J
Jeff C.
Traveler
TravelerBrowns Campgrounds
Clean, flat spaces, close to town. Hot showers available for $2. Tent spot was $40 or $45 with RV water and electricity hookup.
Camping near Bishop, CA
6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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The Bishop, California area encompasses a variety of camping options across different elevations and landscapes. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping offers free primitive sites north of town, while established facilities like Brown's Town and Highlands RV Park provide more developed experiences with hookups and amenities. The region includes both tent and RV sites, with several campgrounds offering mixed accommodation types. Most developed campgrounds are situated within 15 miles of Bishop's city center, providing convenient access to services while still offering mountain views.
Campgrounds in the Bishop area typically operate year-round at lower elevations, while higher elevation sites may close during winter months. Many established campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with varying levels of amenity access. Several locations like Brown's Town and Highlands RV Park maintain shower facilities and toilets, though some require additional fees for these services. Public lands permit dispersed camping with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Cellular coverage varies significantly by location, with stronger signals near town and spotty reception in outlying areas. A visitor commented that Highland RV Park offers "full hookups, very well maintained sites with dirt sections and a concrete slab with picnic table."
Campers report that proximity to Bishop's amenities is a key advantage for many sites, with several campgrounds placing visitors within walking distance or a short drive to restaurants, shops and services. Mixed-use campgrounds like Brown's Town feature grassy sites with picnic tables and fire pits, offering a balance between developed amenities and natural surroundings. According to reviews, many campgrounds provide mountain views with "beautiful 360-degree Mountain Views" visible from some locations. Camping near Bishop provides excellent access to outdoor recreation, including fishing in nearby streams and hiking trails throughout the Eastern Sierra region. Several visitors noted clean facilities as a consistent positive feature across the developed campgrounds in the area. While some campgrounds can be noisy due to proximity to highways, others offer quieter settings with natural barriers or greater distance from major roads.
Best Campgrounds near Bishop (240)
1. Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping
"Was stoked to find this gem a short drive from Bishop. I drove in at night and the Milky Way was shining bright. Got some decent star shots."
"We wanted something near Bishop. Hardly anyone around, but other vans helped us know we were in the right place. A bit windy and cold though!"
2. Grandview Campground
"Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is close by or take a drive down to the old mining area, but I would suggest a four wheel drive, mountain bike or good hiking shoes drive for this."
"With amazing views of the Sierra Nevadas, and lots of exploration potential in the Inyos, this is a wonderfully situated campground."
3. Pleasant Valley Campground
"There is Pleasant Valley Campground, and if you cross the street and drive a little bit in you can get to Pleasant Valley Pit. This place has no shade, no trees, but amazing view of the Sierras."
"Nice walking trail right outside the campground. Not much privacy, but spots are nicely spaced."
38 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $14 - $108 / night
4. Highlands RV Park
"We were just driving through Bishop on opening weekend of fishing season (who knew?) and looking for a spot for weekend so we could get laundry done and get showers."
"This location is very clean, close to town with full hook ups. Staff was very friendly! It is right next to a pretty noisy road but I think it's a good stop for the night 👍"
Check Availabilityfrom $41 - $45 / night
5. Brown’s Town
"Close To town(Bishop). Close to lots of lakes and tons to do and see. Very clean,"
"Number 2, Bishop is a nice little town with AMAZING food spots, so you will want a little time to check those out."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $45 / night
6. Pleasant Valley Pit Campground
"Straight forward camp sites right outside of bishop, easy access for climbing at Owens river gorge, or saying for skiing at mammoth below the snow line. Only $5 a night"
"Not too far outside of the town of Bishop that has everything you could want. Would definitely recommend!"
Check Availabilityfrom $12 / night
7. McGee Creek
"We camped right next to the stream and stayed one night and it was peaceful and far away from any highway."
"Road was closed so we walked the half mile or so in. Beautiful spot!"
8. Big Pine Creek Campground
"However, next to Big Pine Creek Campground is Glacier Lodge (they share the same entrance road and is privately owned)…and they will rent you a shower for $5/5 minutes."
"Wood was about $1-2 per bundle more expensive than other National Forest sites we've been in & the nearby town."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 / night
9. Baker Creek Campground
"We showed up around 6 A.M. when it was still dark in the campground. I knew the general area of the campsite, so we drove around with only head lights to guide us."
"Stayed at site 24, next to the creek. Near toilet block and trash. Winds were blowing so didn’t make a fire. Overall a nice camping spot, next to creek and it wasn’t too crowded either."
26 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $14 / night
10. Browns Campgrounds
"Next to golf course."
"Clean, flat spaces, close to town. Hot showers available for $2. Tent spot was $40 or $45 with RV water and electricity hookup."
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 36 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 44 min from Hanford, CA
- 5 hrs 6 min from Fresno, CA
- 5 hrs 49 min from Merced, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Bishop, CA
291 Photos of 240 Bishop Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Bishop, CA
935 Reviews of 240 Bishop Campgrounds
- AAbby S.
GuideBrown’s Town
Stopped to use the dump site. $10 fee to use if you stayed there, $25 otherwise.
- AAbby S.Guide
Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping
Didn’t stay at this exact spot but a bit farther down Casa Diablo road. First few spots were occupied but spread out. Super peaceful. Road was in good condition late Oct 2026 and fine for 26’ RV. 5G AT&T service.
- AAbby S.Guide
Grandview Campground
Nice quiet spot to stop when visiting the Bristlecone Forest. Road is pretty narrow and winding but made it there easy in a 25’ RV. Not many level spots. Drop toilets. $20 suggested donation.
- BBea S.
ScoutEsmeralda Market & RV
Small park, but easy in and out. Nice tree cover.
- AAbby S.Guide
Taboose Creek Campground
Nice little campground. Some spots are a bit close together but there were only a few other campers when we stayed. Big enough for small RVs. Drinking water available. All sites right along the creek. Nice and quiet.
- AAbby S.Guide
Goodale Creek Campground
10/26/2026 this campground was closed due to a fire that had gone through the area. None of the signs leading up to it were marked closed but was totally gated up and looked rough.
- SSteve S.Scout
Convict Flat Campground
It's nice enough and it's free..
Aaron S.
Rangerthe Inn at Benton Hot Springs
Pure Relaxation & A Must-Know Big-Rig Access Tip
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for a truly unique, tranquil getaway off the beaten path in California, The Inn at Benton Hot Springs is tough to beat. We recently stopped here to decompress on our trip to Glacier National Park, staying in Hot Tub Site#2, and it was hands-down one of the most relaxing nights of our entire journey.
The Soak& Site Experience (Site#2)
Each campsite here features its own dedicated, private natural hot spring tub.
- Cleanliness & Water: Site#2 was immaculate. The tub was spotless, and the mineral water was piping hot and easy to adjust to the perfect soaking temperature.
- Privacy& Seclusion: The layout offers exceptional privacy between sites. You get uninterrupted desert and mountain views, completely dark night skies for stargazing, and total quiet.
- Booking Tip: This place is no secret among seasoned road trippers—plan well ahead, because these private tub sites book up fast.
CRITICAL PRO-TIP: Big-Rig Navigation on Highway 120
If you are pulling a large setup—like our 39-foot Keystone Raptor toyhauler—pay close attention to this arrival strategy to save yourself immense stress:
- DO NOT attempt a right-hand turn into the campground driveway from westbound Hwy 120. The angle is practically a 180-degree hook, flanked by a telephone pole, a narrow gate, and tight fencing. It is physically impossible for a long trailer to clear without clipping something or blocking the road(speaking for a friend, of course!).
- The Turnaround Maneuver: You must be facing EAST to safely enter the dirt driveway. Drive west past the main office and look for the wide dirt turnout directly across from the intersection of Highway 120 and Yellow Jacket Road.
- The Smart Check-In Plan: Pull into that turnout to temporarily park your rig and complete your U-turn. From there, take the easy 100-yard walk back to the office to grab your paperwork and check-in packet. Once you're set, you will be heading east, allowing you to make a smooth, wide left-hand turn directly into the campground entrance without sweating a scratch.
Nobody wants to be the camper stuck across both lanes of Highway 120. Following this route will save your nerves, your trailer skirts, and your tires.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Benton Hot Springs is an absolute gem for anyone traveling Eastern California. Once you navigate the entrance, having your own private, steaming mineral tub just steps from your RV door makes all the driving worthwhile. We will definitely be back.
P.S. Absolutely no Cell Service. Bring a Starlink Dish.
Guide to Bishop
Camping spots near Bishop, California range from high-elevation alpine sites to desert terrain options. Located in the Owens Valley between the White Mountains and Eastern Sierra Nevada, Bishop area camping sits at elevations between 4,000-8,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Seasonal campers should note that wind patterns can be significant, particularly in spring months when gusts frequently exceed 30 mph across open tableland areas.
What to do
Bouldering and climbing access: Pleasant Valley Pit Campground offers affordable access to popular climbing areas. "Great for meeting other climbers and super cheap, but be prepared for people driving around late at night, and a line to use the bathroom," notes M H. The area provides a base for climbers at only $5 per night.
High-altitude hiking options: From Big Pine Creek Campground, you can access spectacular alpine lakes. One camper shares: "The North Trail was incredible. We started late and only went to the first and second of seven alpine glacier lakes. The water is so emerald green, it's surreal." The trailhead starts directly from the campground for convenience.
Hot springs exploration: While staying at Keoughs Hot Springs and Campground, visitors can enjoy both developed and undeveloped hot springs. "We rode our bikes down the dirt road, looked for the overhead electrical lines and found some open hot springs. We had the place to ourselves and it was deep enough to sit in and get a good warm soak," reports one camper.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Grandview Campground at 8,000 feet elevation offers exceptional night viewing. "We slung up the hammock and fell asleep under the INSANE stars. Like the angels kicked over multiple bottles of glitter," writes Kiley S. The high elevation and distance from urban areas creates optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Creek-side camping: Several campsites feature running water nearby. A McGee Creek visitor notes, "Spots closer to the creek create a nice white noise. Beautiful view of the mountains in the morning." The sound of flowing water helps mask other campground noise.
Winter access: Unlike many Sierra locations, Pleasant Valley Campground remains accessible year-round. "Went up and camped here for 3 nights before thanksgiving to snowboard. It was a great experience the campground was one of the most quite I've been in besides blm land... The temps dropped to about 19°F at night but the days there got up to around 65°F," reports Ben G.
What you should know
Mosquito populations: Be prepared for significant insect activity, especially near water. "This is a nice spot along the river if you're set up for dry camping. The sites are spacious and most of them are right along the river. It is for this reason the mosquitos are so out of hand," warns James about Pleasant Valley Campground.
High elevation effects: Camping at higher elevations requires acclimatization. A Grandview Campground visitor advises: "Remember, you will be at approximately 8000 feet above sea level and the air is thinner up here. Plan your activities accordingly."
Cell reception variations: Coverage can be sporadic but isn't entirely absent. At Volcanic Tableland BLM Dispersed Camping, "There is ok Verizon service, better ATT service, and T-Mobile alternated between roaming and no service," according to Laura M. Most campgrounds near town offer workable connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Bishop, CA?
What are the best campgrounds near Bishop, CA?
Bishop offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Forks Campground (Inyo) is perfectly situated along Bishop Creek with easy access to both north and south forks, clean facilities, and sites for both trailers and tents. Sabrina Campground provides a serene experience away from tourist crowds while still being moments from Lake Sabrina, North Lake, and a short drive to South Lake. For those seeking free camping, Volcanic Tableland BLM offers dispersed sites with stunning Sierra views and stargazing opportunities. Pleasant Valley Campground provides affordable camping ($2) with bathroom facilities and proximity to other attractions, while Willow Campground offers a beautiful creekside setting among aspens for those willing to compete for first-come, first-served spots.
What amenities are available at Bishop, CA campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Bishop, CA campgrounds?
Campground amenities vary widely around Bishop. For those seeking more comforts, Creekside RV Park offers waterfront sites along Bishop Creek with toilets, showers, a fish cleaning station, and WiFi. Horton Creek Campground provides basic amenities including tables, fire pits with grates, lantern hooks, and clean vault toilets, though there's limited shade. Many public campgrounds in the area offer vault toilets and fire rings but limited water access. For those needing showers, some campgrounds like Mountain Glen mention paid shower facilities at nearby resorts ($8 at Parcher's). Most campgrounds in the mountains feature picnic tables and fire rings, while dispersed camping areas typically have minimal to no amenities. Facilities generally improve at private campgrounds and RV parks compared to forest service and BLM sites.
Is tent camping available in Bishop, CA?
Is tent camping available in Bishop, CA?
Tent camping is widely available throughout the Bishop area. Mountain Glen Campground offers five tent-only sites hidden just off South Lake Road with Bishop Creek running nearby, providing easy access to John Muir Wilderness hiking and fishing. Sites 1 and 5 feature walk-in access and are surrounded by natural beauty. North Lake Campground is another excellent tent camping option in the mountains above Bishop, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with spacious sites and beautiful surroundings. The final approach involves a narrow mountain road, but many campers find the spectacular setting worth the drive. Throughout the Bishop area, you'll find numerous other options for tent camping at both developed campgrounds and dispersed locations.
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