All the Ins & Outs of Camping in Bishop Creek Canyon
It’s not a secret, but it certainly is a best-kept area – especially for camping. Bishop Creek Canyon is a large area of about 30 square miles where the North, Middle, and South Forks of Bishop Creek drain down toward the Owens Valley. Along each fork lies a large lake: North Lake, Lake Sabrina at middle, and South Lake. Numerous other smaller lakes lie along these creeks above and below.
The US Forest Service manages this area and maintains 12 campgrounds along the roads that lead to these lakes. Together, they offer a wide range of camping experiences, from simple sites to more developed facilities, all set within striking alpine scenery.
Even so, the canyon remains remarkably accessible. In just 13 miles from Bishop, and no more than 20 miles at its furthest reach, you can find yourself surrounded by high peaks, dense forests, and the quiet rhythm of moving water. Fishing draws both visitors and locals to the streams and lakes, yet solitude comes easily if you seek it. In addition, numerous trailheads begin here, inviting you deeper into the wilderness and away from the pace of everyday life.
Each season brings its own kind of adventure, but summer reveals the canyon at its most vibrant. The air stays cool, wildflowers bloom long after they fade in the valley below, and on clear nights the sky shines with remarkable clarity. Wildlife moves quietly through this landscape, and as a visitor, you step into their world. For that reason, it is essential to remain bear aware and respect the balance that makes this place so special.
Camping Guidelines for Bishop Creek Canyon
There are few basic rules to know and follow when camping in the Bishop Creek Canyon area:
- Camp only in designated Bishop Creek Canyon camping areas.
- All food must be secured overnight and when not attended, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48″ x 30″ x 36″).
- Always keep a clean camp and do not feed wildlife.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times.
- Overnight wilderness trips require a wilderness permit. Find out more here.
Here is an overview of all the USFS campgrounds in this area so you can choose just the right place for you, your family, or large group. Download this handy guide to keep with you. Click on each campground heading for a link to more specifics on that campground.
BISHOP CREEK CANYON
Bitterbrush Campground
Just 13 miles from Bishop this is the first campground you’ll come to. As it is frequently below the snow line or only has minimal amounts of snow it is open year round. Drinking water is available and 2 vault toilets are easily accessible. Bins are provided for trash and serviced during the summer months.
There are 30 campsites and most will accommodate 2 vehicles or a tow vehicle with trailer. The sites are wide, clear and level and each has a bear proof food storage container.
Campground usage is light and it’s a super spot to escape the summer heat of the valley. It’s near town, alongside Bishop creek and close to the trailheads that take you into the wilderness.
Big Trees Campground
As the road winds higher along the mountainside, the view opens into a sweeping overlook of the campground below, and even here the towering crowns of Jeffrey pines rise to meet you at eye level. These stately, enduring trees give the campground its name.
Visitors favor this spot for its mix of shaded sites beneath cool forest cover and others that bask in open sunlight. The campground offers 16 sites, along with drinking water, trash service, a flush toilet, and a vault toilet.
Just 14 miles from the center of Bishop, the setting feels far removed. The campground sits deep within a canyon and offers a sense of quiet expansiveness, an alpine atmosphere, a lively trout stream, and nights that settle into stillness beneath a wide, star filled sky.
BISHOP CREEK SOUTH FORK
Creekside RV Park
Welcome to the highest full-hookup RV park in California! Not only are there spacious RV sites right at the south fork of Bishop Creek, there are campfires, showers, rental trailers, tent sites and even a stocked fishing pond. Forget something? There’s a general store on property. Easy access to all Bishop Creek adventures, whether you fish, hike, climb or just want to relax!
Forks Campground
Situated near the junction of Middle Fork and South Fork of Bishop Creek this campground has 21 sites available during the summer season. From Highway 168 about 15 miles from Bishop turn left onto South Lake Road and almost immediately turn right into Forks Campground.
The sites here also offer a mix of shade and sun with some tucked under tall pines and quaking aspen. Forks is just a short walk to Intake 2, along the banks of Bishop Creek Middle Fork, where fish are plentiful. A large rocky outcrop is perfect for practicing beginner rock scrambling and climbing skills.
If you’re looking for a day outing in the mountains this campground also has picnic spots for day users.
Four Jeffrey Campground
This campground boasts 106 sites most with spectacular views across the canyon. Many of the sites are long enough to accommodate even the largest of RVs. The pads are clear and level and the sites spacious. Some offer shade and many are very suitable for tent camping. Located along Bishop Creek South Fork this campground is open seasonally, by the last weekend in April, and some sites may be reserved in advance.
Although large, Four Jeffrey still has a wonderful secluded feeling. The campsites are stepped up the hillside and the campground is fairly well hidden from the road view by thickets of aspen and pinions.
Mountain Glen Campground
If solitude is what you’re after this is the campground for you. Just 5 campsites are perfectly spaced in a grove of aspen and willows. Parking is limited and sites are suited for tent camping only. Each site has a bear proof food storage locker and picnic table. The campground has one vault toilet. With just the bare necessities this is where you could prepare yourself for a wilderness hike or unwind from the complexity of city life.
The campground is open seasonally.
Table Mountain Group Campground
Table Mountain Group Campground Info
A short walk from the parking area along South Lake road is a beautiful walk-in, tent only group campground. Available by prior reservation only it accommodates up to 25 campers. One vault toilet is provided, but all drinking water should be carried in or filtered from the creek.
The site is set among aspen and Jeffrey pine on the banks of Bishop Creek South Fork with a broad meadow opposite. The nearby trailheads take hikers to Tyee, Green, Brown, Treasure Lakes and the Chocolate Lake loop on the Bishop Pass trail.
Willow Campground
This is another small campground and the last place you will come to where overnight camping is allowed before reaching South Lake at 9,768’ above sea level (ASL). Willow campground has 8 campsites and is not recommended for RVs and trailers. Here too one vault toilet is maintained for campers and water should be brought in or filtered from the stream.
The campsite is set at little back from South Lake road and a 2-mile trail connects the campground to the Bishop Pass trailhead at South Lake. This campground is open seasonally for summer and was not yet open at the time of publishing.
BISHOP CREEK MIDDLE FORK
Intake 2 Campground
About 16 miles from Bishop, along Highway 168 on the way to Lake Sabrina, you’ll come across a small yet well loved fishing spot known as Intake 2. Despite its modest size, it draws a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.
In addition to the lake itself, the recreation area offers several inviting picnic sites and two small campgrounds. On the west shore, Lower Intake 2 provides a quiet, walk in setting with five tent only sites. Just a quarter mile farther along the lake road, Upper Intake 2 offers 11 campsites that are best suited for smaller vehicles. Here, the sites feel tucked away and shaded, creating a more secluded atmosphere. The campground also provides flush toilets, drinking water, and trash removal.
At 8,103 feet, Intake 2 sits at the lowest elevation in Bishop Creek Canyon. Southern California Edison manages the lake and, as a result, keeps it well stocked throughout the fishing season. In addition, the area includes wheelchair accessible fishing access, making it a welcoming destination for a wide range of visitors.
Bishop Park Group Campground
Bishop Park Group Campground Info
The large parking area for this group campground is just beyond the drive for Intake 2 and overlooks the Bishop Creek Middle Fork here. The camping area is accessible by a set of rough-hewn stairs where the site accommodates up to 25 campers in tents only. Drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, 2 bear proof storage containers, and fire rings are provided at the site.
Reservations are required at least 4 days in advance with a two night minimum stay over weekends. Up to 8 vehicles are allowed in the parking area and no camping in RVs is allowed in the lot.
Bishop Park Campground
This is one of the most popular campgrounds in Bishop Creek Canyon, and it’s easy to see why. The campground offers 21 sites, most of which are best suited for tent camping with walk in access. A few sites can accommodate vehicles, though large RVs and trailers are not recommended. The sites sit alongside the Middle Fork of Bishop Creek, and several open into spacious, grassy areas. In addition, the campground provides flush toilets, drinking water, and trash removal, along with bear proof food storage units and picnic tables at each site.
Just across from the group site, the campground connects to the small mountain community of Aspendell. From here, Bishop Creek Camp Road leads to Cataract Road at the south end of town. Meanwhile, at the north end, Cardinal Village Resort offers a quaint general store and a welcoming café, perfect for a treat after a day outdoors. The village also features a picturesque pond where children can safely try their luck casting for trout, and more often than not, come away successful.
Sabrina Campground
The last campground along Highway 168 before you reach the lake itself at 9,128’ ASL is Sabrina Campground. It is about three miles downstream of the lake and has 18 campsites. Most of these are alongside the creek and offer a mix of sun and shade. The majority are best suited or reserved for tent camping and a few will accommodate RVs.
About half a mile past the North Lake turnoff, the road leads into the campground. Although this route connects to North Lake Road, larger vehicles will find it easier to enter from the southern end, where turning around is more manageable.
Like the other US Forest Service campgrounds in the canyon, each site includes a picnic table and a bear proof storage unit. In addition, the campground provides vault toilets, drinking water, and trash removal. However, at the time of publication, the campground was not open.
BISHOP CREEK NORTH FORK
North Lake Campground
Perched above the highest lakes in the canyon, North Lake Campground sits at 9,350 feet and rewards the climb. The road winds up the mountainside, shifting from pavement to gravel as it leads you to the lake. Along the way, tall Jeffrey and lodgepole pines gather thickly, casting cool shade across the campground.
The campground offers 11 sites, with parking reserved for registered campers. Some sites include parking at the site, while others require a short walk in. The campground does not allow trailers or RVs. Day visitors and overnight wilderness hikers can park nearby at North Lake.
Campers must pack out all trash, as the campground does not provide bins or removal service. It does provide drinking water, a vault toilet, and bear proof storage bins.
OTHER LODGING
In addition to these beautifully situated and excellently maintained campgrounds there are a number of lovely resorts, outfitters and commercial services in the Bishop Creek Canyon area.
SOUTH LAKE DRAINAGE:
- Creekside RV Park
- Bishop Creek Lodge & Resort
- Parchers Resort
- Rainbow Pack Outfitters (behind Parchers Resort – Bishop Pass)
ASPENDELL / LAKE SABRINA /NORTH LAKE:
- Bishop Pack Outfitters (North Lake – Piaute Pass)
- Cardinal Village Resort (Aspendell)
- Lake Sabrina Boat Landing & Café
DIRECTIONS AND OTHER INFO
Highway 168 – Line Street west will take you up into the Bishop Creek Canyon wonderland. About 15 miles from town a left turn will take you alongside the South Fork and deposit you in the parking lot at South Lake. Beyond the turn-off for South Lake the road winds through Aspendell and up a steep grade to the turn-off for North Lake. Further on the road becomes narrower and terminates at Lake Sabrina. The two main roads, Highway 168 – Line Street and South Lake Road are paved and in very good condition. The drive up to North Lake is a little less so and quite steep in places.
Before you head up into the mountains stop in at our Bishop Visitor Center at 218 S. Main Street. Our friendly, helpful staff can answer your questions and provide maps to help you plan the best possible camping adventure.
Day hikes in the area do not require permits, but should you need a permit for overnight wilderness trips pop on down to the US Forest Service office just half a block north of us on Main Street.
Happy Camping!
Written by:
Gigi de Jong
Gigi is “crazy mad in love with Bishop.” Since moving here in 2006 she has made it her mission to participate in as many of the outdoor activities as possible. She learned to snowboard, improved upon her very average climbing skills, took long hikes, has driven up and down innumerable mountain roads and 4x4 tracks, cycled and occasionally tumbled down mountain bike trails, taken to the roads on a bicycle or motorcycle – sometimes for fun and sometimes to commute, and successfully completed her first attempt at a triathlon. She spent 10 months touring the western US and Canada on a bicycle and after 4,000 plus miles returned to Bishop – for the beauty of the place and the spirit of the community. “My soul belongs here,” she says.
