Brown's Owens River Campground

The Great Outdoors

Camp in an RV near Bishop and make the short drive west to the Hot Creek Geological Site, which encompasses a series of geysers where steaming hot water emerges from the earth’s surface. Soak up the impressive views across the sky-blue boiling pools and bubbling cauldrons from the parking lot, then follow the trail that leads down to the edge of the water, which can reach temperatures as high as 430 degrees Fahrenheit deep underground. Have your camera at the ready to capture one of the occasional geysers as boiling water is spurted into the air in what is a unique geological phenomenon. Directly south of Brown’s Owens River Campground is Crowley Lake, which was created in 1941 with the construction of the Long Valley Dam. It’s renowned as a trout fishing destination, with the largest brown trout lured here weighing in at 26 pounds. Rent a boat at the Crowley Lake Fish Camp to get out on the water and witness the strange columnar formations on the reservoir's eastern shore that resemble the petrified remains of dinosaur vertebra. Camping at Brown’s Owens River Campground is also a good base for visiting the Inyo National Forest, which comprises parts of the Sierra Nevada and the White Mountains. It encompasses the soaring peaks of Mount Whitney and Boundary Peak, as well as some of the oldest trees in the world within the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Witness the ancient bristlecone pine known as “Methuselah” that’s more than 4,800 years old and photograph the stunning reflections of Laurel Mountain on Convict Lake, then stretch your legs along part or all of the long-distance John Muir Trail. 

Exploring the City

Bishop campers can pick up grocery supplies in Mammoth Lakes, which lies just 20 minutes’ drive east of the RV park and is also home to a couple of gas stations if you need to fill up your RV rental. There are restaurants and cafes where you can dine out, as well as a pharmacy and hospital in case of an emergency. Mammoth Lakes serves as the gateway to the Devils Postpile National Monument and the impressive Rainbow Falls, as well as the Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas.While visiting Mammoth Lakes, take time to explore the Mammoth Museum at the Hayden Cabin, which details the local history in a 1920's log cabin. Old mining equipment, artwork, and cultural memorabilia are on display, offering an insight into the people and industries that have shaped the region. Also nearby is the Mammoth Ski Museum, which chronicles more than 500 years of skiing history. Settle in to watch a screening of Mammoth Dreams in the Pioneer Theater to learn about the founding of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, then browse the original paintings, photographs, and artifacts on display. Alternatively, spend a day exploring the city of Bishop, which was used as a film set for numerous Westerns starring John Wayne and Charlton Heston. It centers around a charming main street and the leafy recreational hub of Bishop City Park where you’ll find sports fields, cycling paths, and a duck-filled pond. Stop in at the Laws Railroad Museum, which preserves the remains of the Laws Railroad Depot and Slim Princes. It comprises a variety of authentic buildings that were relocated here from throughout the Owens Valley and now house exhibits that detail the gold mining history, blacksmithing industries, and newspaper publishers of the region. Take a step back in time to admire the period furnishings in the restored 1900 Ranch House and get up close to the Engine No. 9, with its train of boxcars and caboose. Whether you want to explore the natural wonders of the Sierra Nevada Mountains or the railway history of the Owens Valley, book an RV in Mono County and start planning your next vacation.