Brown's Millpond Campground

For those exploring the "Camping Near Me" category in the Eastern Sierra, Brown's Millpond Campground stands out as a highly-rated and family-friendly destination. Located at 230 Sawmill Rd, Bishop, CA 93514, USA, it offers a comfortable and amenity-rich camping experience, appealing to both RV and tent campers seeking a blend of natural beauty and convenience. You can contact Brown's Millpond Campground at (760) 873-5342 or via mobile at +1 760-873-5342.

Brown's Millpond Campground is strategically located approximately six to seven miles north of Bishop, off Highway 395, on Sawmill Road. This proximity to Bishop means easy access to town amenities, restaurants, and shops, while still providing a distinct natural setting. The campground is nestled in the foothills of the High Sierra, with a cool-running creek backing many of its sites. The presence of the creek is highly appreciated by campers, as one review notes, the "stream help drown out each other’s noise," contributing to a peaceful atmosphere. Another reviewer highlights the "small stream running through the entire campground," where "Kids from 3 and up were playing in the water near the camp sites."

A significant environmental feature of Brown's Millpond Campground is its adjacency to Inyo's Millpond County Park. This park extends the recreational opportunities available to campers significantly. The campground itself is characterized by "lots of trees for shade," with many sites offering grass, creating a pleasant and verdant environment. While not at a high elevation like some of the higher Bishop Creek campgrounds, its elevation is still enough to offer a cooler climate than the immediate Bishop valley, providing a comfortable escape.

The overall setting is described as "quiet, mostly shaded," with "beautiful views of the Eastern Sierra and White Mountains." The campground is situated on the banks of Brown's Millpond, a small lake, and is surrounded by lush meadows and towering pines, making it a very picturesque location for camping and recreation.

Brown's Millpond Campground prides itself on being a family-operated facility that emphasizes cleanliness and friendly hospitality. It offers a total of 72 RV and tent sites, catering to a variety of camping preferences. A key differentiator for Brown's Millpond is its range of hookup options:

• RV Hookups: Unlike many rustic campgrounds in the High Sierra, Brown's Millpond offers 30 amp electric and water hookups at some of its sites (approximately 18 sites are noted to have these). This is a significant advantage for RV campers seeking convenience and comfort. However, it's important to note that full sewer hookups are generally not available at individual sites, although a dump station is typically available (sometimes for an extra fee or near the office).
• Tent Camping: Dedicated tent sites are available, including dry camping options, ensuring that non-RVers also have ample space. Reviewers confirm that sites are "spacious" and "good for RV's but plenty of people only use them for tents."

Beyond the sites themselves, the campground provides a comprehensive suite of amenities:

• Restrooms and Hot Showers: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, with descriptions like "Nice. Clean. Hot showers. Nice white, lit bathrooms," and "spotless; they look like hospital bathrooms... great showers as well, giant stalls with powerful water coming through." It's important to note that showers require tokens, which can be purchased at the office. One reviewer mentioned the office closes at 5 PM, so campers arriving late should plan ahead for shower tokens.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated washer and dryer are available on-site, a highly convenient amenity for longer stays.
• Potable Water: Running water is available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access for all campers.
• Campsite Furnishings: Each site includes a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill, providing basic necessities for outdoor living and cooking.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available, a modern convenience for those who need to stay connected.
• General Store/Concession Stand: A small general store is present, offering items like ice cream and beer, and potentially other camping essentials.
• Bear-Proof Storage: While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews for this specific campground, given its location in the Eastern Sierra, it is highly probable that bear-resistant food storage is either provided or strongly recommended, as the area is known bear country.

The adjacency to Millpond County Park significantly expands the recreational offerings at Brown's Millpond Campground:

• Fishing: The creek running through the campground and the pond itself offer fishing opportunities. Additionally, it's a "quick drive to Owen river for fishing." The pond is stocked with fish and is suitable for both younger and older kids to enjoy fishing.
• Water Activities: The pond is available for swimming (though no power boats are allowed), and kids can enjoy playing in the natural stream.
• Sports Facilities: Millpond County Park boasts a variety of sports facilities, including "ball fields," "tennis courts," a "well kept baseball field," and "horseshoe pits."
• Frisbee/Disc Golf: A frisbee golf course is also available at the adjacent county park, providing a fun activity for campers.
• Archery Range: There is a "quite large" archery field, adding another unique recreational option.
• Playground: A playground is available, making it particularly appealing for families with children.
• Hiking and Biking: The campground is a great "home base to explore the area," with access to "hiking and mountain bike trails" nearby. The broader Eastern Sierra region is a renowned destination for both activities.
• Nearby Attractions: The campground is conveniently located for exploring other popular Eastern Sierra destinations such as Tom's Place, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes, and the June Lake loop, all within a reasonable driving distance (e.g., Convict Lake within a short drive, June Lake about an hour).

Brown's Millpond Campground is open seasonally, generally from March 1st to October 31st, though specific dates can vary. Reservations can be made online or in person. While some pricing concerns were raised by a reviewer regarding the cost for no-electric sites and extra vehicle fees, the general consensus on value often depends on the included amenities and the quality of the experience. For instance, a $35/night rate for a no-electric site was mentioned, with extra car fees and separate shower token costs. However, given the range of amenities and activities, many find it to be a worthwhile investment for a comfortable and engaging camping trip.

Overall, Brown's Millpond Campground provides a well-rounded camping experience. Its family-run charm, combined with modern comforts like hot showers and the extensive recreational opportunities at the adjacent Millpond County Park, make it a strong contender for anyone searching for "Camping Near Me" and prioritizing a clean, friendly, and activity-rich environment in the beautiful Eastern Sierra.

Brown's Millpond Campground

230 Sawmill Rd, Bishop, CA 93514, USA