How much does camping cost at Horton Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Horton Creek Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Horton Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Horton Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Horton Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Horton Creek Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Horton Creek Campground?

Horton Creek Campground is open Open May through October.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Horton Creek Campground?

Horton Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Horton Creek Campground?

Cell phone service at Horton Creek Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Horton Creek Campground have?

Horton Creek Campground has 49 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Horton Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Horton Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Horton Creek Campground?

Horton Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Horton Creek Campground

3.64

53 reviews

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,039 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May through Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bishop Field Office - Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,039 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May through Oct...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bishop Field Office - Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Horton Creek Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Horton Creek Campground: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

760-872-5000null

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Campground Map

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Horton Creek Campground

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Nearby places

Bishop (12 miles, approximately 20-minute drive)

Weather at Horton Creek Campground

Current alert: fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. | fire restrictions or call the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000.

Best Time to Camp at Horton Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best wildlife-viewing opportunities — daytime highs typically sit in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (13–24°C) with crisp nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (1–8°C). The creek is lower and clearer, late-season light highlights granite faces, and the campground is noticeably quieter after the summer rush, making it ideal for photography, birding, and relaxed hikes. Be aware that fall hunting seasons occur in the region, so wear bright clothing and keep an Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as most comfortable: mild days, crisp nights, lower creek and active wildlife.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open May through October.

About Horton Creek Campground

Horton Creek Campground sits in the Alabama Hills near Bishop, operated by the Bureau of Land Management's Bishop Field Office. This mid-elevation forest campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, a dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, creek proximity, and unobstructed views of the Eastern Sierras, though the site offers limited shade and can experience high winds.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best wildlife-viewing opportunities — daytime highs typically sit in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (13–24°C) with crisp nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (1–8°C). The creek is lower and clearer, late-season light highlights granite faces, and the campground is noticeably quieter after the summer rush, making it ideal for photography, birding, and relaxed hikes. Be aware that fall hunting seasons occur in the region, so wear bright clothing and keep an Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5039 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe eastern face of the Sierra Nevada fills the western skyline, granite peaks rising abruptly from the high desert floor. Horton Creek runs through the campground, a narrow ribbon of water that cuts through sparse desert vegetation. The landscape here sits in the rain shadow of the range, dry and open with scattered shrubs adapted to arid conditions. Sites offer direct views of the mountains, particularly striking at sunrise and sunset when the light hits the granite faces. The contrast is stark: desert terrain below, alpine summits above.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs was provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted; first-come, first-served basis only.

Site SizeMaximum recommended RV length is 30 feet. Sites are described as flat and spacious.

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 SitesChoose 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 CampsitesReviews mention Campsite #2 for its quiet location near the creek and Campsite #18 for ambiance. Sites are spaced out across the long, narrow layout, so most offer decent separation despite the open terrain.

Amenities available

Horton Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities including 49 RV/tent sites, four pull-through trailer spaces, fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern holders. The campground features potable water and a dump station available for a $10 fee. There are no electrical or water hookups, and the closest amenities are located 12 miles south in Bishop. User reviews frequently highlight the clean bathrooms and the presence of a creek nearby for ambiance. One review states, 'Tables, fire pits, and bathrooms were clean,' while another mentions, 'The toilets are kept clean.'

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Pit toilets are provided, and reviews indicate they are clean and well-maintained.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.6

53 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Horton Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 53 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 53 reviews

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 53 reviews

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 53 reviews

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 53 reviews

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 53 reviews

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 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.

Based on 53 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mentioned experiences related to pets or pet policies.

Based on 53 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want clean facilities and mountain views at an affordable rate and don't need shade cover.

Skip if

You're tent camping in windy conditions or need shaded sites during warm weather.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.6

(50)

Horton Creek Campground

Horton Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Bishop, California, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors come for Sierra views, creek access, and fall foliage along cottonwood-lined banks, with hiking, biking, and fishing nearby.