Camping in Bridgeport, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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California
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Bridgeport

92% (1103 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bridgeport

Available this weekend

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95%

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Water front on Topaz Lake

7 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Topaz, CA

Learn more about this land:Beautiful lake front property on Topaz Lake , we have 6 rv sites to choose from on 4 acres .First come first serve . Bring your Rv or pitch a tent . Bring your whole family. We have kayaks and paddle boards . Fishing boat available to rent . Life jackets available and a peddle boat too ! Lots of float toys !!

Gumboot placer gold claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA

Camp right on shore of the Middle Fork Tuolumne River at a registered gold claim and try your luck at panning for California Gold. Whether you are looking to do some recreational panning or you just need a place to camp during your visit to Yosemite you would be hard to find a more beautiful spot. I have several gold claims in the Yosemite valley area within minutes of the west entrance to the park. Owning these claims allows myself or anyone with my permission to camp and mine the claim for up to 14days consecutively. I live in San Diego so my scheduled visits leave a ton of time available others could be using it so I have listed it here for anyone wanting an inexpensive place to stop when passing through or to go and pan the banks of the river to find your own California gold. You are welcome to bring a pan or a sluice box and keep any gold you recover on any of my claims. Dredging is currently restricted in California without a permit so please keep within the laws.

98%

(911)

Paradise Shores Camp

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Bridgeport, CA

We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh-water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings. Pet Policy All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We can also accommodate up to two four-legged campers in our pet-friendly Baja or Tatra trailers for a small fee, we ask that they stay off the furniture (beds, sofas etc.) and are not left in the rental unattended. We love dogs, but sadly won’t be able to accommodate heavily shedding pets that aren’t house trained. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Sheppard. Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.

98%

(96)

Willow Springs Resort

29 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Bridgeport, CA

Welcome to Willow Springs Resort Please come stay with us when you are visiting the beautiful Eastern Sierras. For Your Convenience, an Online Booking System is Now Available! www.willowspringsresort.com Willow Springs Resort is located five miles south of Bridgeport, California, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra premiere outdoor recreational region. Although you’re sure to unplug with all there is to do around here, our guests have access to some of the best Wi-Fi in the area. The facility is a small 50’s era motel and RV park with all the amenities one normally expects. We are a pet-friendly facility. We love pets and welcome them in our RV park but not in our motel rooms (with the exception of service animals). Willow Springs Resort was built 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the same family. That family prides itself on operating a peaceful, beautiful, and clean vacation destination. The fish at the left was caught in Virginia Creek, which is just across the highway from Willow Springs! There are a host of activities to enjoy in the "big backyard" of this Sierra Nevada paradise. Whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, swimming, or 4-wheeling, or want to take a photo class or tour of Bodie Ghost Town, the area offers it all. If you prefer to read a book or catch a falling star, meet new people, and share stories at the campfire, Willow Springs Resort is here to welcome you!

90%

(1106)

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

35 sites · Lodging, RVs11 acres · CA

Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.

Golden Arrow Gold Claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA

Bring the whole family out for a relaxing weekend of gold panning or metal detecting on my 20 acre claim just down the road from the west entrance to Yosemite national park. Just a stones throw off of highway 120 and a few short miles east of Rush Creek Lodge and spa! Camp here at Golden Arrow and hide out under the trees along soldier creek during the heat of the day! If you don’t feel like panning there are several good fishing holes to be found across the claim along the approximately 1400ft stretch of soldier Creek. Plenty of level space to park your RV, Travel Trailer, or Conversion Van… It’s rare to find an active claim that is accessible by 2wd and even more rare to find someone willing to welcome you to pan on their claim and keep what you find! Take advantage of this rare opportunity and try your luck at hunting down some gold on your next vacation!!

95%

(44)

Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Groveland, CA

Reserve your tent site on 15 exclusive, wooded-acres only 10 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Once you've set up camp, you can explore the walking trails on the property and if you make it to the top, why not enjoy a lovely picnic with beautiful mountain views? Conveniently located across the highway from a gas station and a general store, you never have to worry about running out of ice or forgetting to bring the bug spray. If our base package isn't enough, as an "extra" we can have a tent set up and ready for you when you arrive. Whatever you're looking for, Yosemite's Doorstep is ready to provide the ideal camping experience to suit your needs.

VintageTrailer Vineyard

4 sites · RVs10 acres · Topaz Ranch Estates, NV

The Vintage Trailer Vineyard was born of Susan’s love for all things vintage, nature and hospitality. "We once spent a romantic weekend in a Stone House in the middle of a Napa Valley Vineyard." That distant memory, and the beauty that surrounds the Walker River Estate inspired us to create our own version of a unique and special Vintage Vineyard Getaway. We also do a select and limited number private events, retreats, celebrations and wine tastings. Planting & cultivating vineyards and making wine at 5400 foot elevation in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Greg is living a lifelong dream after 30 years as a wine importer. Currently at 900 vines and growing, we have had success in bottling award winning "Garage wines" with an eye toward going commercial one day. The vineyards surround the house and winery, sitting on a bench above the Walker River in Southern Douglas CountyLearn more about this land:Imagine your own private vineyard RV space with gorgeous Mountain and vineyard views. Relax, unwind, uncork! Enjoy beautiful Sierra sunsets & starry nights. Sip our estate wine, hike, bike, fish nearby Walker River E Fork, swim or kayak. Just 8 miles to lake Topaz, 45 min to LakeTahoe and much more.

Dog-friendly getaways

98%

(911)

Paradise Shores Camp

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Bridgeport, CA

We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh-water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings. Pet Policy All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We can also accommodate up to two four-legged campers in our pet-friendly Baja or Tatra trailers for a small fee, we ask that they stay off the furniture (beds, sofas etc.) and are not left in the rental unattended. We love dogs, but sadly won’t be able to accommodate heavily shedding pets that aren’t house trained. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Sheppard. Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.

Willow Springs Resort

29 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Bridgeport, CA

Welcome to Willow Springs Resort Please come stay with us when you are visiting the beautiful Eastern Sierras. For Your Convenience, an Online Booking System is Now Available! www.willowspringsresort.com Willow Springs Resort is located five miles south of Bridgeport, California, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra premiere outdoor recreational region. Although you’re sure to unplug with all there is to do around here, our guests have access to some of the best Wi-Fi in the area. The facility is a small 50’s era motel and RV park with all the amenities one normally expects. We are a pet-friendly facility. We love pets and welcome them in our RV park but not in our motel rooms (with the exception of service animals). Willow Springs Resort was built 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the same family. That family prides itself on operating a peaceful, beautiful, and clean vacation destination. The fish at the left was caught in Virginia Creek, which is just across the highway from Willow Springs! There are a host of activities to enjoy in the "big backyard" of this Sierra Nevada paradise. Whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, swimming, or 4-wheeling, or want to take a photo class or tour of Bodie Ghost Town, the area offers it all. If you prefer to read a book or catch a falling star, meet new people, and share stories at the campfire, Willow Springs Resort is here to welcome you!

Water front on Topaz Lake

7 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Topaz, CA

Learn more about this land:Beautiful lake front property on Topaz Lake , we have 6 rv sites to choose from on 4 acres .First come first serve . Bring your Rv or pitch a tent . Bring your whole family. We have kayaks and paddle boards . Fishing boat available to rent . Life jackets available and a peddle boat too ! Lots of float toys !!

Gumboot placer gold claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA

Camp right on shore of the Middle Fork Tuolumne River at a registered gold claim and try your luck at panning for California Gold. Whether you are looking to do some recreational panning or you just need a place to camp during your visit to Yosemite you would be hard to find a more beautiful spot. I have several gold claims in the Yosemite valley area within minutes of the west entrance to the park. Owning these claims allows myself or anyone with my permission to camp and mine the claim for up to 14days consecutively. I live in San Diego so my scheduled visits leave a ton of time available others could be using it so I have listed it here for anyone wanting an inexpensive place to stop when passing through or to go and pan the banks of the river to find your own California gold. You are welcome to bring a pan or a sluice box and keep any gold you recover on any of my claims. Dredging is currently restricted in California without a permit so please keep within the laws.

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

35 sites · Lodging, RVs11 acres · CA

Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.

Under $50

98%

(911)

Paradise Shores Camp

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Bridgeport, CA

We're a family owned RV Park & Campground located on the shores of Bridgeport Reservoir. Together with our crew, we're excited to welcome you into our newly adopted home. We believe in campfires, starry nights, good laughs, exploration, a deep sleep and an early rise. The mountains are a place to get back to basics, a place to explore, to breathe. So turn off your phone and turn on your senses. It’s important to us that our guests don’t feel they are renting a tent/RV site or a camper as much as they’re immersing themselves into the outdoor experience. You may just want to sit outside and read for days, enjoy campfires and eat s'mores. For more adventurous, there's a full slate of self-guided recreational activities, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, ATVing, rock climbing, biking, natural water slides, stand up paddle boards, bird watching, available in the area. We do have modern conveniences such as wifi internet; however, we encourage our guests to “unplug” and immerse in the slow paced life instead. At Paradise Shores, we believe in protecting people, animals and the planet. We make sure that the majority of products we use at our camp is recycled, composted, or re-used. We prefer to use products that are produced in a sustainable way and avoid those that aren't. We are continuously reducing the amount of waste we generate and actively promote recycling of aluminum, plastic, glass, and cardboard. We pack our own recycling and haul it to the nearest recycling facility which is an hour away. We co-opt the drive with other activities to reduce waste. We don’t use individually packaged toiletries or one-use products. We use plant and planet friendly detergent. We're based in a desert. We share our precious water with the entire planet. With only 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth, the decreasing amounts of access to quality fresh water is alarming to us. We monitor how we use water in our day-to-day activities and are constantly working on ways to reduce our consumption of fresh-water resources. We hope you can help us maintain this greener camping! We hope Paradise Shores Camp becomes your home as it is ours. It’s located in one of the most spectacular areas in the world. We’re surrounded on three sides by the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Meadows, Mono Lake, June Lake, Virginia Lakes, and Twin Lakes, as well as the historic gold-mining town of Bodie, CA are all within a short drive from our place. We're proud to know this area intimately and are excited to share the secret spots with you. The excellent hiking/running trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, thousands of miles of ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trails are accessible right from our camp or within a short drive from here. The surrounding terrain offers endless activities and unbelievable scenery in remote wilderness settings. Pet Policy All our RV & Tent sites are pet friendly and we allow up to two dogs per reservation for a small fee. We can also accommodate up to two four-legged campers in our pet-friendly Baja or Tatra trailers for a small fee, we ask that they stay off the furniture (beds, sofas etc.) and are not left in the rental unattended. We love dogs, but sadly won’t be able to accommodate heavily shedding pets that aren’t house trained. Additionally, our insurance will not allow "aggressive breeds" that include any mix of: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, German Sheppard. Please pick up after your pup and use a leash when at the camp. Thank you in advance for your consideration and help in keeping our camp a mellow and enjoyable place for everyone.

Water front on Topaz Lake

7 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Topaz, CA

Learn more about this land:Beautiful lake front property on Topaz Lake , we have 6 rv sites to choose from on 4 acres .First come first serve . Bring your Rv or pitch a tent . Bring your whole family. We have kayaks and paddle boards . Fishing boat available to rent . Life jackets available and a peddle boat too ! Lots of float toys !!

Willow Springs Resort

29 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Bridgeport, CA

Welcome to Willow Springs Resort Please come stay with us when you are visiting the beautiful Eastern Sierras. For Your Convenience, an Online Booking System is Now Available! www.willowspringsresort.com Willow Springs Resort is located five miles south of Bridgeport, California, in the heart of the Eastern Sierra premiere outdoor recreational region. Although you’re sure to unplug with all there is to do around here, our guests have access to some of the best Wi-Fi in the area. The facility is a small 50’s era motel and RV park with all the amenities one normally expects. We are a pet-friendly facility. We love pets and welcome them in our RV park but not in our motel rooms (with the exception of service animals). Willow Springs Resort was built 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the same family. That family prides itself on operating a peaceful, beautiful, and clean vacation destination. The fish at the left was caught in Virginia Creek, which is just across the highway from Willow Springs! There are a host of activities to enjoy in the "big backyard" of this Sierra Nevada paradise. Whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, swimming, or 4-wheeling, or want to take a photo class or tour of Bodie Ghost Town, the area offers it all. If you prefer to read a book or catch a falling star, meet new people, and share stories at the campfire, Willow Springs Resort is here to welcome you!

Gumboot placer gold claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA

Camp right on shore of the Middle Fork Tuolumne River at a registered gold claim and try your luck at panning for California Gold. Whether you are looking to do some recreational panning or you just need a place to camp during your visit to Yosemite you would be hard to find a more beautiful spot. I have several gold claims in the Yosemite valley area within minutes of the west entrance to the park. Owning these claims allows myself or anyone with my permission to camp and mine the claim for up to 14days consecutively. I live in San Diego so my scheduled visits leave a ton of time available others could be using it so I have listed it here for anyone wanting an inexpensive place to stop when passing through or to go and pan the banks of the river to find your own California gold. You are welcome to bring a pan or a sluice box and keep any gold you recover on any of my claims. Dredging is currently restricted in California without a permit so please keep within the laws.

Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

35 sites · Lodging, RVs11 acres · CA

Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A 35 minute drive on highway 120 will take you to the Tioga Pass Gate of Yosemite National Park. This gate is a great start to several different areas inside of the park that you may want to visit beyond that gate. Off-road enthusiasts would not have enough time in one visit to explore all of the 4x4 trails, abandoned mines, and sites in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate and Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Bridgeport guide

Overview

Bridgeport is an excellent stopover for roadtrippers reaching Highway 395 via Sonora Pass. The historic enclave is home to Travertine Hot Springs, where Hipcampers can soak in natural thermal pools within view of Sawtooth Ridge. Within the surrounding Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, Buckeye Hot Springs is a creekside spot near Buckeye Campground, which includes trailheads for exploring the Hoover Wilderness. Anglers come for trout fishing at the Bridgeport Reservoir or Twin Lakes, and many RV travelers stop en route to Bodie State Historic Park, home to the ghostly remnants of an 1880s gold mining town.

Where to go

Twin Lakes

In the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest just 13 miles west of town, Twin Lakes hosts recreational activities all summer long. In addition to boating and fishing for brown trout, there are several day hikes in this scenic lake basin: the Buckeye Canyon Trail, Eagle Creek Trail, and Sawmill Loop. Alternatively, venture into the backcountry via the Hoover Wilderness or beyond with access to the northern reaches of Yosemite National Park. Don’t confuse this spot with the much larger Twin Lakes at Mammoth about an hour south!

Mono Lake

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is set just south of Bridgeport and only 13 miles east of Yosemite. This ancient lake is best known for its tufa spires made of calcium carbonate, and the alkaline waters invite more than 80 species of migratory birds each year. Hiking, bird watching, photography, boating, and cross-country skiing are popular. The closest campgrounds are located in Lundy Canyon, Lee Vining Canyon, and the June Lake Loop.

Bodie Hills

This vast area includes three BLM Wilderness Study Areas, which border the ghost mining town of Bodie. It’s a region of rocky canyons and streams where stands of aspen provide stunning fall foliage. Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, and camping in the Bodie Hills.

When to go

Bridgeport campgrounds are generally open from late May to late September, weather permitting. Spring, summer, and fall are ideal times for anglers. The town draws an influx of visitors during the Fishing Season Opener each April, the Bridgeport Trout Tournament every June, and Bridgeport’s annual Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration. While Bodie State Historic Park is open year-round, it’s only accessible by skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles during winter months. Sonora Pass is closed in winter but opens to snowmobilers.

Know before you go

Be bear aware. Use provided bear boxes and take precautions to properly store food and scented items.
Check first to see if drinkable water is available at your campsite, as access to this amenity varies.
Dispersed camping is allowed in US Forest Service land surrounding Travertine Hot Springs, but there are no facilities. Prepare to be self-contained and maintain a respectful distance from the baths.
Many visitors to the thermal springs prefer to soak in the nude, so don’t be surprised!
Bodie State Historic Park is located at the end of 13-mile Bodie Road (Highway 270), the last section of which is a bit of a bumpy, graded dirt road.