Big Trees Campground is a campground located on Bishop Creek, about 14 miles west of Bishop, just off State Route 168 (West Line Street). At an elevation of 7,500 feet, the campground gets its name from the Jeffrey pines throughout the area.
The campground features 16 first-come, first-served campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs up to 30 feet long. Some sites are walk-in tent-only spots.
Each campsite has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker.
Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, and a vault toilet. While there are no hookups or dump stations within the campground, a dump station is available approximately four miles away at Four Jeffrey Campground.
Firewood can be purchased from the camp host when available. Leased pets are welcome.
Many campsites at Big Trees Campground are well-spaced. While some offer shade from the tall pines, others are in open sunlight with no shade, which can get hot during the summer.
The campground typically operates from late April to late October, weather permitting. During July and August, the campground is busy, so it is advisable to arrive early to secure a site. Reservations are not accepted.
Big Trees Campground is an excellent base for a variety of outdoor activities. Bishop Creek, popular with anglers, runs past the campground. The stream is regularly stocked with small trout by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Additional fishing opportunities, including Intake Two, North Lake, Lake Sabrina, and South Lake, are a short drive away.
Besides fishing, the area offers numerous hiking opportunities, ranging from easy to challenging, with some leading into the backcountry of the John Muir Wilderness.
Though located only 14 miles from Bishop, the campground feels quite remote, so bringing all the supplies you need is advisable. Otherwise, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Bishop, where you’ll find restaurants, gas stations, supplies, entertainment, bars, and more.
Many nearby campgrounds include Forks Campground, Four Jeffrey Campground, Upper Intake 2 Campground, Lower Intake 2 Campground, Bishop Park Campground, and Bitterbrush Campground.
Fees
$34 per night
Reservations are not accepted.
Season / Opening and Closing Dates
Last weekend in April through the end of October, 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 13.3 miles to reach Big Trees Rd. Turn left on Big Trees Rd. Continue on Big Trees Rd. for 1.2 miles to reach the campground.
GPS Coordinates: 37.264734,-118.57861
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Nearby Campgrounds
| Campground Name | Miles Away |
|---|---|
| Forks Campground | 0.8 miles |
| Four Jeffrey Campground | 1.18 miles |
| Upper Intake 2 Campground | 1.47 miles |
| Lower Intake 2 Campground | 1.48 miles |
| Bishop Park Group Campground | 1.62 miles |
| Bishop Park Campground | 1.69 miles |
| Bitterbrush Campground | 1.89 miles |
| Mountain Glen Campground | 2.91 miles |
| Sabrina Campground | 3.5 miles |
| North Lake Campground | 3.71 miles |
| Table Mountain Group Campground | 3.95 miles |
| Willow Campground | 5 miles |
| Horton Creek Campground | 8.21 miles |
Nearby Fishing
| Name | Miles Away |
|---|---|
| North Lake | 3.03 miles |
| Lake Sabrina | 4.32 miles |
| Bishop Creek | 4.57 miles |
| South Lake | 6.54 miles |
| Millpond Recreation Area | 9.24 miles |