Four Jeffrey
4.57150 reviewsnull
Four Jeffrey
$34.00 - $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
Nightly rates for Peak Season are $34.00 for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites. Discounts and incremental charges are not reflected in this price.
About this campground
Nestled in a peaceful valley between the dramatic slopes of Grouse Mountain and Table Mountain, Four Jeffrey Campground offers an authentic High Sierra experience in the heart of Inyo National Forest. Wake up to the gentle sounds of Bishop Creek flowing nearby and enjoy breakfast with stunning views of Table Mountain's granite face. This well-appointed campground provides all the essentials for a comfortable mountain stay, including shaded picnic areas with tables and grills, secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from wildlife, and modern amenities like flush toilets and fresh drinking water. Anglers will appreciate the convenient fish cleaning station after a successful day on the creek.
Four Jeffrey Campground accommodates various camping styles, including single-family tent sites and sites suitable for RVs. Walk-in primitive camping is not mentioned, and the campground does not provide cabins or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceFour Jeffrey serves as a gateway to the legendary John Muir Wilderness, where the spirit of America's most influential naturalist lives on in every pristine meadow and granite peak. Just beyond the campground, the historic John Muir Trail beckons adventurers to follow in the footsteps of countless wilderness pioneers. This area represents more than a century of conservation efforts, preserving the raw beauty that inspired Muir's passionate environmental advocacy and continues to inspire visitors today.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of mountain weather at Four Jeffrey, where crisp alpine mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons before temperatures plunge again at sunset. Summer brings ideal camping conditions with pleasantly warm days perfect for hiking and fishing, though you'll still want to pack layers for those cool mountain evenings around the campfire. Come autumn, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise as the surrounding Aspen groves burst into brilliant golds and oranges, creating a spectacular natural light show against the evergreen backdrop.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,100 feet above sea level, Four Jeffrey offers the rare combination of accessibility and high-altitude adventure. This elevation places you in the sweet spot of the Sierra Nevada, high enough to escape the valley heat and experience the crisp mountain air, yet still below the harsh conditions of the alpine zone. The thin air at this altitude intensifies the brilliance of the stars and deepens the blue of the daytime sky, while also reminding visitors to take it easy on their first day as they acclimate.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering Jeffrey Pines and shimmering Aspens create a natural cathedral around your campsite. The campground's valley location at 8,100 feet provides front-row seats to the dramatic Inconsolable Range, whose jagged peaks pierce the sky in a display of geological grandeur. The musical waters of South Fork Bishop Creek wind through the area, regularly stocked with trout and reflecting the surrounding peaks like a mountain mirror. Short walks from camp lead to hidden alpine lakes, each one a jewel set in granite, offering solitude and spectacular photography opportunities.
Geological RegionFour Jeffrey Campground occupies a spectacular valley carved by ancient glaciers between the imposing faces of Grouse Mountain and Table Mountain in the Eastern Sierra. This 8,100-foot perch in Inyo National Forest places you at the intersection of powerful geological forces, where granite monoliths tell stories millions of years in the making. The South Fork Bishop Creek has spent eons sculpting this valley into its current form, creating the perfect amphitheater for camping beneath the stars. Your proximity to the John Muir Wilderness boundary means that some of California's most dramatic and untouched mountain terrain lies just beyond your tent flap.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible flush toilets, but detailed information on other accessibility features is absent.
Sites SizeThe campground features various sizes of campsites, catering to tents and RVs. Users have remarked on some sites being small and unlevel, making it challenging to pitch multiple tents or park large vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly across campsites. Some users appreciated the distance between sites, stating, "There is plenty of distance from nearby sites," while others noted campsites as being too close together.
Total Campsites99 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the creek offer shade and running water sounds, while sites further inland are more exposed. Site #8 is highly praised for proximity to the creek.
Best CampsitesCreekside sites are highly recommended for their shade, tranquility, and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Campers may occupy reserved sites until noon the day following the arrival date to retain their reservation.
Check-out
Sites must be vacated by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles are permitted per site, depending on size.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in loops, with some near the creek and others more exposed.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens May 15, 2025, and closes for reservations on October 21, 2025. Out-of-season booking is unavailable.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but exact numbers are unspecified.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee (per site). Late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Last-minute changes depend on facility discretion.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Four Jeffrey Campground provides an abundance of recreational activities, particularly catering to anglers and hikers. Fishing is a popular activity, with the South Fork Bishop Creek offering trout species such as rainbow, brown, brook, and Alpers trout. Hiking trails include the nearby Tyee Lakes Trailhead and trails leading into the John Muir Wilderness. Users often highlight the scenic beauty of these activities, describing epic views of surrounding mountains and lakes. Other activities include horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and boating.
Hiking
The area offers access to several trailheads for hiking, including the Tyee Lakes Trailhead less than a mile up the road. Hikers can explore views of the Inconsolable Range and peaks surrounding South Lake. Trails cater to a range of difficulty levels, but no trails begin directly at the campground.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight of the campground, with the South Fork Bishop Creek stocked with trout. "We enjoyed fishing right there," stated one user. A fish cleaning station is provided for convenience.Boating
Boating is possible in nearby lakes such as Lake Sabrina and South Lake, but facilities for boating are not detailed within the campground.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly in the John Muir Wilderness. Species commonly seen are not specified, but the natural setting suggests diverse wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are possible in nearby lakes but not directly supported by campground facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings unless fire restrictions are imposed during hot/dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are enforced but have been reported as inconsistently followed.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity has been reported as aggressive. Campers must use bear lockers and follow food storage guidelines. Terrain is unlevel at some sites, challenging for tents and RVs.
Active alertsNo explicit current alerts, but campers are warned about potential bear activity and fire restrictions.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14.5 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
Bishop (approximately 15 miles away) houses emergency services such as hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 - October 21, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash bins and recycling bins are available throughout the campground, with regular maintenance noted by users.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to South Fork Bishop Creek, stocked with trout. Nearby lakes include South Lake and Lake Sabrina.
Common complaintsSites are described as unlevel, small, and close together in some areas. Complaints about noise during quiet hours and aggressive bear activity have been reported.
HostCamp hosts Don and Betty are exceptionally praised for cleanliness and attentiveness. They enforce campground rules and assist with bear management.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Highway 395 in the center of Bishop, turn west on Line Street (Highway 168) and continue west for 14 miles, then drive south on South Lake Road. The campground is 1 mile up South Lake Road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures and challenging terrain were not explicitly mentioned, indicating consistent accessibility.Nearby places
Bishop (approximately 15 miles away, about a 30-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Bishop (approximately 15 miles away) provides access to grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.6
150 reviews
Four Jeffrey is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest Four Jeffrey is a well-maintained, scenic campground with clean facilities and friendly hosts. Positive reviews frequently mention the cleanliness of bathrooms, the beauty of campsites near the creek, and the helpfulness of camp hosts. Negative reviews highlight issues with campsite proximity, aggressive wildlife, and occasional noise disturbances.
Review Summaries
Based on 150 reviews
What Campers Love
Users consistently praised the campground's cleanliness, particularly the bathrooms, and the staff's attentiveness. Many reviews emphasize the beauty of creekside campsites and the abundance of...
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Common Concerns
Common complaints include the proximity of some campsites leading to noise issues, aggressive wildlife such as a problematic bear, and the lack of shade in some areas. Some users also mentioned...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend choosing a creekside campsite for maximum scenic beauty and privacy. Bringing warm clothing is advised due to significant temperature differences between day and night. Additionally,...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer months are popular but can be busy and hot, with high temperatures at exposed sites. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for fishing and hiking.
Based on 150 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This campground is GREAT! The scenery is fantastic," wrote one camper. Another added, "Flush toilets, Bishop Creek, and fantastic views are the best points." "The bathrooms were sparkling," said one...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews show that creekside sites like #008 and #010 are highly recommended for privacy and scenic beauty. Negative experiences were noted at sites like #017 due to noise and proximity...
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Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided by users.
Based on 150 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Two pets per site are allowed, with leashes required at all times. Reviews did not note any specific issues or praises related to pet policies.
Based on 150 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025