Willow Campground is a small and primitive campground along the banks of the South Fork of Bishop Creek, a few miles south of South Lake. Located at 9,000 feet and surrounded by aspen groves and willows, the campground offers beautiful views of the creek and great fishing options.
The campground features eight first-come, first-served campsites suitable for tents only, as the terrain and narrow roads prohibit trailers and RVs.
Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker. Amenities are basic, with a vault toilet but no potable water, so visitors need to bring their own for drinking and cooking. Cell phone reception is generally spotty or unavailable.
The campground usually opens in late May and closes in mid-September, weather permitting. With only eight campsites and no reservations accepted, as all sites are first-come, first-served, arriving early, midweek, or in the off-season is recommended to secure a spot.
With Bishop Creek flowing through the campground, this spot is popular among anglers, particularly for rainbow trout.
South Lake, a nearby high-country lake, also offers excellent fishing opportunities. In addition, South Lake Landing provides motorboats, tandem kayaks, and pontoon boat rentals. You’ll also find a general store, café, and cabin rentals.
While the campground is quite remote, the town of Bishop is only 20 miles away, offering grocery stores, restaurants, bars, gas stations, and entertainment.
Nearby campgrounds include Table Mountain Group Campground, Mountain Glen Campground, and Sabrina Campground.
Fees
$25 per night
Reservations are not accepted.
Season / Opening and Closing Dates
The campground is open the first or second week of May through September, weather permitting.
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Directions
From Highway 395 in Bishop, turn west on State Route 168 (West Line St). Continue on State Route 168 (West Line St) for 15 miles to S Lake Rd. Turn left on S Lake Rd. Continue on S Lake Road for 5.1 miles to reach the turn off for the campground on the left.
GPS Coordinates: 37.193747,-118.560862
Map
Nearby Campgrounds
| Campground Name | Miles Away |
|---|---|
| Table Mountain Group Campground | 1.1 miles |
| Mountain Glen Campground | 2.1 miles |
| Sabrina Campground | 3.08 miles |
| Four Jeffrey Campground | 3.85 miles |
| Lower Intake 2 Campground | 3.9 miles |
| Upper Intake 2 Campground | 3.91 miles |
| Bishop Park Group Campground | 3.94 miles |
| Bishop Park Campground | 4 miles |
| Forks Campground | 4.22 miles |
| North Lake Campground | 4.33 miles |
| Big Trees Campground | 5 miles |
| Bitterbrush Campground | 6.43 miles |
| Big Pine Creek Campground | 8.38 miles |
| Clyde Glacier Group Campground | 8.82 miles |
| Palisade Glacier Group Campground | 8.85 miles |
| Upper Sage Flat Campground | 8.89 miles |
| Sage Flat Campground | 9.36 miles |
Nearby Fishing
| Name | Miles Away |
|---|---|
| South Lake | 1.66 miles |
| Lake Sabrina | 3.2 miles |
| North Lake | 3.92 miles |
| Bishop Creek | 8.36 miles |