The best campgrounds near Bishop, California with hot tubs

Midway between Lone Pine and Bridgeport on scenic U.S. Highway 395, Bishop is a popular jumping-off point for campers exploring the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada. Nestled between the Inyos and White Mountains at the northern end of the Owens Valley, it’s the biggest small town around. Bishop is a good place to grab a bite and replenish supplies, including fresh coffee, baked goods, and books. Then get ready to explore glacial creeks, alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pines, and mountain canyons in the high desert—all within close proximity. Wherever you stay, options for outdoor fun are pretty much endless.

Top-rated campgrounds near Bishop

1. Glacier Lodge

17mi from Bishop · 54 sites

Discover the unique charm of Glacier Lodge, established in 1917 and situated at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet along Big Pine Creek. This historic lodge has long served as a gateway to some of the finest hiking, fishing, hunting, and climbing experiences in the country. As the new owners, we are dedicated to ensuring that your stay is tailored to your desired outdoor adventure. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the serene silence of the mountains. Take a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, infused with the refreshing scent of pine, and let it fill your lungs. Feel the gentle breeze rustle through the trees and enjoy the coolness on your skin. The breathtaking views stretch into infinity, with majestic mountains reaching toward the clearest blue sky you’ve ever seen. If you choose to visit during the off-season, you’ll experience the invigorating chill of brisk winds and the occasional light snowfall, perfect for cozy campfires under the stars. In 1998, a devastating electrical fire destroyed the main lodge, a significant loss for our community. However, we are excited to announce plans to rebuild the Majestic Glacier Lodge as early as 2023. In the meantime, we offer eight rustic cabins for rent, providing easy access to the stunning high country

2. Old House at Benton Hot Springs

31mi from Bishop · 13 sites

Discover a truly unique experience at our family owned and operated ranch, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the serenity of the dark skies. Spanning 1,255 acres and boasting over 95 years of history, our campground offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration. Our hot springs at Benton are renowned for their purity, with natural mineral water rising to the surface at a soothing 140º. Here, you can unwind in our rejuvenating waters while enjoying the stunning night sky, listening to the sounds of nature, and exploring the historic mining town nearby. We offer a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, including seven rooms at the Inn, a charming historic miners cabin, four houses with private hot tubs, and 12 exclusive tub sites for overnight use. Please note that the policies for tub sites #14 and #15 differ from those of tub sites #1-13, so be sure to review them before your visit. For your convenience, our cancellation policies are as follows: house reservations require a strict seven days cancellation notice at 3 pm, cancellations made within this timeframe will incur the full reservation charge. For our tub sites and Inn rooms, a 72 hours cancellation notice is required.

Midway between Lone Pine and Bridgeport on scenic U.S. Highway 395, Bishop is a popular jumping-off point for campers exploring the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada. Nestled between the Inyos and White Mountains at the northern end of the Owens Valley, it’s the biggest small town around. Bishop is a good place to grab a bite and replenish supplies, including fresh coffee, baked goods, and books. Then get ready to explore glacial creeks, alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pines, and mountain canyons in the high desert—all within close proximity. Wherever you stay, options for outdoor fun are pretty much endless.

Top-rated campgrounds near Bishop

1. Glacier Lodge

17mi from Bishop · 54 sites

Discover the unique charm of Glacier Lodge, established in 1917 and situated at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet along Big Pine Creek. This historic lodge has long served as a gateway to some of the finest hiking, fishing, hunting, and climbing experiences in the country. As the new owners, we are dedicated to ensuring that your stay is tailored to your desired outdoor adventure. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the serene silence of the mountains. Take a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, infused with the refreshing scent of pine, and let it fill your lungs. Feel the gentle breeze rustle through the trees and enjoy the coolness on your skin. The breathtaking views stretch into infinity, with majestic mountains reaching toward the clearest blue sky you’ve ever seen. If you choose to visit during the off-season, you’ll experience the invigorating chill of brisk winds and the occasional light snowfall, perfect for cozy campfires under the stars. In 1998, a devastating electrical fire destroyed the main lodge, a significant loss for our community. However, we are excited to announce plans to rebuild the Majestic Glacier Lodge as early as 2023. In the meantime, we offer eight rustic cabins for rent, providing easy access to the stunning high country

2. Old House at Benton Hot Springs

31mi from Bishop · 13 sites

Discover a truly unique experience at our family owned and operated ranch, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the serenity of the dark skies. Spanning 1,255 acres and boasting over 95 years of history, our campground offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration. Our hot springs at Benton are renowned for their purity, with natural mineral water rising to the surface at a soothing 140º. Here, you can unwind in our rejuvenating waters while enjoying the stunning night sky, listening to the sounds of nature, and exploring the historic mining town nearby. We offer a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, including seven rooms at the Inn, a charming historic miners cabin, four houses with private hot tubs, and 12 exclusive tub sites for overnight use. Please note that the policies for tub sites #14 and #15 differ from those of tub sites #1-13, so be sure to review them before your visit. For your convenience, our cancellation policies are as follows: house reservations require a strict seven days cancellation notice at 3 pm, cancellations made within this timeframe will incur the full reservation charge. For our tub sites and Inn rooms, a 72 hours cancellation notice is required.

More campsites near Bishop

Glacier Lodge

17mi from Bishop · 54 sites

Discover the unique charm of Glacier Lodge, established in 1917 and situated at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet along Big Pine Creek. This historic lodge has long served as a gateway to some of the finest hiking, fishing, hunting, and climbing experiences in the country. As the new owners, we are dedicated to ensuring that your stay is tailored to your desired outdoor adventure. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the serene silence of the mountains. Take a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, infused with the refreshing scent of pine, and let it fill your lungs. Feel the gentle breeze rustle through the trees and enjoy the coolness on your skin. The breathtaking views stretch into infinity, with majestic mountains reaching toward the clearest blue sky you’ve ever seen. If you choose to visit during the off-season, you’ll experience the invigorating chill of brisk winds and the occasional light snowfall, perfect for cozy campfires under the stars. In 1998, a devastating electrical fire destroyed the main lodge, a significant loss for our community. However, we are excited to announce plans to rebuild the Majestic Glacier Lodge as early as 2023. In the meantime, we offer eight rustic cabins for rent, providing easy access to the stunning high country

Old House at Benton Hot Springs

31mi from Bishop · 13 sites

Discover a truly unique experience at our family owned and operated ranch, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the serenity of the dark skies. Spanning 1,255 acres and boasting over 95 years of history, our campground offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration. Our hot springs at Benton are renowned for their purity, with natural mineral water rising to the surface at a soothing 140º. Here, you can unwind in our rejuvenating waters while enjoying the stunning night sky, listening to the sounds of nature, and exploring the historic mining town nearby. We offer a variety of accommodations to suit your needs, including seven rooms at the Inn, a charming historic miners cabin, four houses with private hot tubs, and 12 exclusive tub sites for overnight use. Please note that the policies for tub sites #14 and #15 differ from those of tub sites #1-13, so be sure to review them before your visit. For your convenience, our cancellation policies are as follows: house reservations require a strict seven days cancellation notice at 3 pm, cancellations made within this timeframe will incur the full reservation charge. For our tub sites and Inn rooms, a 72 hours cancellation notice is required.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Bishop with hot tubs guide

Where to go

Around Bishop

You’ll find a range of RV parks and resorts with full hookup sites, glamper cabins, and on-site cafes that let you enjoy the outdoors with all the comforts of home. Check out Keough Hot Springs, with year-round camping and rustic tent cabins near the natural hot springs pool. Anglers head to trout fishing havens along Bishop Creek and Lake Sabrina, many within a short distance of campgrounds.

Inyo National Forest

Some of the wildest camping spots near Bishop are tucked away in the Inyo National Forest. Head west to North Lake Campground perched within a rugged granite landscape. (Sorry RVers, this one is for tents only.) You’ll wake up to fresh mountain air and excellent views of Table Mountain from Four Jeffrey Campground.

Big Pine Canyon

There are plenty of RV and tent-only sites among several campgrounds situated along Big Pine Creek, which is accessed up a windy mountain road from the namesake town. Day hikers and backpackers can head into the backcountry for a rigorous yet stunningly scenic uphill trek to Temple Crag and the Palisade Glacier, passing up to seven alpine lakes en route.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Craggy mountains tower amid the world’s oldest trees: the bristlecone pines. A visit to both Schulman Grove and Patriarch Grove is recommended, as both are popular for photography.

Lone Pine

To the west of this neighboring town lie the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney trailhead, from which prepared hikers can summit the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. (14,505 feet). But drive east of Highway 395 and you’ll enter Death Valley National Park, with an elevation below sea level.

When to go

Owing to the harsh mountain winters, campsites are typically available spring through fall, but cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hikes abound, especially delightful with natural hot springs to warm up in. Summer weather makes for excellent hiking conditions and spring flowers bloom late in the high country, around mid-July. Vivid autumn foliage draws visitors in the off-season. Get an early start if you plan to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, best photographed in the early morning light.

Know before you go

The White Mountain Public Lands Information Center in downtown Bishop is open all year, providing maps and information for the region.
Many Inyo campgrounds are first-come, first-served, so be sure to get an early start.
If you're traveling in the spring or early summer, don't forget to pack some bug spray—the mosquitoes have a taste for campers.
Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness. Permits are issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers.
Look out for summer thunderstorms if you plan to hike at high elevations.