Reservations possible?
No
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Whether you are in the area to challenge yourself on Buttermilk Country's world-class bouldering or to enjoy day hikes through the open air of the high desert in the shadow of the Eastern Sierra, dispersed camping is one of the easiest options for accommodation. This unique geologic landscape is made of granitic quartz monzonite boulders that were spread out from past ancient glaciers that once reached down into the Owens River Valley from the Sierra.Though there are no amenities, restrooms, or trash facilities, the free access to abundant open space may be an ideal option for longer stays.

Camping is technically allowed anywhere on the area's public land, but please try to select an already impacted site. When conditions allow, campfires are fine so long as you have a campfire permit; note that the permit is also required to use a stove or a lantern. In order to help keep folks from unnecessarily hiking onto the fragile desert re-vegetation areas, volunteers have lined area trails with rocks. Please do your part and be mindful of staying on the trail, and please take your trash and waste with you. Whether you are here to climb or simply enjoy the desert scenery, Buttermilk Country makes a great place to camp in open land for free.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Free camping. Beautiful views of the Eastern Sierra. Near to world-class bouldering.

Cons

No amenities. No water.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Bureau of Land Management

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

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