The Eastern Sierra experience is about contrasts. Tall peaks that seem to pierce the sky. Deep valleys filled with alpine lakes teeming with trout. Impossibly blue horizons. Unspeakably beautiful sunrises and jaw-dropping sunsets. THE gateway to all this and more is the Bishop Creek Canyon. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect go-to spot for camping.
Lakes, Hikes, And More
Named after the creek that drains down into Owens Valley, you can be at the nearest trailhead in as little as thirteen miles. Along the North, Middle, and South Forks, you’ll find three out of our five favorite lakes to drive to as well as countless smaller ones you can hike to. These bodies of water together with the stream provide great fishing opportunities. And throughout your time here, you’ll be greeted to fresh air, skyscraping peaks, and meadows speckled with wildflowers. Reason enough to go camping in Bishop Creek Canyon.
What To Know
As the roads that wind their way up to the lakes, there are over a dozen campgrounds managed by the US Forest Service. From a handful of sites to more than a hundred, it’s a wide variety to choose from. Some are right off the road and others are accessed via gravel path. Here’s all the ins & outs of camping in Bishop Creek Canyon. If you’re planning to backpack and stay overnight, pay close attention to signs giving directions to overnight parking areas. There is NO overnight parking at the trailhead.
Camping With Comfort
Even if camping isn’t your thing, you can still experience this region by renting a cabin, room, or parking your RV. Along with the lodging options, Cardinal Village serves breakfast and lunch everyday, plus they host an all you can eat pizza night on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Their wood-fired pizza is so good that it sells out in advance so be sure to book ahead. Bishop Creek Lodge has a full bar seven days a week and breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday. Café at Lake Sabrina Boat Landing serves breakfast and lunch plus a pie you don’t want to miss out on.
Bishop Creek Canyon isn’t the end of the road, just the beginning of your adventure. Be it spring, summer, or fall, you’ll find natural beauty to restore your soul and your attitude.
Take a Shuttle from Bishop to South Lake and Lake Sabrina
Bishop Creek Shuttle service begins June 17, 2022 and will operate 7 days a week through September 11, 2022. The ESTA Shuttle will depart Bishop at 8:00am and 4:00 pm and will travel to South Lake and Lake Sabrina before returning to Bishop. Eastern Sierra Transit will stop for passengers along the route anywhere that it is safe for the bus to stop. The one-way adult fare is $20 for non-residents and $5 for local residents. Proof of residency is required.
