How much does camping cost at Big Trees Campground?

Camping fees at Big Trees Campground range from $10-$34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Trees Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Trees Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Big Trees Campground?

Big Trees Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Trees Campground have?

Big Trees Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Trees Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Trees Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Trees Campground?

Big Trees Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Trees Campground?

Popular activities at Big Trees Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Trees Campground

4.23

40 reviews

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

Top 16% in CASummer

Featured in:Camping Near Kings Canyon National Park

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$10 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$10 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Trees Campground

$10.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $34 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $10 per vehicle per night

Standard Site Fee$34.00

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USFS

Provider

(760) 873-2500

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

Big Trees Campground

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

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.

Weather at Big Trees Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Trees Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 30s-40s°F. Trails are fully melted, roads are open, and fishing on Bishop Creek peaks during these months. Expect busier weekends and holidays, though crowds are lighter than at lower-elevation Sierra lakes. Winter brings snow that transforms the area for cold-weather camping. Spring sees wildflowers and rushing snowmelt.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer is best: trails melted, roads open, cool daytime highs and peak visiting season noted.

Planning Tips

About Big Trees Campground

Big Trees Campground sits at 7,500 feet along Bishop Creek in Inyo National Forest, named for the Jeffrey pines that shade its 16 sites. The campground offers flush toilets, potable water, and both creekside and more exposed sites. Fees range from $10-$34 per night.

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 SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 30s-40s°F. Trails are fully melted, roads are open, and fishing on Bishop Creek peaks during these months. Expect busier weekends and holidays, though crowds are lighter than at lower-elevation Sierra lakes. Winter brings snow that transforms the area for cold-weather camping. Spring sees wildflowers and rushing snowmelt.

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 campground occupies a glacially carved valley where Bishop Creek runs through granite boulders and Jeffrey pines root into decomposed granite soil. The creek holds rainbow and brown trout. Sierra peaks frame the surrounding landscape, and the valley's ecosystem supports chipmunks, hawks, and other wildlife. Some sites sit directly along the creek under pine shade, while others are more open and sun-exposed.

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.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers views of Bishop Creek and surrounding mountains, and some campsites are shaded by Jeffery pines.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are available; the campground is strictly for camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay 7 days.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is 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.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campground accommodates standard-sized campsites. No specific dimensions are provided.

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 SitesSites along Bishop Creek are ideal for their proximity to water and shade, according to user reviews.

Best CampsitesCreekside sites on the east side of the campground offer flat, shaded areas with the sound of Bishop Creek. Reviews single these out as the most pleasant spots.

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Trees Campground offers standard amenities for campers, including restrooms and potable water spigots throughout the campground. Picnic tables are available at each campsite, providing convenience for meals and activities. Bear-proof food storage containers are present at every site, a necessity given the active bear area. There are no electrical or sewer hookups provided. The campground features 16 campsites, with some located in shaded areas under large Jeffery Pine trees and others exposed to sunlight.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive 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.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available, measuring approximately 48" x 30" x 36".

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesWhite Mountain Public Lands Information Center located in Bishop, CA.

Trash & 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.

Water FeaturesLocated along the banks of Bishop Creek, providing opportunities for fishing and scenic creekside camping.

Camp HostMixed reviews about the camp hosts, ranging from helpful and welcoming to complaints about fee controversies.

Cell CoverageNo explicit mention of cell phone service availability or quality.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

40 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Trees Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 40 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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

Site-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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not mentioned specifically in user reviews.

Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, requiring dogs to be leashed in all developed recreation areas. No further details are provided.

Based on 40 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Creekside sites under the Jeffrey pines are the move here, grab one early, since there are only 16 sites total. Hikers heading to Bishop Pass Trailhead and Long Lake will appreciate being 10 miles from the trailhead on a paved road.

Skip if

Multiple reviewers flag the camp host for inventing extra vehicle fees and demanding double payment. If that kind of friction ruins a trip, the complaints are consistent enough to take seriously before booking.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.3

(105)

Forks Campground (Inyo)

3 South Lake Road, Bishop, CA, 93514

Forks Campground sits in the Inyo National Forest near Bishop, operated by Recreation Resource Management with tent and RV sites available for 14-day stays. The high-elevation alpine setting offers fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, with well-maintained facilities and attentive camp hosts. Fall brings spectacular aspen color and cooler temperatures, making it the prime season for hiking and stream fishing.

Big Trees Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Big Trees Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Big Trees Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Trees Campground

Planning Tips

About Big Trees Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Trees Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Activities

Plan a trip to Big Trees Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Trees Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Trees Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews