Pleasant Valley Pit Campground
4.3124 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
75 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
75 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPleasant 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
Total Campsite Fees$5.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-872-5000
What Campers Say
4.31
Recommended
Based on 24 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.""
Fees & Passes at Pleasant Valley Pit Campground
$5/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
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.
Cancellation: No refunds, modifications, or cancellations allowed under the Scan and Pay system, similar to fee tu...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsWinter 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.
ElevationNo elevation data explicitly provided.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in nature's amphitheater, where the legendary Alabama Hills create a dramatic foreground to the towering Sierra Nevada peaks. This breathtaking panorama has captured countless hearts, with visitors marveling at the ever-changing canvas of light and shadow across the mountains. As one enchanted camper, Jeff Bennett, perfectly captured: 'Couldn't beat the view of the Sierras with a new snow on them.' From sunrise alpenglow to sunset's golden hour, the scenery here transforms moment by moment, offering photographers and nature lovers an endless feast for the eyes.
Geological RegionSet within the iconic Alabama Hills, Pleasant Valley Pit occupies one of California's most cinematically famous landscapes. This remarkable geological wonderland showcases weathered granite formations that contrast beautifully with the jagged Sierra Nevada skyline. The unique desert-meets-mountain ecosystem creates a diverse tapestry where ancient rock formations tell stories millions of years in the making. This distinctive terrain, where Hollywood westerns once brought cowboys to life, now invites modern explorers to create their own adventures among the sculptured stones and sweeping vistas.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground supports a maximum RV length of 30 feet. Sites are described as flat and spacious by users.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited, with some reviewers mentioning a lack of separation between campsites.
Total Campsites75 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Nice, clean campsite for a nominal fee. Incredible views of the mountains." - Daniel Loudenback.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
No group sites are specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are flat, equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern holders. "Not much separation between campsites." - Kayre Axe.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay through Recreation.gov mobile app. No advance reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. "This is a Scan and Pay campground. Campsites may not be reserved in advance but may only be reserved once you are physically on-site."
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, or cancellations allowed under the Scan and Pay system, similar to fee tube payments.
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.
Hiking
Campground provides good access to hiking destinations including Happy Boulders and Lower Owens River. Nearby trails offer scenic views of mountains and surrounding landscapes.Climbing
Climbing 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.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby areas like the Owens River, as noted by reviewers who enjoy the proximity and easy access.Biking
Biking is mentioned as a potential activity in user reviews.Wildlife viewing
Reviewers highlight the presence of wildlife and scenic desert landscapes.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, though the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are described.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- California Campfire Permit not required for fires within established fire rings. Restrictions during high fire danger periods.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal 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.
Weather at Pleasant Valley Pit Campground
39
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
For emergencies, call 911 or contact the Inyo County Sheriff at (760) 873-7887. Mono County Sheriff can also be reached at (760) 932-7549.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak pricing dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins and recycling bins are available on-site. Reviewers appreciated the presence of a recycling program and trash facilities: "They have trash bins, recycling bins."
Proximity to water featuresNo water features nearby.
Common complaints"The road going in... will shake your fillings out." - Eric Gossger. "Not much shade here if you're camping in the heat." - Kayre Axe.
Host"Kim the host is amazingly nice and helpful. She has a good heart and is super nice." - Jorge Salas.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
24 reviews
Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 24 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...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
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 24 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not explicitly available; no specific accommodations for disabilities are mentioned.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No explicit reviews regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features are provided.
Based on 24 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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