Bitterbrush Campground

Star4.58
49 reviews
798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514
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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

Opens White Mountain Ranger District site

Official Website
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Bitterbrush Campground
$23.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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...
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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

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Provider
(760) 873-2500
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 49 reviews

42 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanrestrooms

"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."

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Campground Map

798 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514

Bitterbrush Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Bitterbrush Campground

Bitterbrush 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Services active April–Oct; warm/hot summers but creek and shade at some sites help.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Autumn 'golden displays' and moderate weather make fall a top season per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring wildflower blooms, crisp mornings and pleasant weather draw many visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round with free winter camping; limited services and winter access noted.

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.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts or advisories were mentioned.

About Bitterbrush 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.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
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.
FishingFishing 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 viewingThe area around Bitterbrush Campground is active with wildlife, and bearproof food storage indicates a healthy wildlife population.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.
Active AlertsNo active alerts or advisories were mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredMandatory bear-proof lockers provided at each site for food storage. Typical size is 48" x 30" x 36".

Weather at Bitterbrush Campground

Reviews

4.6
49 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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 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,...
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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...
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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."...
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Based on 49 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not individually reviewed.
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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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