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 anticipated 2026 closing date is October 4, weather permitting. Confirm opening dates and road conditions before visiting. 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
| Season Dates / Year | Site Type | Nightly/Daily Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Campsite | $29.00 / night |
Reservations are not accepted.
Season Dates
| Season Dates |
|---|
| Anticipated closing: October 4, 2026 |
Dates may change with conditions. A 2027 season has not been published.
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Directions
From the intersection of US 395 and West Line Street (CA 168) in Bishop, head west on CA 168 for about 15 miles. Turn left onto South Lake Road and continue about 5.1 miles. Bear left into the Willow Campground access road and follow it to the campground.
Access notes: The Forest Service prohibits RVs and trailers at this campground.
GPS Coordinates: 37.193747,-118.560862
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Nearby Campgrounds
