Bitterbrush Campground
4.6015 reviews798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514
Bitterbrush Campground
$23.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
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 use fee is $31 per single site per night. Additional vehicles are charged $10 per night. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes are honored for a 50% discount for single campsites only. Free camping is available during the winter (November-March).
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Inyo National Forest, Bitterbrush Campground offers a serene escape where Jeffrey and Piñon pines cast dappled shadows across 30 thoughtfully arranged campsites. This single-loop haven becomes particularly magical during spring wildflower blooms and autumn's golden displays, when its position below the snow line makes it an accessible mountain retreat. The gentle murmur of nearby Bishop Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while the campground's open design invites abundant sunshine to warm your mornings. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wilderness setting, including bear-proof food storage boxes and well-maintained vault toilets, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.
Bitterbrush Campground accommodates primitive camping styles, tent camping, and small RVs. Group camping and glamping options are not available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of this specific campground remains unrecorded, these lands have witnessed countless stories of adventurers, naturalists, and families creating memories beneath the ancient pines.
Weather and SeasonsBitterbrush transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Spring arrives with crisp mornings perfect for coffee by the campfire, while fall paints the surrounding landscape in warm amber hues. Summer brings gloriously warm days thanks to the campground's sun-drenched layout, ideal for afternoon reading in your camp chair. Winter wraps the area in a blanket of snow and freezing temperatures, creating a wonderland for the hardy few. Seasoned campers particularly treasure the shoulder seasons, when comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds create the perfect conditions for reconnecting with nature.
ElevationPerched at 7,350 feet above sea level, Bitterbrush occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool without leaving you breathless. This elevation gifts visitors with crisp, star-filled nights and pleasantly warm days, though newcomers to altitude should remember to hydrate and take it easy on their first day as their bodies adjust to the thinner air.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of Jeffrey and Piñon pines mingles with aromatic sagebrush to create Bitterbrush's distinctive high-desert forest character. The preserved riparian corridor along Bishop Creek serves as the campground's crown jewel, where cottonwoods and willows create a lush ribbon of green through the landscape. Lucky campers in select sites fall asleep to the creek's gentle lullaby, while morning brings the possibility of spotting deer coming to drink at dawn. The interplay of forest and high desert creates stunning light throughout the day, from misty mornings to alpenglow evenings.
Geological RegionBitterbrush sits within the dramatic geological wonderland of Inyo National Forest, where ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. The campground's setting showcases the region's signature ecosystem where Jeffrey and Piñon pines thrive alongside hardy sagebrush, all sustained by the life-giving waters of Bishop Creek. This preserved riparian zone creates a verdant oasis that stands in beautiful contrast to the surrounding high-desert terrain, offering visitors a chance to experience one of the Eastern Sierra's most characteristic and cherished environments.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites Size"Generously sized camp sites" as noted by user reviews.
Sites PrivacyVaried; some sites offer privacy while others are more open. User reviews mention, "We felt like we had plenty of privacy" and "Not a lot of shade but decent privacy."
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Bishop Creek are recommended for the sound of flowing water. Portable sunshades are advised due to limited tree cover.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are identified as best; most sites are near or have views of Bishop Creek.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutOne large loop with 30 combined sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Free winter camping from November to March. Services provided April 23 through October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required as the campground is first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve; users frequently mention availability during off-peak times like spring and fall.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy details provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Bitterbrush Campground include fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby attractions. Hiking is available but requires driving to trailheads, and fishing is noted for its stocked trout population.
Fishing
Fishing is available, with stocked rainbow trout noted as the primary catch. "Fishing is better in the autumn but I've gotten a few bites from some stock trout during my summer trips," according to user reviews.Wildlife viewing
The area around Bitterbrush Campground is active with wildlife, and bearproof food storage indicates a healthy wildlife population.Winter Activities
Free winter camping is offered from November through March, but specific winter activities are not noted.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings at each site.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area requiring secure food storage in the provided bear-proof boxes. Users also mentioned limited shade in the campground, which can result in hot conditions in summer.
Active alertsNo active alerts or advisories were mentioned.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 28.8 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Nearest emergency services are likely at Bishop, CA (White Mountain Public Lands Information Center).
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 23 through October 31.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling services during the off-season; users are required to pack out their trash. Full services are available from April 23 through October 31.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Bishop Creek; some campsites offer the sound of rushing water.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include a lack of shade, leading to hot conditions during summer months. Users also noted the lack of trail systems connected directly to the campground.
HostCamp hosts are described as friendly and helpful by users, although one user noted dissatisfaction with the male host.
Campground Map
798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514
Driving directionsFrom Bishop go west on State Route 168 (Line Street) approximately 13 miles. The campground will be on your left (south) side of the road.
The campground is easily accessible via paved State Route 168. There were no mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain for access in the provided sources.Nearby places
Bishop, CA (15-minute drive, approximately 13 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are likely available in Bishop, CA, about 15 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
15 reviews
Bitterbrush Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the tranquility, proximity to a rushing creek, and good maintenance of the campground. However, complaints include lack of shade and potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive mentions include clean restrooms, proximity to a beautiful creek, and privacy. "Great campground along the creek with views of snow capped mountains," and "Clean, near rushing creek, remote,...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues mentioned are the lack of potable water, absence of shade at some sites, and the need to drive to hiking trails. One reviewer noted, "No trees on the campsite so can get hot if stay in...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include bringing portable sunshades for hot weather, packing water and trash out during off-season visits, and exploring nearby lakes like South Lake.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are popular seasons due to moderate weather and fewer crowds, while summer can be hot and winter offers free camping but limited amenities.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Definitely coming back." "Fishing is better in the autumn but I've gotten a few bites from some stock trout during my summer trips." "Camping site...totally taken care of. Great place to camp."...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not individually reviewed.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025