About Eastern Sierra BLM Camping Pullouts

Eastern Sierra BLM Camping Pullouts are free dispersed camping areas scattered across public land near Bishop, Lone Pine, Big Pine, and other Highway 395 communities in California’s Eastern Sierra region.

This is not one formal campground. It is a network of primitive roadside pullouts, existing dispersed campsites, gravel access roads, and open desert-valley camping areas with views of the Sierra Nevada, White Mountains, volcanic tablelands, and sagebrush flats. Near Lone Pine, compare the more structured Alabama Hills designated camping guide, the Alabama Hills 2-day route, and the paid fallback at Tuttle Creek Campground.

What to Expect

The landscape

Expect wide-open Owens Valley views, sagebrush flats, dry desert roads, volcanic tableland terrain, granite peaks, high-desert sunsets, and a dramatic wall of Sierra Nevada mountains rising above the valley.

Campsite setup

Most campsites are simple dirt or gravel pullouts along existing roads. Some are suitable for vans, rooftop tents, truck campers, and small trailers in dry weather. Other spots may require high clearance because of rocks, ruts, sand, or washboard roads.

Things to do nearby

• Explore Bishop, Lone Pine, Big Pine, and the Highway 395 corridor.
• Camp near views of the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains.
• Visit Alabama Hills, Tuttle Creek, Buttermilk Country, and the Volcanic Tablelands.
• Drive toward Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest or Owens River access points.
• Use nearby towns for fuel, groceries, coffee, gear, and laundry.

Rules & Regulations

• Dispersed camping is limited to 14 days per year within BLM Bishop Field Office boundaries.
• Use existing disturbed campsites and pullouts whenever possible.
• Do not block roads, gates, trailheads, private property access, or ranch operations.
• No potable water, toilets, trash cans, or picnic tables are available at most pullouts.
• Pack out all trash, food waste, pet waste, and camp debris.
• A valid California Campfire Permit is required for campfires and portable gas stoves on BLM public lands where flame use is allowed.
• Fire restrictions are common during dry, windy, or high-risk seasons. Always check the current BLM California fire restrictions before using flame.
• Respect closed areas, posted signs, restoration zones, and private land boundaries.

Seasonal Access

• Spring — April to May: Great for cooler camping, wildflower years, and mountain views with remaining snow.
• Summer — June to August: Hot in the valley but useful as a basecamp for higher-elevation hikes. Afternoon wind and fire restrictions are common.
• Fall — September to November: One of the best seasons for Eastern Sierra camping, with cooler nights, clear skies, and fewer crowds.
• Winter — December to March: Some lower-elevation pullouts remain usable, but snow, mud, wind, and road closures can limit access.

How to Get There

From Bishop: Use Highway 395 as the main corridor, then access BLM roads near Buttermilk Country, Volcanic Tablelands, Pleasant Valley, or other signed public-land areas.

From Lone Pine: Follow Highway 395 and local BLM access roads toward Alabama Hills, Tuttle Creek, or other Eastern Sierra foothill areas where camping is permitted.

Last fuel and supplies: Bishop, Big Pine, Independence, Lone Pine, and Mammoth Lakes are the main resupply towns along the region.

Offline maps: Review the official BLM maps and download offline mapping before leaving town. Cell service may disappear quickly once you leave the highway corridor or drive behind hills and volcanic tablelands.