RV Dump Stations In Bishop, California

Bishop has several dump stations available for RV travelers, which is an impressive number for an Eastern Sierra town of about 3,800 people. All are paid facilities, so bring payment. This reflects Bishop role as the primary service hub on US 395 between Lone Pine and Mammoth Lakes. The stations serve a constant flow of RVers heading to the Sierra backcountry, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Death Valley, and points north and south along the 395 corridor. Check individual listings for seasonal hours since some may have reduced winter schedules.

Currently, some of the several dump stations in Bishop offer free access, with a portion charging a fee. This is standard for Eastern Sierra communities where dump infrastructure serves heavy seasonal RV traffic. Several campgrounds include dump access in your nightly rate, which is your best bet for free dumping. Browns Town Campground and Browns Millpond both have facilities for guests. If you are boondocking on BLM land nearby, budget for a paid dump stop when you need to empty tanks. The cost is generally reasonable at $10 to $20 per use.

Bishop has an outstanding selection of campgrounds. Browns Town Campground sits one mile south on Highway 395 with 150 grassy sites for tents and RVs, hot showers, laundry, and playground. Browns Millpond Campground offers 72 sites with electric and water hookups next to Millpond County Park. Highlands RV Park is one mile north of downtown on US 395 with full hookup sites open year-round. Creekside RV Park has 49 sites with full hookups and a camp store. Pleasant Valley Campground provides year-round camping with Owens River fishing access. Multiple Inyo National Forest campgrounds in the surrounding canyons add even more options.

Bishop is surrounded by world-class attractions. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains has trees over 4,800 years old. The Owens River Gorge and Pleasant Valley offer excellent fishing and rock climbing. Bishop Creek Canyon leads to stunning alpine lakes and connects to the John Muir Trail. Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain are about 40 miles north for skiing, biking, and hiking. Hot Creek geological site near Mammoth has geothermal features. The Volcanic Tableland north of town has outstanding bouldering. Mule Days, held Memorial Day weekend, has been a Bishop tradition for over 50 years.

Fall is our top pick for Bishop. September through November brings temperatures in the 60s and 70s, the aspens along Bishop Creek and in the surrounding canyons turn brilliant gold, and the summer crowds dissipate. Spring is excellent for Owens River fishing, especially around the trout opener in late April. Summer is peak season with hot days on the valley floor but cooler mountain campgrounds at higher elevations. Winter is quiet with cold nights but clear sunny days. Highlands RV Park stays open year-round for those who want to base out of Bishop in any season.

US Route 395 is the main highway through Bishop, running north-south through the Owens Valley as the primary corridor between Los Angeles and Reno. Highway 168 heads east toward the White Mountains and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and west into Bishop Creek Canyon. Highway 6 connects northeast toward Tonopah, Nevada. US 395 is fully RV-friendly through this stretch. The nearest interstate is I-15, roughly 200 miles south. Los Angeles is about 275 miles south via US 395 and Highway 14, and Reno is approximately 250 miles north. Mammoth Lakes is about 40 miles north on 395.

Propane is easy to find in Bishop. Highlands RV Park fills propane tanks on-site at $3.50 per gallon. Eastern Sierra Propane is a local provider listed with the Bishop Chamber of Commerce. Ferrellgas serves Bishop residents and the surrounding area with delivery and refill services. The Arco station at 466 South Main Street offers propane, potable water, and rinse water. Creekside RV Park camp store carries propane for guests. Given that Bishop is the main service hub for a very remote stretch of California, we recommend filling up here rather than waiting and hoping for propane at a smaller town down the road.

Bishop is the grocery shopping hub for the entire central Eastern Sierra. Vons is the main full-service grocery store in town with a good selection. Manor Market is a local favorite with quality produce and meats. Smart and Final provides bulk purchasing options for longer stays. Various smaller shops and convenience stores round out the options along Main Street. Creekside RV Park has a camp store with convenience items, fishing tackle, ice, firewood, and beer and wine. If you are heading south toward Lone Pine or north toward Mammoth, stock up in Bishop because it has the best grocery selection on this stretch of the 395.

Bishop has multiple options for overnight RV parking through its established campgrounds and RV parks. Highlands RV Park right on US 395 is open year-round with full hookups. Browns Town and Browns Millpond are popular seasonal options with sites for all sizes of rigs. The Tri-County Fairgrounds hosts the Bishop RV Park with convenient in-town access where you can walk to restaurants and shops. For free overnight options, BLM land in the Owens Valley allows dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit. Follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste. Street parking overnight in town is not recommended for RVs.

Mule Days is Bishop most famous event, held every Memorial Day weekend at the Tri-County Fairgrounds. The celebration has been running for over 50 years and draws mule and horse enthusiasts from across the country. Events include mule racing, packing competitions, trail classes, a parade through downtown Bishop, concerts, food vendors, and a carnival atmosphere. If you are planning to camp during Mule Days weekend, book your site months in advance because every campground and RV park in the area fills up completely. The fairgrounds RV park is especially popular since you can walk to the events.

Bishop sits in a central position along the US 395 corridor. Mammoth Lakes is about 40 miles north, roughly a 45-minute drive. Lone Pine and the Mt. Whitney Portal are about 60 miles south. Big Pine is 15 miles south. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is accessed east of Big Pine via Highway 168. Los Angeles is approximately 275 miles south, and Reno is about 250 miles north. Death Valley is reachable from Highway 168 heading east and then south. Yosemite National Park Tioga Pass entrance is accessible from the 395 corridor when the pass is open, usually June through October.

Bishop is a fishing destination in its own right. The Owens River runs through town and offers year-round trout fishing with both stocked and wild populations. Pleasant Valley Reservoir north of town provides excellent stillwater fishing for large trout. Bishop Creek and the lakes in Bishop Creek Canyon offer high-elevation stream and lake fishing with golden, rainbow, and brown trout. The annual trout fishing opener in late April is a major event that fills every campground in the area. Rock Creek, about 25 miles north, is another premier fishing destination with multiple lakes and streams accessible from a single canyon road.

Bishop is the best place for RV service in the Eastern Sierra, which is important given how remote this region is. Several automotive and RV repair shops in town can handle mechanical work, tire issues, and basic RV systems. The Bishop area has general mechanics who are experienced with the mix of vehicles that travel through on US 395. For specialized RV dealer service, you would need to travel to Ridgecrest (130 miles south) or Reno (250 miles north). Parts stores including NAPA and other auto parts retailers are in town for DIY repairs. Always carry a basic toolkit and spare parts when traveling the 395 corridor.

Bishop has {{stationCount}} dump stations located at private motorhome parks and campgrounds throughout the area. Most are situated along or near Highway 395 for easy access. Popular options include Highlands Camping and other established motorhome facilities that offer dump services to both guests and non-guests for a fee.

Currently, there are {{freeCount}} free dump stations in Bishop, meaning all facilities charge fees for waste disposal services. The town relies entirely on private motorhome parks and campgrounds for service point access, which typically charge between $8-15 for non-guests to use their sanitary facilities.

Service point fees in Bishop typically range from $8-15 for non-guests at motorhome parks and campgrounds. This usually includes fresh water fill-up and rinse hose access. Some facilities offer discounts for Good Sam members or other motorhome club memberships, so it's worth asking about available deals.

Bring your own sewer hose, rubber gloves, and paper towels for cleanup. Most Bishop dump stations provide rinse hoses and fresh water access, but having your own rinse water container is helpful. Don't forget sanitizing wipes and consider bringing a small bottle of tank treatment if you're heading into extended free camping.

Yes, most motorhome parks in Bishop offer comprehensive services including fresh water fill-up, propane sales, and basic supplies along with service point access. This makes Bishop an ideal resupply stop before heading into remote areas where these services aren't available for long stretches.

Most dump stations in Bishop operate year-round, though winter hours may be reduced at some facilities. The main concern during winter is frozen water lines at outdoor stations, so call ahead during cold snaps to confirm availability and operating status.

Absolutely. Bishop serves as the last major supply point before heading into remote areas like the Alabama Hills or high Sierra camping areas. The town's dump stations, combined with fuel, water, and grocery options, make it the ideal final stop before extended dry camping adventures.

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Bishop.