Horton Creek Campground
4.2514 reviewsHorton Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
$10 per night for RV or tent sites. Dump station fee: $10. No passes accepted for dump station.
About this campground
Escape to Horton Creek Campground, where 49 thoughtfully spaced sites await beneath the vast desert sky. This first-come, first-served gem welcomes both tent campers and RV adventurers with four convenient pull-through spaces, each site complete with fire pit, picnic table, and lantern holder for those starlit evenings. Fresh potable water and a dump station ensure comfort in this remote setting, while the authentic off-grid experience places you 12 miles from Bishop's shops and services—just far enough to truly disconnect and breathe in the high desert air.
Horton Creek Campground is suited for RV and tent camping. It also accommodates primitive camping setups and allows group stays, though details on group limits are sparse.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives with intensity at Horton Creek, bringing warm days and refreshing desert breezes that whisper through the sparse landscape. The limited natural shade creates an authentic high desert experience, where campers learn to follow the sun's rhythm. Spring and fall offer gentler temperatures, while seasonal fire restrictions during peak summer months remind visitors of the delicate balance between recreation and conservation in this arid wonderland. Pack layers for cool evenings and sun protection for those brilliant desert days.
ElevationPerched in the transitional zone where desert meets mountain, this eastern Sierra Nevada campground offers the unique experience of high desert camping with alpine peaks as your horizon. The elevation creates crisp morning air and spectacular star-gazing conditions that have drawn adventurers to this landscape for generations.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic views of the eastern Sierra Nevada's jagged peaks rising dramatically from the desert floor. The campground's open terrain invites exploration, where hardy desert plants paint subtle colors across the landscape. The gentle murmur of nearby Horton Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, its waters a precious ribbon of life threading through this magnificent high desert tableau. Evening brings alpenglow on distant peaks and some of California's clearest night skies.
Geological RegionNestled at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada, Horton Creek Campground sits in one of North America's most dramatic geological transitions. Here, the rain shadow effect creates a stunning high desert ecosystem where ancient granite peaks plunge into sage-dotted valleys. The nearby creek has carved its own story through the landscape over millennia, creating a vital corridor for wildlife and a natural gathering place for those seeking the raw beauty of California's basin and range country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed. However, user reviews do mention flat areas and well-spaced sites, which could be beneficial for some campers.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 49 sites, including four pull-through spaces suitable for RVs up to 30 feet in length. Specific site numbers like #2 are also noted for their quietness.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are largely open and spaced out, with limited shade. "The sites are largely in the open but spaced out." (User review by Kaitlyn Gibson).
Total Campsites49 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #2 is mentioned as being quiet and close enough to hear the creek but not see it. Sites with trees are limited to approximately three.
Best CampsitesReviewers mention sites near Horton Creek as preferred for their tranquility and proximity to the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- Camping for a period longer than 14 days at any one campground is prohibited
- not to exceed 28 days per calendar year for all Bishop Field Office campgrounds.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is long and narrow, with sites spread out for privacy. Four pull-through spaces are available for RVs. Approximately 49 sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May - October.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; walk-up only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only and cannot be reserved in advance. Fill patterns are not detailed.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed; therefore, no cancellation policy is applicable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Horton Creek Campground caters to a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, and general outdoor recreation. Seasonal limitations may apply to some activities such as hunting and fishing.
Hiking
The campground offers access to the Horton Creek Nature Trail, as shown in the authoritative image gallery.Fishing
Fishing is allowed on BLM-managed lands with proper California state licensing. No specific fishing spots or fish species are detailed.Biking
No specific biking trails are mentioned, but the campground is open to multiple uses, which may include biking.Wildlife viewing
The campground's natural setting, including its proximity to a creek and views of the Sierras, offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
Winter recreation activities are not applicable as the campground is closed from November to April.Water Sports
No water sports activities, such as kayaking, are noted in the authoritative or user content.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- California Campfire Permits are not required for fires within established fire rings. Restrictions may apply during high fire danger.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high winds and exposure to hot conditions due to limited shade. Wildlife encounters are not explicitly mentioned.
Active alertsSeasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during high fire danger periods.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 28 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Inyo County Sheriff (760) 873-7887; Mono County Sheriff (760) 932-7549. Call 911 in case of major emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay - October.
Trash and recyclingNo explicit details are provided about trash or recycling facilities. Campers are advised to pack out all litter, including expended cartridges, shot shells, and targets.
Proximity to water featuresHorton Creek is nearby, within walking distance from the sites. Some sites have auditory access to the creek.
Common complaintsSome reviews highlight the lack of shade and exposure to wind as drawbacks, especially during hot weather. Other complaints include occasional noise and limited privacy.
Campground Map
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 accessible via paved roads, with no seasonal closures mentioned. The route involves straightforward turns from U.S. Highway 395.Nearby places
Bishop, CA (12 miles south, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest amenities are in Bishop, CA, 12 miles south, including groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.3
14 reviews
Horton Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally well-regarded for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and peaceful ambiance. However, its lack of shade and exposure to wind are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
- Beautiful views of the Sierras
- Clean and well-maintained bathrooms
- Quiet and peaceful ambiance
- Flat, spacious, and well-spread-out sites
- Proximity to a creek
- Affordable at $10 per night
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Limited to no shade
- Windy conditions at times
- Sparse on-site amenities (e.g., no showers, no store)
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring extra rocks for tent guylines due to windy conditions.
- Stay at shaded sites if available (fewer than three sites have trees).
- Campers should consider visiting in cooler seasons to avoid...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that summer months can be very hot and windy, making it less ideal. Spring and fall are popular for their moderate weather.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Stayed here many times. Great base for the Bishop area. Very peaceful place and the toilets are kept clean." - Robert Vincent
2. "Beautiful- and SO quiet! I wasn’t next to the creek, I grabbed...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 received specific praise for its quiet setting. Other users noted larger sites suitable for RVs and trailers, though wind and lack of shade can impact comfort.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
No detailed reviews focused on accessibility, but the flat terrain and spaced-out sites may offer some ease of use.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025