The best camping near Bridgeport Reservoir

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bridgeport Reservoir adventure.

Discover the allure of Bridgeport Reservoir, a haven for anglers and adventurers.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Bridgeport Reservoir

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Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 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.
Pets
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$27
 / night
100%
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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.
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from 
$30
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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!
Pets
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$50
 / night

The best camping near Bridgeport Reservoir guide

Overview

About

Bridgeport Reservoir was once known as "Big Meadows" for reasons that are readily apparent as you stand along the 11 miles of pristine shoreline. Gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range make this lush green area a perfect substitute for a long drive into the mountains. With an abundance of local wildlife both above and below the water, Bridgeport Reservoir is very popular for its fishing. Each season some of the biggest trout in the county are pulled from the water. It is often said that due to the abundance of "fish-food" in the reservoir, the trout here are better measured in pounds than in inches.

Notable campgrounds

  • Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park and Marina: A waterfront haven offering full hookups and easy lake access for boating and fishing.
  • Paradise Shores RV Park: Features spacious sites with stunning views, perfect for a tranquil retreat amid the Sierra peaks.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak summer months, as sites fill up quickly due to the reservoir's popularity.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
  • Explore nearby camping options if the reservoir's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The prime time to visit Bridgeport Reservoir is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the fish are biting. Winter can be harsh, with road closures and limited access, so it's best to plan your trip between May and October for the full experience.

Know before you go

  • Always check the latest weather and road conditions before heading out to ensure a safe journey.
  • Be aware of local fishing regulations and secure any necessary permits for a hassle-free angling adventure.
  • Remember that wildlife is abundant; store food securely and maintain a respectful distance from animals.
  • Accessibility may vary across different areas of the reservoir, so plan accordingly if you have specific needs.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials in case they're busy.
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