Big Trees Campground
4.6317 reviews798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514
Big Trees Campground
$10.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight campsite costs $34 per night for single sites, with an additional vehicle fee of $10 per night. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees they occupy. Reservation fees may also apply.
About this campground
Beneath the towering canopy of ancient Jeffrey pines that give this campground its name, Big Trees offers a serene retreat along the melodious waters of Bishop Creek. Here, campers can choose between sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing or shaded havens beneath centuries-old giants. The creek's gentle murmur provides a natural soundtrack while offering excellent fishing opportunities just steps from your tent.
Big Trees Campground features primitive and tent camping options. RV camping is also supported, although limited by the absence of electrical, water, or sewer hookups.
Weather and SeasonsBig Trees transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy cold-weather camper. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt. Summer brings pleasantly warm days and cool mountain nights, with minimal rainfall creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. The high elevation ensures temperatures remain comfortable even during the warmest months.
ElevationPerched at 7,500 feet in the Eastern Sierra, Big Trees offers a refreshing mountain climate that's a world away from the desert heat below. This lofty elevation—more than 3,000 feet higher than the town of Bishop—creates a natural air conditioning system, with temperatures typically running 15-20 degrees cooler than the valley floor. The thin mountain air and spectacular night skies make this an ideal basecamp for both relaxation and high-altitude adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryThe majestic Jeffrey pines stand as silent sentinels throughout the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and massive trunks creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. Bishop Creek winds through the area, its crystal-clear waters teeming with rainbow and brown trout. The surrounding peaks frame dramatic vistas in every direction, while the diverse ecosystem supports everything from chattering chipmunks to soaring hawks. Morning light filters through the pine boughs, and evening alpenglow paints the mountains in shades of rose and gold.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged grandeur of Inyo National Forest, Big Trees Campground occupies a special niche where water, stone, and forest converge. The campground sits in a glacially carved valley along Bishop Creek, where millennia of geological forces have created a landscape of granite peaks, alpine meadows, and stream-polished boulders. The signature Jeffrey pines thrive in this unique ecosystem, their deep roots anchoring into decomposed granite soil while their crowns reach toward Sierra skies.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates standard-sized campsites. No specific dimensions are provided.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate varying levels of privacy, with several campsites offering shaded and creekside locations, while others are more exposed and clustered.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites along Bishop Creek are ideal for their proximity to water and shade, according to user reviews.
Best CampsitesSites next to Bishop Creek on the east side of the campground are highly recommended by users for their pleasant ambiance and flat shaded areas.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay 7 days.
Groups
No specific information is provided about designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available via websites or phone, although specific platforms are not listed.
Walk-in AvailabilityDoes not accept reservations, sites are only available on a walk-in basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Trees Campground provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The peaceful setting along Bishop Creek is noted for its waterfalls and shaded campsites, creating an enjoyable outdoor atmosphere for visitors.
Hiking
User reviews mention easy access to hiking trails nearby, including the Bishop Pass Trailhead, which leads to Long Lake. "Only a short 10-mile drive on an excellent paved road to the Bishop Pass Trailhead," says one camper.Fishing
Fishing is permitted along Bishop Creek, although user reviews offer mixed experiences. One user commented, "Caught a bunch of moss but not much else," while others enjoyed the setting despite limited fish availability.Wildlife viewing
The active bear area and proximity to Bishop Creek provide opportunities for observing wildlife, though campers are advised not to feed or interact with animals.Winter Activities
Some user reviews suggest that the area may experience snowfall during colder months, which could allow for winter-related activities such as snowshoeing or photography.Water Sports
No specific mention of non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is found in the sources.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area; campers are advised to use bear-proof food storage containers. Wildlife encounters are possible. Some reviews mention fishing challenges due to moss in the stream.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 24.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
White Mountain Public Lands Information Center located in Bishop, CA.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the sources. Campers are required to keep a clean camp and secure food to mitigate wildlife issues.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the banks of Bishop Creek, providing opportunities for fishing and scenic creekside camping.
Common complaintsSeveral user reviews mention issues with the camp host regarding fees and vehicle rules. "The campground manager crossed out the rule stating 2 cars per site and made it 1." "The camp host demanded we pay again even though we already paid."
HostMixed reviews about the camp hosts, ranging from helpful and welcoming to complaints about fee controversies.
Campground Map
798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514
Driving directionsFrom Bishop go west on State Route 168 (West Line St) for approximately 9 miles. The campground is on the left just past the 7,000 foot elevation sign.
The campground is accessible by paved road and is located just past the 7,000-foot elevation sign, with no seasonal closures or challenging terrain reported.Nearby places
Bishop (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Bishop, CA, 9 miles away, including groceries, fuel, and camping gear.
Camper Reviews
4.6
17 reviews
Big Trees Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Big Trees Campground highlight its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and well-maintained facilities. However, some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the behavior of certain camp hosts, particularly regarding fee management.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Many positive reviews emphasize the clean restrooms, shaded campsites, and proximity to Bishop Creek. "Bathrooms cleaned daily," "flush toilets and potable water spigots throughout the campground...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes complaints about camp hosts charging extra fees under questionable circumstances, as noted by multiple users: "He crossed it out and made it a 1," referring to vehicle...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend securing creekside campsites for the best experience and visiting nearby attractions like Cardinal Village for lunch. "Get a lunch at Cardinal Village, buy a mug, free coffee...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
User reviews vary seasonally, with summer visits praised for cooler temperatures at higher elevations compared to nearby Bishop. Winter conditions may include snow, affecting accessibility and...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bathrooms cleaned daily!" "Camp very clean." "Lovely camping beside the roaring stream." "Caught a bunch of moss but not much else." "It was incredible. Beautiful area wasn't too busy."
Based on 17 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Users indicate creekside campsites offer the best experience due to proximity to water and shade. "There are great shaded creekside campsites that are well spaced and are amazing if u can get one."
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not mentioned specifically in user reviews.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, requiring dogs to be leashed in all developed recreation areas. No further details are provided.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025