For an idyllic vacation in a rural retreat that feels like a private slice of paradise, you won't want to miss a trip to California's Crowley Lake Campground.
Crowley Lake Campground sits near to Bishop, California. A Bureau of Land Management property, this camping facility provides incredible views of the popular Crowley Lake and the Glass Mountains. Located to the west of the campground is the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a breathtaking sight to behold. The landscape at this popular recreational area is diverse and consists of rolling hills, immense tree cover, rich canyons, and mountainous terrain.
Water recreation is a favorite attraction at Crowley Lake Campground. The waters found here teem with many different varieties of fish and draw anglers from all across the country. Both lake and stream fishing are beloved activities here. Other water sports enjoyed at Crowley Lake Campground include boating and windsurfing.
But it's not just the lakes and streams that are a powerful pull at Crowley Lake Campground. Many families frequent the grounds time and again to enjoy such outdoor recreation as horseback riding, hiking, and the viewing of wildlife. The grounds are so picturesque that many families love to spend a day meandering the property in search of the perfect photo op.
Crowley Lake is located two miles away from the campground itself with the town of the same name close by as well. 10 miles away is the popular Mammoth Lakes, another wonderful outdoor recreational area worth a day's visit.
For an amazing vacation that'll leave you longing for more, consider a trip to Crowley Lake Campground. It's a fantastic spot for your next RV getaway!
Travel to Crowley Lake Campground follows a direct route primarily along a two-lane highway that is paved. Travelers should begin by following Highway 395 until they reach the exit for Crowley Lake. This exit will lead towards the west, passing through a small rural community. At the sign for Crowley Lake Drive, travelers should make a right-hand turn and continue along the road for approximately two miles. A sign will denote the entrance to the campground.
Crowley Lake Drive is a narrow two-lane paved road that cuts through a wide swath of desert. On occasion, wildlife will enter the road, so motorists must be alert and drive with caution to avoid an accident.
The route is surrounded by incredible views of the mountain ranges. Travelers should be prepared to stop simply to enjoy the scenery and take some photos en route to the campground.
Parking is available via a gravel lot found at the entrance to the campground. Vehicle parking is also permitted at the campsites.
Big Meadow Campground offers RV and tent camping by reservation between June and September each year. This camping facility is found just outside Fresno in Sequoia National Forest. The campsites are at an extremely high elevation at a total height of 7,500 feet.
There are 43 individual campsites on the grounds as well as one that is suitable for group camping. Each of the campsites is furnished with a picnic table and a fire pit.
Vault toilets are housed on the grounds for public use.
The most popular activities at Big Meadow Campground include hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and hiking.
There are no power hookups available at this beloved camping facility. The on-site amenities include food storage units and satellite TV access.
Pets are permitted on the grounds but must remain leashed.
Tuff Campground offers RV and tent camping by reservation between the months of April and October each year. This camping facility is located in the heart of the Sierra Mountains range adjacent to Rock Creek. The campsites sit at an elevation of 7,000 feet.
This campground is medium in size and is laid out in three distinct loops. This allows the campsites to offer various different views including some of the water and others at the foot of rock structures which provide more exposure to the sun.
Small trailers and RVs have a small space dedicated specifically for them.
It is important to note that all roads in the campground are comprised of gravel.
Firewood can be purchased on the grounds, and there is also a small convenience store that sells snacks, drinks, and other supplies.
The most popular activities here include fishing, hiking and the viewing of wildlife.
Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed.
Laws Railroad Museum, situated just outside Bishop, offers families the opportunity to experience life in the region in the 1900s. The mission of the museum is to preserve memorabilia and the buildings which featured prominently in the community during pioneer times.
Though some of the buildings were originally housed on the grounds, others were transported from other cities in Owens Valley to their current resting place. There are over 50 large-scale artifacts in total which take pride of place on 11 acres of property. One of the most popular pieces is what is referred to as "Slim Princess engine No. 9." This important former railway artifact rests adjacent to the Laws Railroad station. It is still connected to the boxcars and caboose it accompanied when first built. The original oil and water tanks can also be seen on the premises.
The rail system began operations in the region in 1883. Its last trek occurred in 1960. In 1964, the Bishop Museum and Historical Society was founded with the intent of preserving the remaining artifacts from the Laws Railroad years.
Today, Laws Railroad Museum is a California Historical Landmark.
For more information about hours of operation and tours, contact the museum's website.
White Mountains Wilderness Area is a popular place for families looking to enjoy outdoor recreation during their RV stay. The White Mountains bear the distinction of being one of the tallest and most immense ranges on the continent. Their elevation is quite impressive, reaching over 14,000 feet at their highest point.
The property is home to Cottonwood Creek, a body of water that has been declared one of America's National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Nestled within the heart of the Great Basin, this stream is a lone source of water in the heart of this desert locale.
White Mountains Wilderness Area is home to over 1,000 different varieties of unusual plant life. One of the most prominent trees found here is the bristlecone pine, a variety that is now quite rare and is considered to be ancient in origin.
There are many species of wildlife commonly seen here as well, including such creatures as desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer.
There is no public transportation available to Crowley Lake Campground due to its remote location.
Crowley Creek Campground is a popular camping facility with incredible views for RV and tent campers to enjoy. There are 47 campsites in total. Reservations are recommended; however, dry campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis from April through November.
There are several RV sites that offer full power and water hookups. They are surrounded by shade trees, affording families privacy. Dispersed camping is also available on the grounds.
Among the most popular activities at Crowley Creek Campground are hiking, fishing, and water sports.
Each campsite is complete with a fire pit and a picnic table. Several pull-through sites are available.
The on-site amenities include a waste disposal station, bathrooms with vault toilets, and drinking water.
Pets are permitted on the grounds but must remain leashed.
Yosemite National Park is a destination hotspot for many RV campers visiting the region. A property that was once home to American Indians as long as 10,000 years ago, Yosemite National Park is immensely beautiful to behold. Its landscape is characterized by large expanses of untouched wilderness, impressive cliff faces, and an air of serenity and peace.
The area was once home to pioneers who traveled to California at the first hint of the 1850 gold rush. Many were successful in their dreams of gold while others returned home emptyhanded.
Over time, interest in the region increased, with tourists traveling to the region on horseback to explore the treasures they had heard of in stories. Since the area is full of wildlife, finding a ready food source was not problematic for these early visitors. The region was well stocked with such animals as deer, fish, and bear.
The year 1890 saw Yosemite declared a National Park.
It is estimated that four million people make the trek to Yosemite National Park each year. Among the most popular recreational activities found here are hiking, rock climbing, camping, photography, and the viewing of wildlife.
Mammoth Lakes is a must-see destination on a trip to Crowley Lake Campground. Named for the sheer magnitude of the surrounding mountain ranges, Mammoth Lakes is also home to a large array of lakes which boast incredibly clear waters.
The scenery found at Mammoth Lakes is the stuff of dreams. This is one destination where having a camera on hand is an absolute must.
In the fall months, Mammoth Lakes is particularly beautiful to behold. The trees in the region change their leaves to a cornucopia of rich colors, providing a beautiful backdrop for family photos.
There are many outdoor attractions for families to enjoy here including hiking, horseback riding, and mountain climbing. During the winter months, such sports as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and ice fishing are the name of the game.
The first hint of snow typically occurs in mid-October.
Inyo National Forest consists of two million acres of property, making it the perfect place for families that love to explore. This popular recreational attraction boasts of such incredible sights as Mount Whitney, Mono Lake, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
The forest is found in Eastern Sierra region of California. The terrain is earmarked by such stunning topographical features as immense azure-colored skies, crystal clear lakes, vigorous hiking trails, and much more.
The forest takes its name from a Native American term which translates to "dwelling place of the great spirit." The handle was applied by the locals as a means to reflect the mountainous terrain characterizing the region.
Inyo National Forest is so large that it has been separated into two sections referred to as the North and the South. There are seven wilderness areas scattered throughout the grounds, many of which permit camping year-round.
The most popular activities found on the grounds include hiking, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, and backpacking.
A visit to Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center offers families the opportunity to see the area from a different vantage point. This property pays homage to the people that once made the Owens Valley their home. The museum is dedicated to preserving the culture, tradition, and history of the Paiute and Shoshone people groups that once dwelled on the land.
Found on exhibit are environmental displays, local memorabilia, and media presentations. There is also a beautiful garden and walking trail located in the dedicated open area on the grounds.
At the end of the tour, families can stop by the gift shop to purchase souvenirs including items created by local artisans.
The museum was founded in 1978.
For more information about hours of operation, tours, and any associated fees, contact the museum's website.
