Fossil Falls Campground – Eastern Sierra Nevada
Fossil Falls Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-serve campground in the Mojave Desert, near California Highway 395 and the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains.
Situated amidst volcanic rock formations and the scenic Fossil Falls area, the campground offers 11 campsites, each equipped with drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. With its unique location near the Owens River, Fossil Falls is an excellent base for visitors exploring the desert landscape and geological features.
Campground Details
| Site Types | Tent, RV (Medium-sized RVs) |
| Amenities | Drinking Water, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings |
| Information Number | 760-384-5400 |
| Reservations | No |
| Campground Address | Bureau of Land Management, Ridgecrest Field Office, 300 S. Richmond Rd., Ridgecrest, CA 93555 |
| Campground GPS | 35.973732, -117.911336 |
| Location | Eastern Sierra Nevada, near Owens River |
| Season | Year-round |
How to Get to Fossil Falls Campground
Fossil Falls Campground is located along California Highway 395, approximately 20 miles north of Ridgecrest and 35 miles south of the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine. The campground is easy to access via the highway, with clear signage directing visitors to the site. The area is known for its rugged volcanic landscape, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and desert terrain.
From Ridgecrest, head north on Highway 395 for approximately 20 miles until you reach Fossil Falls. The campground is just off the highway and is easily visible from the road.
Campground Overview
Fossil Falls Campground is a quiet and remote desert campground that offers visitors a chance to camp near a fascinating geological site.
The area features the Fossil Falls, formed by volcanic eruptions over 20,000 years ago. Lava from local volcanic eruptions flowed into the Owens River channel, creating sculptured rock formations that erosional forces have since shaped. This volcanic backdrop is an exceptional setting for camping and exploring, with cinder cones of extinct volcanoes rising from the surrounding desert landscape.
The campground has 11 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a small fee – $6 at the time I’m writing this. The campsites are well-spaced, providing a sense of seclusion and privacy for campers.
Each site has basic amenities, including drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground is also suitable for medium-sized RVs, though larger rigs may have difficulty accessing the site due to narrow roads and limited space.
Fossil Falls trail nearby is a great trip for those interested in exploring the area’s geological features. Visitors can hike along the canyon, where the polished volcanic rocks and waterfall remnants offer a glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past.
The Owens River, which once flooded this area, shaped these volcanic formations over thousands of years, making Fossil Falls a unique natural site in the Mojave Desert.
The campground is situated near the Sierra Nevada mountains, providing easy access to further outdoor adventures in the region, including hiking and sightseeing in nearby areas like the Alabama Hills.
