Owens Gorge Road Dispersed Camping

It took a bit of driving on those dirt roads to get here, but I never mind that. This site was absolutely serene. Campsites are far from each other and I had to drive around to find my little spot because there is so much land to choose from. It was the most quiet spot I've found so far. The mountains were visible in the morning, but the smoke came in and washed them out at night and as the morning went on. I absolutely loved getting away from everything and everyone here.

Almost don’t want to share it cus it’s so good, but hoping respectful campers only will go. I camped back here in December after a lovely snow. I drive a Honda minivan, and there were times the clearance and snow traction was a little iffy, but we made it just fine by being careful. I’ve done my fair share of BLM camping, but this beat it all. Amazing location, it felt like my boyfriend and I had it all to ourselves. Lots of interesting things to see in the area like the lake and hot springs or local small towns (or you could head to Yosemite when the pass is open, or go skiing at the resort), but honestly was content for days to just explore our little world. I can’t remember our campsite number, but if you find it...enjoy the site we built!! One warning...when we were there a frightening air raid sounding siren went off and scared the pee out of us. I think it’s a volunteer fire dept. signal, but just be prepared and don’t fear!

The road in is packed sand and gravel, washboard in areas, but totally manageable for any 2wd vehicle. The side roads are where things get challenging. They're clearly marked as official forest roads, but don't appear to be created by anything more than vehicles driving over the brush. There're two tire tracks with plants growing in the middle. Actual cleared out camping spots are surprisingly few, given the space available, and a good rule to follow is if you constantly hear the brush scraping the bottom of your vehicle you're not likely on a road that leads to a campsite. The previous reviewers appeared to take a site in one of the first two roads on the left. I ventured a bit further and found a fantastic spot here, 37.62583261152409, -118.6811425.

The area has decent shade from the large pine trees, and plenty of sunlight. Typical brushy plants underfoot, and some pretty yellowing large grasses that were already on the way out in late May. Fauna consisted of the typical birds, lizards, and dozens upon dozens of chipmunks.

I couldn't find a reliable local weather station, and despite the slightly higher elevation than Mammoth Lakes, the daytime temperatures were about 5 degrees higher than their forecast. Evening temperatures were fairly accurate. Rain was less, and wind speeds were also less. Overall very nice.

It was incredibly quiet. In nearly two weeks time I counted no more than 5 vehicles drive past my site. The only downside was cellular coverage. I got about one bar each of T-Mobile and Verizon, boosted to about three, but even then it was very slow. I don't think you could consider it adequate to do any online work. Otherwise, a great experience all around.

I started on the other side of the main street (Benton Crossing Dispersed Camping) but it was too exposed and windy....this side has a ton of ATV roads with a few sites dispersed around....this spot is good for a couple rigs, the small road to get don is easy, keep in mind i have a Scamp so bigger rigs check it out first....2 nice shade trees, and rocks around to protect from the wind....and plenty of roads to drive and walk....the cell is not great, i used my booster and got by working full time...after too much desert time this was what i needed to hide away waiting out COVID!!