The Pit … Is NOT The Pits – Affordable Camping Near Bishop

Are you looking for camping that’s near the world-class recreation of Bishop? Look no further than the Pleasant Valley Pit Campground. Just north of Bishop and only a half mile off Highway 395, this gorgeous and friendly campground is the perfect spot to base yourself when venturing into the Happy and Sad Boulders, Buttermilks, Owens River Gorge.

Why It’s Called The “Pit”

You would think that it’s called the “Pit” because the campground provides pit toilets. That in fact is not the case. Rather, the Pleasant Valley Campground is in an old gravel pit and thus its name. There are camping sites on two different levels. One section is in the old pit itself and another atop, giving incredible views of the Sierra.

What To Know

The ¼ mile gravel road to access the Pleasant Valley Pit Campground is an adventure. But once you make it, you’re rewarded with a high desert campground surrounded by majestic peaks. Well worth the effort especially for the price.

A Friendly Vibe

The most popular time for visitors to use this campground is during the winter months since it provides easy access to the climbing hotspots. As we alluded to above, it’s located in the high desert meaning the vegetation consists of sagebrush and rocky terrain.  It’s so popular for climbers that the Bishop Climbing Rangers host a “climber’s coffee” on winter weekends.

For only $5 per site without requiring reservations, the P.V. Pit Campground is the perfect spot to access world-class fishing, bouldering, and enjoying the views. If you’re a climber or just taking in the scenery of the Tablelands, you can’t go wrong. Looking for other campground options that are higher in the mountains or with a few amenities? Be sure to check out our camping homepage.