Four Jeffrey Campground (often called “4 Jeffrey”) is a popular, large developed campground in Inyo National Forest near Bishop, California. It sits along the South Fork of Bishop Creek in a scenic valley between Grouse Mountain and Table Mountain at approximately 8,100–8,300 feet elevation.
The campground offers a mix of shaded sites (under aspens, Jeffrey pines, and other trees) and more open areas, with many sites providing beautiful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks. It feels relatively secluded despite its size due to the stepped layout and vegetation. The South Fork Bishop Creek runs nearby or through parts of the area, creating a peaceful, creekside atmosphere ideal for relaxing, fishing, and enjoying nature.
It typically operates from late April through mid-to-late October (weather and snow permitting), with some sites reservable and others first-come, first-served. It’s about a 15–25 minute drive west from Bishop via Highway 168 and South Lake Road.
Amenities
Four Jeffrey offers solid facilities for a USFS campground:
- Campsites: 106 single-family sites (including a few tent-only). Most accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers up to about 40 feet. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and bear-proof food storage locker.
- Restrooms: Accessible flush toilets (well-maintained and cleaned regularly).
- Water: Potable drinking water available at spigots.
- Dump Station: Available (free for campers; fee for non-campers).
- Other: Fish cleaning station, no showers, no electrical hookups, no sewer connections at sites. Firewood may be available for purchase or gathering (check current rules).
- Accessibility: Some accessible sites and facilities.
Fees are typically around $34–$35 per night (discounts often available with America the Beautiful passes). Reservations are recommended for peak summer months via Recreation.gov.
Activities
The area is a hub for outdoor recreation in the Eastern Sierra:
- Fishing — Excellent trout fishing in the stocked South Fork of Bishop Creek (rainbow, brown, brook, and others). A fish cleaning station is on-site.
- Hiking & Backpacking — Direct access to trails into the John Muir Wilderness. Popular nearby destinations include South Lake, Long Lake, and other alpine lakes with stunning scenery, waterfalls, and potential glacier views. The Bishop Pass Trailhead is close.
- Swimming — Cooling off in the creek (where safe and allowed).
- Boating — Non-motorized or slow-speed boating on nearby lakes like South Lake.
- Horseback Riding — Nearby outfitters (e.g., Rainbow Pack Outfitters) offer trail rides and pack trips.
- Wildlife Viewing & Photography — Scenic mountain views, fall aspen colors, stargazing (dark skies), and nature observation.
- Other — Picnicking, relaxing by the creek, and day trips to Lake Sabrina or other Bishop Creek Canyon spots.
Wildlife in the Area
The Eastern Sierra and Inyo National Forest around Bishop Creek Canyon host diverse wildlife. Common or possible sightings include:
- Mammals: Mule deer (very common), black bears (food storage is required), coyotes, marmots, jackrabbits, occasional bobcats or mountain lions, and bighorn sheep (Sierra Nevada subspecies in higher rocky areas).
- Birds: Various songbirds, raptors (e.g., golden eagles), waterfowl near lakes/creeks, and grouse.
- Other: Beavers (and their dams/chewed trees along Bishop Creek), amphibians like frogs/toads in wet areas, and trout in the creek.
Note: Always practice bear safety, store food properly, and maintain distance from wildlife. The area is also home to pinyon-juniper, aspen groves, and wildflowers in season.
Four Jeffrey is praised for its convenience to Bishop (for supplies), stunning high-elevation scenery, and access to world-class hiking and fishing while still feeling immersive in nature. It’s a favorite for families, RVers, anglers, and hikers exploring the Bishop Creek Canyon area. For current conditions, availability, or fire restrictions, check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website.
