Camping at the Pleasant Valley Pit

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To help defray operating expenses, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office is now charging a fee for camping overnight at the Pleasant Valley Pit Campground. The Campground, which serves winter visitors and is particularly popular with climbers visiting the area, is open from November to early May, has approximately 75 sites and is located .5 miles off of the Pleasant Valley Road.

BLM Bishop Field Office appreciates the cooperation of the local campers and climbers who have voluntarily supported PV Pit Winter Campground in the past through donations. The donations and appropriated dollars can no longer support the needed services that are provided at the campground. At PV Pit Campground this includes cleaning and maintenance of the toilet facility, law enforcement patrols, campground host staffing and periodic campsite clean-ups. Over 14,000 campers used Pleasant Valley Pit Winter Campground last season.

The mission of the fee program is to retain fee revenues to repair, improve and maintain recreation sites to quality standards, as well as to enhance delivery of recreation services related to visitor enjoyment. The BLM's goal is to use 100 percent of the fee revenues at the site where the fees are collected, therefore all campground revenue will be utilized at the campground and not sent to the general treasury.

Since 1998, BLM has spent over 10 thousand dollars of public dollars to construct parking for boulderers at the Sad Boulders, develop campsites at Pleasant Valley Pit, and contracted raptor studies as a result of bouldering use near nesting sites.

In 1999, the Access Fund generously contributed financial resources to support the campground and its facilities.  In 2001, the Access Fund again stepped up to the plate to support the Bureau and the climbing community by matching the Bureau's costs of campground maintenance and toilet maintenance.  They are also financially supporting cultural resource surveys of the Chalk Bluff area.  Kath Pyke of the Access Fund has been a major supporter of BLM's bouldering initiatives and is such a joy to work with.  These folks are pretty cool.  So please give Access Fund your support!!!

To enjoy your stay, please practice "Leave No Trace" techniques:

Camping: 

• Camping fees are $2.00 per vehicle per night. Fees are collected daily on site.  Golden age passport will be honored for discounted camping fees.
• There is a 60 day limit.
• There are approximately 75 sites.
• Choose an existing site and restrict activities to the area where vegetation is compacted or absent.  Always choose sites that will not be damaged by your stay.
• Don't build structures or furniture, or dig trenches - altering the site should be unnecessary.
• If the campground is full, check with the campground host for alternative camping such as Forest Service and County  areas.
• Map and Directions

Campfires:

• Fires, charcoal grills, and portable stoves outside developed campgrounds require a permit, or - depending on the current level of wildfire danger - may not be allowed.  Contact the Public Lands Center (White Mountain Ranger Station) in Bishop to obtain a permit, and read it carefully!
• Burning of wood pallets is not allowed.
• Put the fire out completely before leaving and remove trash from the ring.

Trash/Recycling:

• There is a dumpster located at the Pleasant Valley Pit, please use it for non-recyclable trash.
• Recycling is provided at the campground for aluminum, plastic, and different colored glass containers.  Please separate your recyclable materials in the appropriate containers.

Santitation:

• To wash dishes or yourself, use small amounts of biodegradable soap and scatter dishwater after all food particles have been removed. 
• When you leave, scour your campsite for trash and evidence of your stay.  Pack out all the trash you can - even if it's not yours.
• By following these basic rules in your home away from home, you really will make a difference in the quality of your public land.