Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

Star3.76
86 reviews

Quick Facts

4,505 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Pleasant Valley Pit Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Exact fee for all sites is $5 per night, payable through Scan and Pay. Discounts available for military pass, Interagency Senior Lifetime Pass...
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Standard Site Fee$5.00
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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
760-872-5000
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What Campers Say

3.76

Mixed Reviews

Based on 86 reviews

65 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanhiking

"Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is widely regarded as a clean, affordable, and scenic option for camping, but it lacks many amenities like water and electricity. It is popular with climbers and outdoor enthusiasts and is described as offering a "mellow, off-the-grid vibe.""

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Campground Map

Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

37.4010, -118.5110

Driving directionsTravel 8.5 miles north on U.S. Highway 395 from Bishop, turn right on Pleasant Valley Dam Road, go 0.5 miles and turn left following signs to the campground.
"A bit rough but we managed to handle it with our rental van." - User Review by Ingyin. "The road going in... will shake your fillings out. Dirt road with rocks embedded & sticking up." - User Review by Eric Gossger.
Nearby places
Bishop (12 miles south)
Nearby supplies
The closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are located 12 miles south in Bishop.

Best Time to Camp at Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

Winter transforms Pleasant Valley Pit into a crisp wonderland, where crystal-clear skies dominate nearly 78% of the season, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities. Snow graces the landscape sparingly, appearing only about 7% of the time, while gentle breezes averaging just 3 mph whisper through camp. The absence of shade structures makes this an ideal cool-weather destination, where autumn, winter, and early spring provide the most comfortable camping conditions. Summer visitors should prepare for the desert's intensity, making early morning and evening hours perfect for outdoor activities.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Desert heat and no potable water make summer less comfortable despite recreational access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Reviewers prefer cooler weather; fall cited as more pleasant for camping and activities.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely favorable for hiking and milder temps; reviewers note cooler seasons are preferred.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with clear winter skies and snow on nearby peaks; winter camping possible with prep.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak pricing dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

Nestled in the high desert landscape, Pleasant Valley Pit Campground beckons adventurers with 75 thoughtfully spaced sites perfect for both RV enthusiasts and tent campers. Each site comes equipped with the camping essentials—a fire pit for evening gatherings, a sturdy picnic table for al fresco dining, and convenient lantern holders that illuminate your outdoor living space. This rustic retreat embraces simplicity, offering a genuine back-to-nature experience without hookups or water connections. The nearest supplies await 12 miles south in the charming town of Bishop, so come prepared for self-sufficient camping. Rock climbers particularly cherish this peaceful haven, where the quiet ambiance allows the sounds of nature to take center stage.
Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is a basic, first-come, first-served facility catering to RVs, tents, and climbers. It offers a low-cost dry camping experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping longer than 14 days prohibited without Bishop Field Office Manager's written permission. Maximum annual stay across all Bishop Field Office campgrounds is 28 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is particularly popular among climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for its proximity to Bishop and nearby recreational areas. Activities include hiking, climbing, and general outdoor exploration. "Incredible views of the mountains" were frequently mentioned.
HikingCampground provides good access to hiking destinations including Happy Boulders and Lower Owens River. Nearby trails offer scenic views of mountains and surrounding landscapes.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in nearby areas like the Owens River, as noted by reviewers who enjoy the proximity and easy access.
BikingBiking is mentioned as a potential activity in user reviews.
Wildlife viewingReviewers highlight the presence of wildlife and scenic desert landscapes.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods. "Bring your dude wipes or baby wipes to clean up with," as there's no running water.
Active Alertsfire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. | fire restrictions or call the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pleasant Valley Pit Campground

Reviews

3.8
86 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Pleasant Valley Pit Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is widely regarded as a clean, affordable, and scenic option for camping, but it lacks many amenities like water and electricity. It is popular with climbers and outdoor enthusiasts and is described as offering a "mellow, off-the-grid vibe."
Review Summaries
Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, scenic mountain views, proximity to climbing and hiking spots, a recycling program, and affordability at $5 per night. Many reviewers praised the...
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Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough dirt access road, lack of potable water, limited privacy between sites, and occasional road noise. Seasonal wind and the presence of power lines were minor...
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Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and supplies due to the lack of on-site amenities. They also suggest arriving early to secure a spot, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis....
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Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight cooler weather as preferable for camping, with some mentioning hotter temperatures in October and windiness during certain seasons. Winter camping is possible but may require...
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Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground is amazing! Inexpensive, clean, recycle cans, book trade box, with gorgeous mountains view." - Thais Albernaz. "Inexpensive, very scenic, and the toilets are clean! The only thing is...
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Based on 86 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground includes 75 sites. Some reviewers mentioned preferred spots closer to the camp host or further from the road to avoid noise.
Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not explicitly available; no specific accommodations for disabilities are mentioned.
Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No explicit reviews regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features are provided.
Based on 86 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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