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.

What is the best time to visit Horton Creek Campground?

Horton Creek Campground is open Open May - 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

3.58

50 reviews

Top 24%Fall

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,039 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May - October.

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,039 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May - October.

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Horton Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-872-5000BLM_CA_Web_BI@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Horton Creek Campground

37.3800, -118.5780

Nearby places

Bishop, CA (12 miles south, approximately 20 minutes)

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 fullest access at Horton Creek — expect warm afternoons in the 60s–70s°F and crisp mornings dipping into the 30s–40s°F, ideal for all-day hiking, biking, and fishing. Creekside cottonwoods and small aspen pockets often show late-season gold in September and October, while crowds thin after Labor Day so the 49 sites feel pleasantly quiet. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals move through the creek corridor preparing for winter, and stable late-summ Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in US

Fall (Sept–Oct) cited as best: warm afternoons, crisp mornings and thinner crowds after Labor Day.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open May - October.

About 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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and fullest access at Horton Creek — expect warm afternoons in the 60s–70s°F and crisp mornings dipping into the 30s–40s°F, ideal for all-day hiking, biking, and fishing. Creekside cottonwoods and small aspen pockets often show late-season gold in September and October, while crowds thin after Labor Day so the 49 sites feel pleasantly quiet. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals move through the creek corridor preparing for winter, and stable late-summ Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5039 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 5,039 feet in high desert terrain where the Sierra Nevada drops into sage-dotted valleys. Horton Creek runs nearby, carving a corridor through the landscape. Views of the eastern Sierra's granite peaks dominate the skyline. Most sites lack tree cover. The openness means unobstructed mountain views and big sky, but also full exposure to the elements. A few cottonwoods and small aspen patches grow near the creek, showing gold in late September and October.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodging options are not mentioned, and the campground focuses on RV and tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned in the authoritative or user content.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; walk-up only.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed. However, user reviews do mention flat areas and well-spaced sites, which could be beneficial for some campers.

Site SizeThe campground offers 49 sites, including four pull-through spaces suitable for RVs up to 30 feet in length. Specific site numbers like #2 are also noted for their quietness.

PrivacyThe sites are largely open and spaced out, with limited shade. "The sites are largely in the open but spaced out." (User review by Kaitlyn Gibson).

Total Campsites49 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #2 is mentioned as being quiet and close enough to hear the creek but not see it. Sites with trees are limited to approximately three.

Best CampsitesSite #2 gets mentioned for its quiet setting. Sites closer to Horton Creek offer proximity to water and slightly more vegetation. Fewer than three sites have actual tree cover, so grab those early if shade matters to you.

Amenities available

Horton Creek Campground offers essential amenities for both RV and tent campers. Each of the 49 sites is equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, and a lantern holder. The campground provides potable water, though it does not include electricity, water, or sewer hookups. There are flush toilets available on-site, and a dump station is accessible for RVs for a $10 fee. Seasonal fire restrictions may limit the use of campfires. The closest store and other amenities are 12 miles south in Bishop.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

50 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

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

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...

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...

Based on 50 reviews