Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

The Pleasant Valley Pit Campground, located just eight miles north of Bishop, California, stands out with its rugged charm and unparalleled views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Situated in a former gravel quarry, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site offers a no-frills camping experience that prioritizes affordability, stunning desert scenery, and accessibility to world-class outdoor activities.

This campground features 75 first-come, first-served campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 30 feet in length. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post, but the campground lacks water, power hookups, or a dump station, so visitors must come prepared. Clean vault toilets, trash collection, and a small book-share library are available on-site. The sites are divided between the pit area with sheltered spots and the upper ridge offering panoramic mountain views and dazzling night skies perfect for stargazing. However, campers should be prepared for occasional strong winds and limited shade.

Pleasant Valley Pit is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts, with highlights including the iconic Happy and Sad Boulders climbing areas, located just minutes away. Additional nearby attractions include the Buttermilks and Owens River Gorge for climbing, hiking, and fishing adventures. For supplies, dining, and shopping, the vibrant town of Bishop is only a 10-minute drive south. The gravel road leading into the campground can be bumpy, but the payoff is an affordable, scenic haven for budget-conscious campers and adventurers eager to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of California’s Eastern Sierra.