

To the west of this neighboring town lie the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney trailhead, from which prepared hikers can summit the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. (14,505 feet). But drive east of Highway 395 and you’ll enter Death Valley National Park, with an elevation below sea level.

When to go

Owing to the harsh mountain winters, campsites are typically available spring through fall, but cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hikes abound, especially delightful with natural hot springs to warm up in. Summer weather makes for excellent hiking conditions and spring flowers bloom late in the high country, around mid-July. Vivid autumn foliage draws visitors in the off-season. Get an early start if you plan to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, best photographed in the early morning light.

Know before you go

The White Mountain Public Lands Information Center in downtown Bishop is open all year, providing maps and information for the region.
Many Inyo campgrounds are first-come, first-served, so be sure to get an early start.
If you're traveling in the spring or early summer, don't forget to pack some bug spray—the mosquitoes have a taste for campers.
Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness. Permits are issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers.
Look out for summer thunderstorms if you plan to hike at high elevations.