Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

For those searching the "Camping Near Me" category who prioritize affordability, stunning views, and a more rustic "off-grid" experience, Pleasant Valley Pit Campground in Bishop, CA, presents a unique and popular option. Located at Bishop, CA 93514, USA, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed campground is known for its accessibility, particularly for climbers and long-term campers. You can reach the BLM Bishop Field Office for inquiries at (760) 872-5000 or via mobile at +1 760-872-5000.

Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is situated approximately 8.5 miles north of Bishop, just off U.S. Highway 395. To access it, you turn right on Pleasant Valley Dam Road, go about 0.5 miles, and then turn left following signs to the campground. The access road into the sites, described as "dirt and rock," can be "a bit rough," but reviewers confirm it's manageable if you "go slow."

The campground is named "The Pit" because it's located in an old gravel quarry. This gives it a unique, open high-desert environment, distinctly different from the forested campgrounds higher up in Bishop Creek Canyon. While it lacks shade, one reviewer noted, "No shade at all! Great for our solar and love of the sunshine." This open environment provides "incredible views of the Sierra" and "spectacular starry nights" due to minimal light pollution. Sites are available on two levels: "one section is in the old pit itself and another atop," with the upper section generally offering better views.

The campground's proximity to the Owens River is a significant environmental highlight for anglers. It's also centrally located to the famous climbing areas of "The ORG & Bishop," specifically the Happy and Sad Boulders on Chalk Bluff Road, and the Buttermilks. This location makes it a "perfect spot to base yourself when venturing into the Happy and Sad Boulders, Buttermilks, Owens River Gorge."

The high desert environment means sparse vegetation, primarily sagebrush and rocky terrain. While beautiful, this also means campers should be prepared for exposure to the elements, including wind. Some reviews mention "strong winds in the evening" and recommend bringing a "shade structure" if you plan to spend time at the campsite during the day.

Pleasant Valley Pit Campground offers a no-frills, primitive camping experience, reflected in its very affordable price. It features 75 RV/tent sites, which are generally "large and have picnic tables" and "well spaced," providing "a lot of room between neighbors." Most sites include a fire pit with a grill and a lantern holder, though some may have only primitive fire rings.

Crucially, for those looking for hookups, it's important to understand that Pleasant Valley Pit Campground offers no hook-ups (electric, water, or sewer). This is a dry camping experience, and campers must be self-sufficient regarding water and waste. The "closest amenities are 12 miles south in Bishop."

Key amenities and features include:

• Toilets: The campground provides "four pit toilets that are well maintained." Some reviews from the nearby Pleasant Valley Campground (which is different from the Pit) mention "clean vault restrooms," suggesting similar standards are aimed for at the Pit.
• No Potable Water: Campers must bring all their own water.
• No Dump Station: Campers will need to use facilities in Bishop or other nearby towns for waste disposal.
• Trash Collection: Bear-proof trash bins are available, which is important as the area is active bear country.
• Camp Host: A camp host is on-site, providing a point of contact and ensuring general order.
• Cell Service: Reviews indicate "4G in the camp," though "you only lose it on the dirt road until you get back to the highway." This can be a significant benefit for those who need some connectivity while camping.
• First-Come, First-Serve: The campground does not take reservations. All sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reviewers have noted "plenty of spots available when we dropped in multiple nights," suggesting that it can be easier to find a spot here compared to some other popular campgrounds, especially outside of peak climbing season.

Some reviews highlight areas for improvement, such as "loose dogs" and "no enforcement of rules (generators all night)." There are also mentions of "mice being extremely prevalent" and "campers using their sites as their own personal urinals," which can lead to unpleasant smells when it gets warm. These are important considerations for prospective campers, and bringing mouse traps is explicitly recommended by one reviewer.

Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is highly popular, particularly during the winter months, when climbers flock to the nearby Happy and Sad Boulders. The BLM has recognized it as the "Climber's Campground," where it's easy to "find partners and make friends." It's also ideal for anglers, with year-round fishing in the Owens River. The campground is open year-round.

The primary draw of Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is its affordability. The fee is $5.00 per site per night (though some recent reviews indicate $14 per night, plus $5 for an extra vehicle, suggesting a potential price change or confusion with the adjacent Pleasant Valley County Campground). This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options in the Bishop area, appealing to those who "need a cheap spot with nice views." Discounts are available with America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes.

The maximum recommended RV length is 30 feet, though "any sized RV should be able to camp here" if the campground isn't full. There are "plenty of big campsites" and "almost all of them have picnic tables."

While basic, the campground's appeal lies in its straightforward approach and strategic location. For those who enjoy a more primitive camping experience, are self-sufficient, and want to be close to world-class climbing, fishing, and hiking, Pleasant Valley Pit Campground offers a compelling value. Visitors are encouraged to manage expectations regarding amenities and be prepared for potential challenges like strong winds and mice, but the "stunning views" and "peaceful look over the flatlands at the foot of the Eastern Sierra range" can make it "surprisingly beautiful" and a very rewarding choice for "Camping Near Me."

Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

Bishop, CA 93514, USA