Horton Creek Campground

Star3.73
50 reviews

Quick Facts

5,039 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May - October.

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management 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
Horton Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10 per night for RV or tent sites. Dump station fee: $10. No passes accepted for dump station.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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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Provider
760-872-5000BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

3.73

Mixed Reviews

Based on 50 reviews

45 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

noise

"The campground is generally well-regarded for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and peaceful ambiance. However, its lack of shade and exposure to wind are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Horton Creek Campground

37.3800, -118.5780

Driving directionsTravel 8.5 miles north on U.S. Highway 395 from Bishop to Sawmill Road and turn left, take an immediate right onto South Round Valley Road and travel 3 miles, campground is on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with no seasonal closures mentioned. The route involves straightforward turns from U.S. Highway 395.
Nearby places
Bishop, CA (12 miles south, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest amenities are in Bishop, CA, 12 miles south, including groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Horton Creek Campground

Summer arrives with intensity at Horton Creek, bringing warm days and refreshing desert breezes that whisper through the sparse landscape. The limited natural shade creates an authentic high desert experience, where campers learn to follow the sun's rhythm. Spring and fall offer gentler temperatures, while seasonal fire restrictions during peak summer months remind visitors of the delicate balance between recreation and conservation in this arid wonderland. Pack layers for cool evenings and sun protection for those brilliant desert days.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer can be very hot and windy; limited shade reduces comfort in peak heat.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall cited as popular with moderate weather and good conditions for visiting.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring noted as popular for moderate weather; favorable visiting season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–October; winter not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May - October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May - October.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during high fire danger periods.

About Horton Creek Campground

Escape to Horton Creek Campground, where 49 thoughtfully spaced sites await beneath the vast desert sky. This first-come, first-served gem welcomes both tent campers and RV adventurers with four convenient pull-through spaces, each site complete with fire pit, picnic table, and lantern holder for those starlit evenings. Fresh potable water and a dump station ensure comfort in this remote setting, while the authentic off-grid experience places you 12 miles from Bishop's shops and services—just far enough to truly disconnect and breathe in the high desert air.
Horton Creek Campground is suited for RV and tent camping. It also accommodates primitive camping setups and allows group stays, though details on group limits are sparse.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
  • Camping for a period longer than 14 days at any one campground is prohibited
  • not to exceed 28 days per calendar year for all Bishop Field Office campgrounds.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Horton Creek Campground caters to a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, and general outdoor recreation. Seasonal limitations may apply to some activities such as hunting and fishing.
HikingThe campground offers access to the Horton Creek Nature Trail, as shown in the authoritative image gallery.
FishingFishing is allowed on BLM-managed lands with proper California state licensing. No specific fishing spots or fish species are detailed.
BikingNo specific biking trails are mentioned, but the campground is open to multiple uses, which may include biking.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's natural setting, including its proximity to a creek and views of the Sierras, offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high winds and exposure to hot conditions due to limited shade. Wildlife encounters are not explicitly mentioned.
Active Alertsfire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. | fire restrictions or call the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000. | Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during high fire danger periods.

Weather at Horton Creek Campground

Reviews

3.7
50 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Horton Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally well-regarded for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and peaceful ambiance. However, its lack of shade and exposure to wind are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

- Beautiful views of the Sierras - Clean and well-maintained bathrooms - Quiet and peaceful ambiance - Flat, spacious, and well-spread-out sites - Proximity to a creek - Affordable at $10 per night
Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

- Limited to no shade - Windy conditions at times - Sparse on-site amenities (e.g., no showers, no store)
Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring extra rocks for tent guylines due to windy conditions. - Stay at shaded sites if available (fewer than three sites have trees). - Campers should consider visiting in cooler seasons to avoid...
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Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer months can be very hot and windy, making it less ideal. Spring and fall are popular for their moderate weather.
Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Stayed here many times. Great base for the Bishop area. Very peaceful place and the toilets are kept clean." - Robert Vincent 2. "Beautiful- and SO quiet! I wasn’t next to the creek, I grabbed...
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Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 received specific praise for its quiet setting. Other users noted larger sites suitable for RVs and trailers, though wind and lack of shade can impact comfort.
Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed reviews focused on accessibility, but the flat terrain and spaced-out sites may offer some ease of use.
Based on 50 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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