The best mountainous camping near Bishop

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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.

93% (412) 38 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bishop

Aberdeen Resort

1. Aberdeen Resort

93%
(165)
28mi from Bishop · 15 sites · RVs
Learn more about this land: Relax at Aberdeen Resort! Enjoy Goodale Creek at camp and the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We have 10 Overnight Sites with the rest of the park being long term. Explore the many OHV trails, hike from the Park or head up to the many trailheads in the area. Fish Goodale Creek or head across the 395 to the gorgeous Owens River. Unspoiled and wild, the Owens Valley is spectacular and serene.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$46
 / night
Kings Canyon Campground

2. Kings Canyon Campground

92%
(745)
47mi from Bishop · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$22
 / night
Glacier Lodge

3. 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
Crowley Lake RV Park

4. Crowley Lake RV Park

24mi from Bishop · 31 sites
Crowley Lake RV Park stands out as a premier destination for RV enthusiasts, offering spacious campsites that cater to big rigs up to 40 feet in length. Nestled near the stunning Crowley Lake in California, this park provides a welcoming atmosphere for both families and pets, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience. Our full 30 amp hookup campsites come equipped with essential amenities, including complimentary WiFi and 24-channel cable TV. Guests can enjoy a variety of onsite features such as the Crowley Lake General Store, picnic tables, fire circles, and grills, making it easy to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. Basic facilities like restrooms with coin-operated hot showers and laundry services are also available for your convenience. During your stay, immerse yourself in a range of outdoor activities, including biking, waterskiing, boating, and fishing. The campground is ideally situated near popular attractions such as the breathtaking Eastern Sierras, the renowned Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, and the picturesque Pleasant Valley Reservoir. With so much to explore and enjoy, Crowley Lake RV Park is the perfect base for your next outdoor getaway!
Golden Pine RV Park

5. Golden Pine RV Park

47mi from Bishop · 1 site
Discover the unique charm of Golden Pine RV Park, where a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities creates an unforgettable experience for RV enthusiasts. Recently acquired by new ownership, the park continues to offer the familiar comforts you love while introducing exciting enhancements that will elevate your stay. With 25 spacious sites equipped with water, power, and sewer hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire pits, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Our facilities include restrooms, showers, laundry services, and fish cleaning stations, ensuring your comfort throughout your visit. In addition to the amenities you already appreciate, we are committed to providing numerous upgrades that will enhance your vacation in this stunning mountain environment. Our dedicated Camp Hosts are here to assist you with local insights and help curate a variety of outdoor adventures, including water sports, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. We also offer guided tours to the nearby National Park and host community events at the resort, fostering connections among our guests. With an onsite Concierge available to help you plan your daily activities and evening relaxation, Golden Pine RV Park is truly a special place to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature's splendor. Enjoy easy access to Gull Lake, June Lake, and the charming Village of June Lake, making your stay even more memorable.

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.

93% (412) 38 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bishop

Aberdeen Resort

1. Aberdeen Resort

93%
(165)
28mi from Bishop · 15 sites · RVs
Learn more about this land: Relax at Aberdeen Resort! Enjoy Goodale Creek at camp and the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We have 10 Overnight Sites with the rest of the park being long term. Explore the many OHV trails, hike from the Park or head up to the many trailheads in the area. Fish Goodale Creek or head across the 395 to the gorgeous Owens River. Unspoiled and wild, the Owens Valley is spectacular and serene.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$46
 / night
Kings Canyon Campground

2. Kings Canyon Campground

92%
(745)
47mi from Bishop · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$22
 / night
Glacier Lodge

3. 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
Crowley Lake RV Park

4. Crowley Lake RV Park

24mi from Bishop · 31 sites
Crowley Lake RV Park stands out as a premier destination for RV enthusiasts, offering spacious campsites that cater to big rigs up to 40 feet in length. Nestled near the stunning Crowley Lake in California, this park provides a welcoming atmosphere for both families and pets, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience. Our full 30 amp hookup campsites come equipped with essential amenities, including complimentary WiFi and 24-channel cable TV. Guests can enjoy a variety of onsite features such as the Crowley Lake General Store, picnic tables, fire circles, and grills, making it easy to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. Basic facilities like restrooms with coin-operated hot showers and laundry services are also available for your convenience. During your stay, immerse yourself in a range of outdoor activities, including biking, waterskiing, boating, and fishing. The campground is ideally situated near popular attractions such as the breathtaking Eastern Sierras, the renowned Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, and the picturesque Pleasant Valley Reservoir. With so much to explore and enjoy, Crowley Lake RV Park is the perfect base for your next outdoor getaway!
Golden Pine RV Park

5. Golden Pine RV Park

47mi from Bishop · 1 site
Discover the unique charm of Golden Pine RV Park, where a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities creates an unforgettable experience for RV enthusiasts. Recently acquired by new ownership, the park continues to offer the familiar comforts you love while introducing exciting enhancements that will elevate your stay. With 25 spacious sites equipped with water, power, and sewer hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire pits, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Our facilities include restrooms, showers, laundry services, and fish cleaning stations, ensuring your comfort throughout your visit. In addition to the amenities you already appreciate, we are committed to providing numerous upgrades that will enhance your vacation in this stunning mountain environment. Our dedicated Camp Hosts are here to assist you with local insights and help curate a variety of outdoor adventures, including water sports, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. We also offer guided tours to the nearby National Park and host community events at the resort, fostering connections among our guests. With an onsite Concierge available to help you plan your daily activities and evening relaxation, Golden Pine RV Park is truly a special place to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature's splendor. Enjoy easy access to Gull Lake, June Lake, and the charming Village of June Lake, making your stay even more memorable.

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The best mountainous camping near Bishop 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.