Reservations possible?
No
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Bitterbrush Campground is a new and well maintained site in Bishop Creek Canyon. Just 13 miles west of Bishop on 168, Bitterbrush is the closest developed campground to the renowned Buttermilks Climbing Area. While dispersed camping is allowed in the Buttermilks, there are no facilities, and fire bans are often in effect.

Many choose Bitterbrush as a milder winter camping alternative from its higher elevation counterparts. At 7,350 feet, nights at Bitterbrush are cold but often just below the snowline. Although the fees are a bit expensive ($23 per night), the year-round campground is free of charge in the winter months when water and trash services are not provided.

Canyon walls keep the morning sun at bay for those looking to sleep past daybreak. In the shadow of the high Sierra, the sun also dips to the western horizon early in the day. 

Sites situated next to the highway are exposed aside from a few scattered trees and brush. Pinyon and Jeffrey pine surround the creekside spots.

Bitterbrush boasts amazing views of the Sierra crest and the Owens Valley below. A large power line from a hydroelectric station upstream detracts a bit from the picturesque beauty, however.

Campsites are equipped with bear boxes. Firewood can be purchased from the camp host when present.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Close to the Buttermilks. Later sunrise in canyon. Bear boxes. Free in winter.

Cons

Power lines. Some highway noise.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Concessionaire

Features

Vault toilet
Potable water

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

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