Bishop sits in the middle of one of California’s great camping landscapes.
Within an hour of town, you can camp beside an alpine lake, beneath granite peaks, among ancient bristlecone pines, along a trout stream, or in the open desert beneath a sky full of stars. Some campgrounds sit above 9,000 feet in the high country. Others are tucked into the sagebrush of the Owens Valley.
The challenge isn’t finding a place to camp.
It’s deciding where.
Bishop Creek Canyon
If you’re visiting Bishop for the first time, Bishop Creek Canyon is often the place to start.
The canyon climbs quickly from the valley floor into the heart of the Sierra Nevada, passing lakes, campgrounds, aspens, streams, and granite peaks along the way. Many of the region’s most popular campgrounds are located here, including sites near South Lake, Lake Sabrina, Intake II, Four Jeffrey, and North Lake.
Summer brings anglers, hikers, and families. Fall transforms the canyon into one of California’s premier leaf-peeping destinations.
Lake Sabrina
Perched at nearly 9,200 feet, Lake Sabrina combines classic Sierra scenery with easy access to fishing, hiking, and boating.
Several nearby campgrounds place visitors within minutes of the lake and trailheads leading deeper into the John Muir Wilderness. Early mornings often begin with calm water and reflections of the surrounding peaks.
South Lake
For hikers and backpackers, South Lake serves as one of the most important trailheads in the Eastern Sierra.
Campgrounds surrounding the lake provide easy access to Bishop Pass, Dusy Basin, Chocolate Lakes, Long Lake, and countless backcountry adventures. Even if you’re not heading deep into the wilderness, the scenery alone makes the drive worthwhile.
Brown’s Town Campground
Located along Bishop Creek, Brown’s Town offers a classic forested campground experience with easy access to fishing and hiking.
The sound of moving water tends to become the soundtrack of the stay.
Pleasant Valley Campground
Located west of Bishop near the base of the Sierra, Pleasant Valley offers a different experience than the higher-elevation campgrounds.
The setting combines desert landscapes, river access, and views of the surrounding mountains. It’s particularly popular among climbers, anglers, and visitors looking for a quieter alternative to the canyon.
The Buttermilks
Camping and climbing have gone hand in hand here for decades.
The Buttermilks offer dispersed camping opportunities beneath Mount Tom and among some of the most famous boulders in the world. Sunrises are spectacular. So are the stars.
The road can be rough in places, but that’s part of the appeal.
Grandview Campground
Located in the White Mountains at over 8,500 feet, Grandview serves as a gateway to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
The campground sits among pinyon pines and junipers with expansive views across the Owens Valley toward the Sierra Nevada. Nights are cool, quiet, and remarkably dark.
Best Time to Camp
Spring: Wildflowers, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Summer: Prime season for high-country campgrounds and alpine lakes.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and some of California’s best fall colors in Bishop Creek Canyon.
Winter: Lower-elevation camping remains possible, though nights can be cold and storms can impact higher elevations.
Camp Responsibly
Much of what makes camping around Bishop special is how wild these landscapes still feel. Use established campsites when possible, pack out all trash, respect fire restrictions, store food properly, and leave campsites cleaner than you found them. The next camper will appreciate it.
Why Campers Keep Coming Back
A weekend in Bishop can mean fishing an alpine lake in the morning, exploring desert canyons in the afternoon, and watching alpenglow spread across the Sierra at sunset.
Few places offer this much variety within such a short drive.
Once you’ve camped here, it’s easy to understand why so many visitors keep returning.
