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I will be climbing at Owens, Clark and several of the bouldering areas near Bishop. The guide book for Owens lists a bunch of camping spots, but I didn't get much of a sense of what any of them were like.

Anyone ever get out that way? If so, and have any camping beta to share I would appreciate your input.

I am interested in:
* proximity to Owens
* Is tent/camp relatively safe when climbers are away during the day?
* water
* setting

From what I understand most campsites do not have showers. That is ok, as we will try to hit Little Hot Creek as much as we can.

Also, how safe is your parked car when climbing down in Owens?

camp at the pit,

i think it is a buck a night and always full of climbers

they can give you all the beta you need.

I lived in the pit for a few months a year a few years in a row.

Think miguels, but no restaurant.

owens is 15 mintues away by car, the happy and sads about 12, the milks about 20 and the druids about 20 plus the 45 minute uphill hike. killer area though.

there is no water but there is some in town and at the pay campground in the valley below the pit.

camping in the buttermilks is nice if you want setting but it will be cold, empty, and there is no water there either.

never had a problem with theft or vandalism in all my time in bishop and surrounding areas. we left our site full of stuff all the time. still don't leave your ipod out for some one to snag.

I liked the pit too. Beautiful scenery, cool people, cheap.

I've got a nice picture of the campsite around here somewhere, I'll post it if I find it.
We left our stuff up during the day and all was well. We camped in the area just below the happys...I guess it's state park type land? and that was nice too, just more campers and fishers than climbers. People with RVs and stuff. More expensive too.
Have fun!

I think I camped somehwere near the buttermilks. This was about 4 yrs ago.

The pit lately has been taken over by loud asses in RVs blasting country music!! Seems like most climbers are in the buttermilks. No water in either!

I second what merrick posted.

Addition: I have been known to render myself unable to drive at a watering hole in Bishop & end up sleeping in a public parking lot, in the back of the pickup. A side bonus is that you wake up and are close to the 'Great Basin Bakery,' with yummy, effective, socially conscious coffee & amazing pizza bagels.

Thanks for all the input. I am there now. The pit is a bit raw for me. We have been staying at Horton Creek (tables, toilets, simple).

Sorry it's a bit late, but here's the beta we found when we were there this summer. FYI, data in the ORG guidebook is a bit old as to prices.

Pinion - just up the road from ORG. No designated sites, no pit toilets, no charge. It was pretty up there, and quiet when we were there. Stuff was safe in the tent (we didn't leave any valuables though). Definitely the best out-there vibe and scenery but no water.

The rest are my fuzzy recollection (I don't have my notes anymore)
Pleasant Valley (climbers campground I think) - Right near the tableland bouldering areas (sad's, happy's, etc). pit toilet, just a handful of sites. $10-15

Horton Creek - Across 395 from Pleasant Valley and up towards ORG a bit. No longer free (least when we were there) Managed by USFS if I recollect and they had water and pit toilets. Lots of sites. No shade really. $15?

Millpond - closer to Bishop, and on the West side of 395. Plush, RV's mostly, but they have pay showers, running water, etc. Most expensive of the bunch at around $20.

If you need more I can try to find my notes. Have a blast climbing ORG...if only the approach were less painful, scree sucks.
-Dale

wow that $15 is a very is expensive for me


_________________
Pop up canopy

$5 showers at the laundry mat.

Camping in the Buttermilks is where you'll find me!