How much does camping cost at Bitterbrush Campground?

Camping fees at Bitterbrush Campground range from $23-$31/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bitterbrush Campground before I book?

Yes! Bitterbrush Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bitterbrush Campground?

Bitterbrush Campground is open April 23 through October 31.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bitterbrush Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Bitterbrush Campground?

Fire policies at Bitterbrush Campground: Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings at each site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Bitterbrush Campground?

Cell phone service at Bitterbrush Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bitterbrush Campground have?

Bitterbrush Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bitterbrush Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bitterbrush 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 Bitterbrush Campground?

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

Bitterbrush Campground

Q: Is Bitterbrush Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bitterbrush Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-serve; users frequently mention availability during off-peak times like spring and fall.

4.21

49 reviews

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

Top 2% in CAFall

Stargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Kings Canyon National Park Spring Camping California

Quick Facts

7,350 ft

Price

$23 - $31/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,350 ft

Price

$23 - $31/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bitterbrush Campground

$23.00 - $31.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $31 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $10 per vehicle per night

Standard Site Fee$31.00

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USFS

Provider

(760) 873-2500

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bitterbrush Campground

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Campground Map

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

Bitterbrush Campground

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

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.

Weather at Bitterbrush Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bitterbrush Campground

Fall is the sweet spot here. Daytime highs run mid-50s to mid-60s°F, nights drop into the 20s and 30s. The cottonwoods go gold, crowds thin out, and the campground stays accessible through most of October since it sits below the higher snow line. Summer gets hot in the exposed sites, and reviewers suggest bringing portable sunshades if you're visiting then. Winter brings snow and freezing temperatures. Spring sees wildflowers and crisp mornings, but you'll need to check road conditions.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Fall is the 'sweet spot': mild days, golden cottonwoods, thinner crowds and good access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 23 through October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Free winter camping from November to March. Services provided April 23 through October 31.

About Bitterbrush Campground

Bitterbrush Campground sits at 7,350 feet in Inyo National Forest, about 15 miles southwest of Bishop along Bishop Creek. The single-loop campground has 30 sites for tents and RVs, with fees ranging from $23 to $31 per night. Jeffrey and Piñon pines mix with sagebrush across the layout, and the creek runs close enough to several sites that you'll hear it at night. It's the last spot up the canyon with decent cell service.

Bitterbrush Campground accommodates primitive camping styles, tent camping, and small RVs. Group camping and glamping options are not available.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the sweet spot here. Daytime highs run mid-50s to mid-60s°F, nights drop into the 20s and 30s. The cottonwoods go gold, crowds thin out, and the campground stays accessible through most of October since it sits below the higher snow line. Summer gets hot in the exposed sites, and reviewers suggest bringing portable sunshades if you're visiting then. Winter brings snow and freezing temperatures. Spring sees wildflowers and crisp mornings, but you'll need to check road conditions.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies a riparian corridor where Bishop Creek flows through a high-desert landscape. Jeffrey and Piñon pines provide some shade, though reviews consistently note that coverage is limited and many sites bake in direct sun during summer. Sagebrush fills the spaces between trees. Cottonwoods line the creek, turning gold in fall. Snow-capped peaks are visible from camp. The contrast between the green creek zone and the surrounding dry terrain is striking, especially when aspens and cottonwoods shift color in autumn.

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.

Scenic ViewsUser reviews frequently mention views of snow-capped mountains and the rushing creek. "Great campground along the creek with views of snow capped mountains."

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutOne large loop with 30 sites. Spacing is generous, and several reviews mention good privacy between sites, though the open terrain means you're not hidden by thick vegetation. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers.

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.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.

Site SizeGenerously sized camp sites" as noted by user reviews.

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 SitesSites near Bishop Creek are recommended for the sound of flowing water. Portable sunshades are advised due to limited tree cover.

Best CampsitesReviews mention that some sites sit right next to Bishop Creek with rushing water audible from your tent, while others are set back. No specific site numbers come up repeatedly, but campers note that privacy and shade vary across the loop. If you want creek access, ask about proximity when you reserve.

Amenities available

Water Potable water is not available at this site. Other Amenities No electrical hook ups. Restrooms Vault toilet(s)

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive 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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault-style toilets are the only restroom option.

Food Storage RequiredMandatory bear-proof lockers provided at each site for food storage. Typical size is 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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings at each site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are likely at Bishop, CA (White Mountain Public Lands Information Center).

Trash & 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.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Bishop Creek; some campsites offer the sound of rushing water.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described as friendly and helpful by users, although one user noted dissatisfaction with the male host.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is noted as decent by users, particularly as the campground is the last place up the canyon with reliable coverage.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

49 reviews

Satisfactory

Bitterbrush Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 49 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 49 reviews

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 49 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not individually reviewed.

Based on 49 reviews

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 49 reviews

Seasonal 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 49 reviews

Camper 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 49 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly.

Based on 49 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times.

Based on 49 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Fall campers who want cottonwoods going gold along Bishop Creek, cold nights, and a short drive to South Lake. Fishing picks up in autumn, the crowds drop, and this is the last spot up the canyon with usable cell service.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling everything from Bishop. Summer tent campers in particular get cooked: many sites have no tree cover, and reviewers specifically flag the midday heat as brutal without a shade canopy.

Nearby Campgrounds

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

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.

Bitterbrush Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Bitterbrush Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Bitterbrush Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bitterbrush Campground

Planning Tips

About Bitterbrush Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

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

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Bitterbrush Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bitterbrush Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews