Fossil Falls Campground
BLM
Write a Review U.S. 395 Little Lake, CA 93542 760-384-5400 Official WebsiteGPS: 35.9763, -117.9139
Overview of Fossil Falls Campground
Last Price Paid: $6
Reported by camper-895390 on 1/3/2024
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by Livin the Dream on 11/6/2020
Number of Sites 11
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 3,313 ft / 1,009 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Fossil Falls Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-384-5400
LAFalcon asked on 10/18/2021
Is Fossil Falls Campground open year-round? Winter months? Thanks!
Reviews of Fossil Falls Campground 22 people have reviewed this location.
“Great spot right off the highway”
Reviewed 10/11/2019
Nightly rate: | $6 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 8 |
RV Length: | 18' (Travel Trailer) |
We managed to find a spot big enough to carefully squeeze our 38' fifth wheel into. Really nice weather in early October and hardly anyone out here. Probably wouldn't recommend in the summer though, unless you have AC. Paid $6 per night. Short walk to the Fossil Falls. We aren't bothered by the road noise, but I can see how some may no... more
We managed to find a spot big enough to carefully squeeze our 38' fifth wheel into. Really nice weather in early October and hardly anyone out here. Probably wouldn't recommend in the summer though, unless you have AC. Paid $6 per night. Short walk to the Fossil Falls. We aren't bothered by the road noise, but I can see how some may not like the proximity. Good cell service.
Adventure Endeavor would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Get a developed site or go find one”
Reviewed 7/27/2019
Nightly rate: | $8 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | NA |
RV Length: | 23' (Class B) |
Stayed here June 4-6, 2019. First night was in the developed campground, second night at a remote site south of First Dry Lake. I enjoyed both nights, especially the remote site. The developed campground ($8 per night) had some traffic, people running up or down 395 looking for a place to spend the night. Sites are decent and level wit... more
Stayed here June 4-6, 2019. First night was in the developed campground, second night at a remote site south of First Dry Lake. I enjoyed both nights, especially the remote site. The developed campground ($8 per night) had some traffic, people running up or down 395 looking for a place to spend the night. Sites are decent and level with table and fire pit. A bit rundown for a BLM site. The FREE remote site was dang spectacular. Level and lots of character. In amongst the old river walls the 395 noise was easily muted. Once in a lifetime fire pit. Easy hiking access to the falls, ancient river bed and dry lake. Daytime temps were mid-90s. No shade except what you bring. Peaceful place. Rated site quality a 4, the developed campground could use some attention. Rated noise a 3 because of 395 traffic noise, semis mostly.
oldmangranite would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Easy access ”
Reviewed 2/16/2019
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 0 |
RV Length: | 24' |
I pulled in here on a cold Feb night. The road in is natural material (not road gravel). The campground road was rough. Only 1 other camping group in the campground. I never saw a pay station. The sites are very primitive. Rain came the next morning so I left first thing. I wasn’t sure how the road was going to be in the rain. I will g... more
I pulled in here on a cold Feb night. The road in is natural material (not road gravel). The campground road was rough. Only 1 other camping group in the campground. I never saw a pay station. The sites are very primitive. Rain came the next morning so I left first thing. I wasn’t sure how the road was going to be in the rain. I will go back to explore there during better weather. It’s a good easy stop off of 395.
Tails from the Road would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great stopover spot”
Reviewed 10/14/2018
Nightly rate: | $6 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 7 |
We travel regularly between Tahoe and San Diego - this is just about halfway. In the Fall/Spring the lower elevation (3300ft.) keeps it a bit warmer than campgrounds north, and the lava terrain keeps most of the ATVs (and their incipient noise ) further south. Finally, being close to 395 makes it the perfect location for a stopover on ... more
We travel regularly between Tahoe and San Diego - this is just about halfway. In the Fall/Spring the lower elevation (3300ft.) keeps it a bit warmer than campgrounds north, and the lava terrain keeps most of the ATVs (and their incipient noise ) further south. Finally, being close to 395 makes it the perfect location for a stopover on the way. Senior parks pass and the cost is just $3/night.
Be sure to BYO Water - the pump is sometimes a bit iffy.
cynicalanddisgusted would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Jutted Road, Pump Water”
Reviewed 10/13/2018
Nightly rate: | $6 |
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Was headed to the boondocking site near here since we are in a 33’ 5th Wheel. Stopped in here to get a closer look at the maps another reviewer posted and top up our water for showers, which a reviewer mentioned there was water. The road in was flat but badly jutted which made towing slow and bumpy. When we got to the camping area turn... more
Was headed to the boondocking site near here since we are in a 33’ 5th Wheel. Stopped in here to get a closer look at the maps another reviewer posted and top up our water for showers, which a reviewer mentioned there was water. The road in was flat but badly jutted which made towing slow and bumpy. When we got to the camping area turnoff, a sign said, “No oversized vehicles.” We went in anyway to get water and found an old fashioned pump with no way to hook up our modern hose. The maps were gone. The roads into the campsites had super ragged, sharp volcanic rock imbedded in the “road.” We backed out. Sponge bath tonight. :)
The boondocking spots were better.
BYO water. Haha
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great BLM Campground”
Reviewed 6/3/2018
Nightly rate: | $6 |
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Days stayed: | 5 |
Site Number: | 7 |
This campground is just about a mile or so off Route 395 in California. Easy access and was not crowded at all when I was there. There are large sites for larger RVs and an area for vans, truck campers or cars. A hike to the falls is a definite must - it's amazing how nature formed volcanic rocks into smooth sculptures.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Interesting campground surrounded by volcanic rock – fun to look at but watch out, it’s sharp!”
Reviewed 5/7/2018
Nightly rate: | $6 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 8 |
RV Length: | 33' |
I really wanted to love Fossil Falls campground, but I can’t say our experience was that pleasant. I’d give this campground only 2 stars for big rigs and 3 for smaller units. Other reviewers had warned of the sharp rocks and they weren’t lying. There are only a few spaces that will easily accommodate larger rigs (say anything over 25 f... more
I really wanted to love Fossil Falls campground, but I can’t say our experience was that pleasant. I’d give this campground only 2 stars for big rigs and 3 for smaller units. Other reviewers had warned of the sharp rocks and they weren’t lying. There are only a few spaces that will easily accommodate larger rigs (say anything over 25 feet). As we tried to maneuver into a tight space, one of those sharp volcanic rocks the area is known for snagged our right rear dual and punctured the sidewall. We opted to limp into the more accessible space #8 and gave Coachnet a call. Huge props to them, within a few hours we had a service person on site with a shiny new shoe for the short bus. While Coachnet covered the service call, we still ended up paying about 100 times the $6 fee. Ouch.
Each site has a picnic table and firepit. Some of the spaces are tucked up next to the rocks, others are more out in the open. There are pit toilets and a hand pump for water. The short hike to the Fossil Falls is interesting and well worth doing.
What really clinched it for us was the noise. The nearby gravel pit was in full operation and at 4:30 in the morning huge trucks were rattling right past the campground. Not a pleasant wake-up call. We would most likely look for other accommodations in the future.
We had 2 bars of Verizon 4G.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Gem of a BLM spot with unique landscape and stunning views!”
Reviewed 4/10/2018
Nightly rate: | $3 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 4 |
We stopped to just check out the Fossil Falls and decided to stay. We have a class a 35 ft with a tow vehicle and we carefully made it down the road. So beautiful that we decided to stay the night before heading to Lone Pine. We stayed in site 4 which is large enough to turn around in without unhooking our vehicle. Got a bit windy and ... more
We stopped to just check out the Fossil Falls and decided to stay. We have a class a 35 ft with a tow vehicle and we carefully made it down the road. So beautiful that we decided to stay the night before heading to Lone Pine. We stayed in site 4 which is large enough to turn around in without unhooking our vehicle. Got a bit windy and hi temp was 85 but it was tolerable and didn’t turn on AC. Fun and picturesque hiking. Beautiful clouds and sunset. We have a senior pass so only cost $3. We saw only hikers and one other camper on April 10, 2018. Great Verizon signal of 3 bars LTE and ATT 2 bars LTE.
SeaGirl56 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Hwy 395 Jewel for lava field exploration”
Reviewed 3/31/2018
Nightly rate: | $3 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 1 and 7 |
RV Length: | 35' (Class A) |
As we read previous reviews, we acknowledged that camping at Fossil Falls during certain times of the year and the size of your rig will definitely impact the quality of your stay. But to say this campground is are hardly worth $6.00 per night is extreme...come on...you pay that for a Latte at Starbucks and the small amount of funds re... more
As we read previous reviews, we acknowledged that camping at Fossil Falls during certain times of the year and the size of your rig will definitely impact the quality of your stay. But to say this campground is are hardly worth $6.00 per night is extreme...come on...you pay that for a Latte at Starbucks and the small amount of funds received supports BLM's efforts to maintain it. We paid only $3.00 per night with our National Pass.
We were here in late March in a 25' motorhome and there were only two other campers sharing this unique campground. The road in is indeed rocky, but should not present a problem with the ground clearance of any vehicle. We saw a Prius drive through the campground with no problem. You will be fine if you are conscious, drive slow and avoid any rocks.
There are two Loops within the campground, A and B. Although it is indicated on Loop B "No RV or Trailer Access", if you have a small Class B or C, you can fit in any sites. Site 1 was our favorite for the expansive views of the lava fields and access to the trail to the falls. Sites 4, 5, 6 and 8 can easily accommodate a larger motorhome or fifth wheel and if you take the second left on the access road, you don't have to drive all the way around the campground. Spacing is good between each of the 11 campsites, with many being divided by mounds of lava rock.
Each campsite was very clean, hardly any broken glass on the ground and featured a picnic table and fire pit, which were also free of cans and bottles. The one vault toilet was clean and stocked full of toilet paper. There is a water pump located near the pay station, but we did not even try it out as we came prepared for 10 days of boondocking and had plenty of water with us. We did experience heavy wind each day, but parked with our nose into it and had no problems. The wind died down in the evening, enabling us to grill, dine and have a campfire. But just as the wind can be a downer to some, it is the awe of nature to others. We love it!
The views from Fossil Falls are awesome. You have the Eastern Sierra peaks to the west, Red Hill cinder cone to the north and the lava fields dotted with green sagebrush and wildflowers everywhere else. And than you have Fossil Falls itself, you can spend hours hiking down the around those beautiful lava rocks. A very worthwhile stop for a night or two for those heading up Highway 395.
Michael & Imkelina would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great little overnight spot”
Reviewed 3/9/2018
Nightly rate: | $3 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 5 |
RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
The road in is very rocky, but not really a problem if you take it slow. To avoid some rocks, take the second left off of Fossil Falls Access Road. It will take you to sites 4-8. Our site 5 was a pull through and we were lucky enough to be level both front to back and side to side. The advantage of this campground is that we didn’t hav... more
The road in is very rocky, but not really a problem if you take it slow. To avoid some rocks, take the second left off of Fossil Falls Access Road. It will take you to sites 4-8. Our site 5 was a pull through and we were lucky enough to be level both front to back and side to side. The advantage of this campground is that we didn’t have to unhook to explore the lava fall. And we had great ATT service.
AlVie AlBums would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Land Cruising Adventure: Fossil Falls | BLM Campground | California
This is a small campground right off Route 395 in the Eastern Sierra Mountains in California. Volcanic rock and typical desert flora make up the scenery, as well as the mountains off in the dist...
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BlaNicS Waypoints: Getaway to the Gateway...Fossil Falls
“The love of wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyong reach; it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth, the earth which bore us and sustains us, the only paradise we shall ev...
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- restrooms: vault
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Coso Junction Rest Area
There is no water available here. Spigots are all turned off.
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