Press release

BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved new daily fees for overnight camping in developed campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra. The new fees will go into effect on July 21, 2017.

Photo courtesy Dave Kirk/BLM

Overnight camping and special amenity fees for developed campgroundsmanaged by the Bishop Field Office were last modified in 2005. Under the new fee schedule announced today, fees may be adjusted every two years in response to changing visitor use patterns and campground operating costs. Camping helps the BLM fulfill its multiple-use mission by connecting kids to public lands, which connects them to America’s natural and cultural heritage.

“The approved fee schedule establishes initial daily site and special amenity fee rates, as well as a fee rate range that may be changed in the future,” explained Bishop Field Manager Steve Nelson. “The intent of the fee rate range is to provide the flexibility needed to change fees if campground occupancy, special amenity use, or operation and maintenance costs either increase or decrease in the future.”

Initial site and amenity fees under the revised fee schedule will be:

* Fees are unchanged

Between 2010 and 2012, the BLM invested approximately $3.6 million to upgrade the five developed campgrounds managed by the Bishop Field Office. “The increased fee revenue will be used to maintain and further improve the visitor experience at these developed recreation sites,” says BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Sara Manley.

Daily permits are available at the campground entrance kiosks. The maximum daily permit stay limit is 14 days per calendar year per campground, with no more than 28 days total per calendar year, except under special permit. Interagency Senior Pass and Interagency Access Pass holders will receive a 50 percent discount on daily campground fees.

For more information regarding camping opportunities on public lands in the Eastern Sierra, please contact the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000.