Willow Campground

Star4.53
19 reviews
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Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Planned operating se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens White Mountain Public Lands Information Center site

Official Website
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Willow Campground
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fee for single sites is $29/night. Additional vehicle fee is $10/night. America the Beautiful Access/Senior Passes honor a 50% discount...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
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) 873-2500null
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocation

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews highlight Willow Campground's peaceful atmosphere and excellent fishing opportunities. Campers appreciate the restriction on RVs and trailers, which ensures tranquility. Some concerns about environmental cleanliness (e.g., leftover trash) and the prevalence of mosquitoes have been noted."

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Campground Map

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Willow Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Bishop go west on State Route 168 (Line Street) approximately 15 miles. Turn left on South Lake Road, the campground will be on the left approximately 4 miles past the Four Jeffery Campground.
Accessible via State Route 168 and South Lake Road; road conditions not explicitly stated.
Nearby places
Bishop: approximately 15 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies will likely be available in Bishop, the nearest population center (approximately 15 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Willow Campground

Mountain weather at Willow brings crisp, invigorating air with temperatures that can dip below freezing during shoulder seasons, reminding visitors of the high Sierra's raw beauty. Pack warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings, and come prepared for nature's full experience – including the occasional mosquito companion during wetter periods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews highlight fishing and scenery; mosquitoes more prevalent in warm months.

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

Aspen canopy and 'golden aspens' make fall particularly scenic; operating season covers early fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; cold snaps and runoff/mosquitoes possible — mixed spring experience.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter; high Sierra winters limit access.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Planned operating season for 2025: May 16 - October 7
  • Current Alerts: Closed pending removal of hazard trees.

About Willow Campground

Tucked away beneath a canopy of quaking aspens, Willow Campground offers an intimate escape with just 8 tent-only sites along the melodic South Fork of Bishop Creek. This hidden gem, located 5 miles below South Lake, provides a peaceful retreat where the absence of RVs and trailers preserves the authentic wilderness experience that tent campers cherish.
Willow Campground caters exclusively to tent campers, prohibiting RVs and trailers. The small size and tent-only restriction create a peaceful atmosphere ideal for those seeking a rustic camping experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay 7 days.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Willow Campground is well-suited for activities like fishing and enjoying nature. The South Fork of Bishop Creek runs alongside the campground, providing excellent fishing opportunities. Some user reviews indicate the presence of wildlife, such as deer. The tranquil environment under aspen trees enhances passive recreational activities like wildlife viewing.
FishingUsers frequently praise the fishing opportunities offered by the South Fork of Bishop Creek, which features quiet and marbled sections accessible from each campsite. One review suggests matching the hatch for a successful fishing experience.
Wildlife viewingUser reviews mention sightings of deer, and the surrounding aspen trees provide a serene environment for wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, requiring secure food storage practices. Mosquitoes may be prevalent in damp conditions.
Active AlertsClosed pending removal of hazard trees.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes provided (typical size 48"x30"x36") due to bear activity in the area. Usage is mandatory.

Weather at Willow Campground

Reviews

4.5
19 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Willow Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Willow Campground's peaceful atmosphere and excellent fishing opportunities. Campers appreciate the restriction on RVs and trailers, which ensures tranquility. Some concerns about environmental cleanliness (e.g., leftover trash) and the prevalence of mosquitoes have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive remarks include the quiet environment, proximity to Bishop Creek for fishing, and the scenic location under aspen trees.
Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns raised by users include occasional trash left by previous campers and the presence of mosquitoes due to the damp ground.
Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing mosquito repellent and an additional ground footprint for tents due to the damp conditions.
Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer months are particularly favorable for fishing and enjoying the scenic beauty of the campground. However, mosquitoes are more prevalent during warmer months.
Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Willow is my favorite campground in the area. As a tent camper, it’s extremely quiet and mellow as this is not a campground for RVs." - Kyle Duncan 2. "Beautiful campground nice fishing and we...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers or detailed reviews provided.
Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific user reviews provided about pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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