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So the government shutdown has thrown a wrench in my plans. I'm driving north from the Bishop area tomorrow night, with a late start, wife and kid in tow, and we were hoping to crash for the night somewhere between Mammoth and Bridgeport, more or less. But I presume Forest Service campgrounds are no longer an option. Any suggestions? I don't need anything special, just somewhere to pitch a tent where I won't get hassled and that won't be too hard to find in the dark. We'd be willing to pay for a private campsite as long as it's somewhere that would let us in at 10PM or so.

Thanks for any suggestions!

There are a TON of dirt roads between Mammoth and Bridgeport, especially around Deadman Summit where you can find a place to park and pitch a tent away from the highway. Just look at Google maps. If you need amenities like restrooms and running water, this isn't apt to help you.

Yup. Tons of dirt roads. Browse around a bit on Google maps if you don't want to decide on the fly, helps to have a couple options if you arrive after dark. Basically head down any dirt road until you find a pullout. They are everywhere.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What they said.

I don't remember exactly where this was, but I know it was on some road south of Deadman Campground. A very typical spot in that beautiful region. Lots to explore if you have time. Bring plenty of water and a gas stove. I guess you won't be able to get a campfire permit. Oh well it's still a fun area to camp in and it's free.

Plenty of rambo camping right at the intersection of 395 and 120W. Also down 120E if you don't mind an extra 15 miles.

So, with the government shutdown, are there still rangers going around checking permits? If not, I think I kind of like this shutdown.

Thanks all! Glad to know the options are that abundant. We'll see where we end up!

Marcsoltan wrote:So, with the government shutdown, are there still rangers going around checking permits? If not, I think I kind of like this shutdown.

There were rangers before?

Oooops!

mrchad9 wrote:

Marcsoltan wrote:So, with the government shutdown, are there still rangers going around checking permits? If not, I think I kind of like this shutdown.

There were rangers before?

Oooops!

LOL

"Dispersed Camping" on USFS and BLM land is the way to go. For some reason Ca Campfire Permits are still available through the USDA on-line, after you take the idiot test:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/passes-permits/?cid=fsbdev3_059516

Marcsoltan wrote:So, with the government shutdown, are there still rangers going around checking permits? If not, I think I kind of like this shutdown.

Sounds like a good time to do Shasta without paying fifteen bucks!

in case you were just looking for a specific site without searching, just turn right onto bald mountain road north of Mammoth. plenty of quick sites 1 minute off 395 on the left side of the road mostly.

Hi Deb - good to meet you at iris slab a few weeks ago.

The forest service campground website is reporting the campgrounds are closed but some or maybe even most of the campgrounds are operated by private camp hosts who are not employees of the federal govt. We were told by one camp host from the Bishop Creek area that the CG he operates is business as usual unless/until a Ranger comes and locks the gate.

RickF wrote:The forest service campground website is reporting the campgrounds are closed but some or maybe even most of the campgrounds are operated by private camp hosts who are not employees of the federal govt. We were told by one camp host from the Bishop Creek area that the CG he operates is business as usual unless/until a Ranger comes and locks the gate.

Rick....Do you know what CG this is in the Bishop Creek area where the camp host operates?

The Rock Creek Canyon Campgrounds Facebook page states that all Rock Creek Canyon Campgrounds are closed as of 9:00 a.m. today.

https://www.facebook.com/RockCreekCanyon

A poster suggested to check here for campgrounds owned by Inyo County and not the Feds.:

Note: They are all lower elevation campgrounds and accessible from 395.

http://www.inyocountycamping.com