Horton Creek Campground
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Horton Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Each site is priced at $10 per night. No reservations are accepted as this is a first-come, first-served campground. Additional fees include $10 for...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-872-5000null
About this campground
Nestled at the base of the towering Sierra Nevada, Horton Creek Campground offers 49 thoughtfully positioned sites where adventurers can wake to alpine sunrises and fall asleep under star-studded skies. Whether you're setting up a tent or parking your RV, each site comes equipped with its own fire pit for evening gatherings, a sturdy picnic table for outdoor meals, and convenient lantern holders to light your way after dark. Four spacious pull-through sites welcome trailers up to 30 feet, making arrival and departure a breeze. While the campground provides fresh potable water throughout, the absence of utility hookups preserves the authentic camping experience, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural tranquility of the Eastern Sierra.
Horton Creek Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RVs and tents. It features 49 sites, including four pull-through spaces. The campground also supports a mix of setups, such as tents, campers, and fifth wheels. Multiple user reviews indicate that it caters to different types of travelers.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here creates a dramatic dance of seasons that shapes every visit. Summer brings intense sunshine and temperatures that can soar, making early morning hikes and afternoon creek dips particularly appealing. As seasoned campers note, shade becomes a precious commodity during peak summer months, so bringing your own sun shelter is wise. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot for many visitors, with comfortable days perfect for exploration and crisp nights ideal for campfire conversations. Early spring and late fall adventurers should pack warm layers, as mountain temperatures can plunge once the sun dips behind the peaks.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryHorton Creek whispers through the campground, its gentle flow creating a natural soundtrack to your Sierra adventure. The dramatic eastern face of the Sierra Nevada mountains dominates the horizon, their granite peaks catching the first light of dawn and glowing amber at sunset. This high desert landscape tells a story of resilience, where hardy vegetation dots the terrain and frames those picture-perfect mountain views that visitors consistently describe as breathtaking. The contrast between the rugged desert floor and the soaring peaks creates a photographer's paradise and a constant reminder of nature's grand scale.
Geological RegionPerched in the rain shadow of the eastern Sierra Nevada, this campground sits at the intersection of mountain majesty and desert drama. The landscape here tells an ancient geological story, where tectonic forces thrust granite peaks skyward while creating the arid valleys below. Sparse desert vegetation has adapted to thrive in these dry conditions, creating a unique ecosystem where mountain and desert meet. Horton Creek carves its path through this terrain, a ribbon of life that has shaped both the land and the camping experience for generations of outdoor enthusiasts seeking the raw beauty of California's eastern frontier.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeMaximum recommended RV length is 30 feet. Sites are described as flat and spacious.
Sites PrivacySites are largely open with limited shade and minimal privacy. One user noted, 'The sites are largely in the open but spaced out.'
Total Campsites49 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with proximity to Horton Creek for refreshing sounds and views (e.g., Campsite #2). Use rocks to stabilize tent guylines in windy conditions and bring shade for summer camping.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest Campsite #2 for its quiet location near the creek and Campsite #18 for its favorable ambiance.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Camping longer than 14 consecutive days at any one campground, not to exceed 28 days per calendar year across all Bishop Field Office campgrounds, is prohibited without written permission from the Field Office Manager.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is long and narrow, with spaced-out sites. Four pull-through trailer spaces are available, and most sites are flat and include a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern holder.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May through October.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; first-come, first-served basis only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations.
Cancellation PolicyThere are no refunds, modifications, or cancellations allowed with the Scan and Pay payment system.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Horton Creek Campground offers opportunities for enjoying the serene environment with beautiful views of the Eastern Sierras and the sound of a nearby creek. Activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area are popular among visitors. One review stated, 'Beautiful views of the Sierras from this campground,' while another noted, 'The setting to the campground/backdrop is very beautiful and secluded.'
Wildlife viewing
The serene environment and proximity to nature make this campground a good spot for observing local wildlife. However, no specific species or viewing areas were mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within established fire rings; however, seasonal fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal fire restrictions may limit campfire usage. User reviews frequently note high winds and exposure as potential difficulties, especially for tent campers.
Active alertsSeasonal closures due to fire restrictions or weather conditions may occur. A review noted the campground was closed as of April 9, 2022.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located 12 miles south in Bishop.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through October (open season for the campground).
Trash and recyclingNo information on trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresHorton Creek flows near the campground and can be heard from several sites. It is within walking distance but not directly visible from all sites.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight the lack of shade and exposure to heat as recurring issues. High winds were also mentioned as a challenge for tent campers.
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Campground Map
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Driving directionsTravel 8.5 miles north on U.S. Highway 395 from Bishop to Sawmill Road and turn left, take an immediate right onto South Round Valley Road and travel 3 miles, campground is on the left.
The campground is accessed via paved roads leading from U.S. Highway 395 to South Round Valley Road. It is accessible year-round unless otherwise noted by seasonal fire or weather restrictions.Nearby places
Bishop (12 miles, approximately 20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest amenities such as groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are located in Bishop, which is approximately 12 miles south of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
16 reviews
Horton Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Horton Creek Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 3.875 specifically for campgrounds. Campers frequently praise the beautiful views of the Sierras, clean facilities, and tranquil environment. However, some common complaints include the lack of shade and exposure to wind.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects highlighted include clean bathroom facilities, serene environment, proximity to a creek, affordable pricing, and beautiful views of the Eastern Sierras. One user remarked, 'Very...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints involve the exposure to wind and lack of shade. One user noted, 'It can get very hot with no shade, and the wind can be brutal at times.' Another commented on the openness...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing shade, as the campground lacks trees. Rocks are suggested for securing tents due to windy conditions. One user advised, 'Use rocks on the guylines,' while another...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months can be challenging due to heat and lack of shade, as indicated by reviews mentioning high temperatures and exposure. Fall and spring may be more comfortable seasons for camping. One...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful views of the Sierras from this campground.' 2. 'Bathrooms were very clean.' 3. 'It can get very hot with no shade, and the wind can be brutal at times.' 4. 'Very clean and well taken...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2: Praised for its quietness, with a user stating, 'It was so quiet I could hear the creek from my site.' Site #18: Highlighted for its beautiful experience, as one camper noted, 'Beautiful...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mentioned experiences related to pets or pet policies.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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