Free dispersed camping on BLM land, Volcanic Tableland sits about 10 minutes from Bishop via Casa Diablo Road. The gravel access road shows heavy washboarding that requires careful navigation, though most vehicles can make the drive. Multiple clearings provide camping spots with existing stone fire rings scattered throughout the area.
Campers spread across the tableland find considerable space between sites, creating natural privacy even during busier weekends. The high desert location brings strong winds and intense summer heat, while nights can turn surprisingly cold. Laura M. notes "even though most spots were taken the weekend we stayed there, everyone is so spread out that you still have silence and privacy." Wildlife includes rattlesnakes and scorpions, so checking gear left outside overnight becomes essential.
Rock climbing draws many visitors to the nearby Sad Boulders area, where ancient petroglyphs mark some formations. The tableland offers direct access to hiking trails and provides clear sightlines toward Bishop Valley, framed by the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. Cell service varies by carrier, with AT&T performing better than Verizon, while T-Mobile alternates between roaming and no service.
No amenities exist here beyond the fire rings. Campers must pack all water, food, and supplies while following pack-in, pack-out principles. Rangers patrol the area regularly, and restoration efforts require staying on established roads and camping areas. The location serves well as a waypoint for travelers or base camp for exploring campsites near Bishop. Andy V. confirms roads stay open year-round with "not too much noise and lots of stars."
This spot works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with primitive conditions and rough road access.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingVolcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping is located in California
Coordinates
37.42500733 N
118.42660397 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 4/3/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 11/19/25
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 11/19/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 49 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 57 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 19 min from Fresno, CA
- 6 hrs 2 min from Merced, CA
