Bitterbrush Campground
Open — Open year-round. Winter operations from November through March offer free camping with no water or trash service. Regular operations with full amenities resume in April.
Stay Limits, Parking, and Developed Recreation Site Use
This forest order was put in place to protect natural resources and promote public safety.
Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project
www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/projects/reds-meadow-road-reconstruction
Wilderness Use Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the portions of the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses located in the Inyo National Forest.
Mount Whitney Zone Access Restrictions
This forest order prohibits recreating in the Mount Whitney Zone to provide for public safety and protect natural resources.
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown on the Exhibits.
Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown in the Exhibits.
Reds Meadow Road Closure Order
This Forest Closure Order prohibits being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road to provide public safety during the 2025 reconstruction season.
ESCCRP Project Area Closure
This forest order prohibits access to roads affected by the ESCRRP project to provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond.
Inn Fire Closure Order
This Forest Closure Order prohibits entrance into the Inn Fire Area Closure to protect public health and safety from environmental hazards, wildfire, and wildfire suppression operations.
Hot Creek Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating in Hot Creek within the Mammoth Ranger District.
Goat Prohibition Order
This Forest Order prohibits possessing or storing a goat within the Inyo National Forest Goat Prohibition Area.
Mammoth Mill Site Area and Trail Closure
This Forest Order prohibits recreating, entering or being in the Mammoth Mill Site Closure Area and the Mammoth Stamp Mill Trail.
B&B Mine Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the B&B Mine and Mill Site Closure Area.
Food and Refuse Storage Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits food and refuse in locations in Exhibits A and C-J, unless stored in a bear-resistant container.
About
Bitterbrush Campground is a well-maintained 30-site campground located in Bishop Creek Canyon within the Inyo National Forest, approximately 13 miles west of Bishop along State Route 168. Situated at 7,350 feet elevation, the campground is popular during spring and fall as it frequently remains below the snow line or experiences only minor snow accumulation. The facility operates year-round, transitioning to free winter camping from November through March with limited amenities and no staffing. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food storage container (48" x 30" x 36"). During the regular season from April through October, the campground charges $31 per night for single sites with an additional $9-10 vehicle fee. Vault toilets are available year-round, while potable water from a hand pump is only available during the staffed season. Most sites accommodate two vehicles or a trailer with tow vehicle. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations, and visitors register at the campground entrance. Bitterbrush is situated in active bear country, requiring all food to be secured in provided bear boxes when unattended or overnight. The campground enforces a 14-day maximum stay and maintains quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Its location makes it the closest developed campground to the world-renowned Buttermilks bouldering area, making it particularly popular with rock climbers. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on leash at all times.
Directions
From Bishop, head west on State Route 168 (Line Street) for approximately 13 miles. The campground entrance is on the left (south) side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 - $31 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 873-2500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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