Bootleg — Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

With 63 sites and no reservation system, this Forest Service campground operates on a first-come basis at $28 per night. Located just off Highway 395 in Coleville, the campground sits among dense pine trees that provide shade across nearly all sites. No pets are allowed.

The campground spreads across multiple levels, with upper sites offering more distance from road noise than lower ones. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecue grills, while flush toilets and water spigots serve the camping area. Camp hosts maintain the facilities and assist visitors. A stream runs through the property, and the Walker River flows directly across the highway within walking distance.

Melissa S. notes the "flush toilets are cleaned regularly" and emphasizes that sites "never full." Fishing represents the primary activity, with easy river access for anglers. The campground rarely fills to capacity, giving campers flexibility in site selection. Fire restrictions may apply depending on seasonal conditions.

The combination of pine forest setting and river proximity makes this campground work well for tent campers and RVs without hookups seeking a base for fishing or a convenient Highway 395 overnight stop.

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Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

There is no water at the Bootleg campground. Repairs are currently being discussed. If you plan to camp at Bootleg, please bring your own water. Restrooms are available for campers use.

Bootleg campground has opened effective 5/30/2026. All sites are first come first served. Thank you for your patience.

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Map & DirectionsBootleg is located in California near Coleville

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Bridgeport, drive approximately 22 miles north on U.S. Highway 395. Campground is on left hand side of highway in Walker Canyon.

Coordinates

38.4177 N
119.4535 W

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    Last on 6/18/26

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/18/26

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  • Tent Sites
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General Info

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Bootleg

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious, well-shaded sites and friendly hosts at this rarely full campground. Clean facilities and peaceful forest setting were highlights, though some road noise affects certain sites.

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Quiet, never full campground in Walker Canyon.

Love this campground! 63 sites & never full! Flush toilets are cleaned regularly. Sites have picnic tables, BBQs and campfire ring! No reservations needed, just drive through & pick a site! Camp Hosts are So Nice and Friendly!

Site17
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bootleg — Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters by Melissa S., July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Bootleg — Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters by Melissa S., July 17, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2021

Great campsite

Great big trees and tons of vacancy. Friendly hosts and clean bathrooms. They provide water for putting out fires at each site, which was nice. Almost all the sites are perfect. Plenty to choose from. It’s far enough from the main toad that you barely hear any car noise.

Site43
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

Lovely and shaded

Stopped here for a quick stay on our drive through. Very shaded and beautiful and close off the 395. Looks like some of the sites had been closed because of minor fire damage. But there were plenty of other great sites, it’s a large campground. Walker river is nearby which was very nice, didn’t get to do any fishing, but the water looked lovely.

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2018

Quiet with large shaded sites within walking distance to river

Would love to go back with friends or for a quiet get-away!

This is a quiet, forest service campground just off Hwy 395 that is great for tent or camper (no hook-ups) camping. It's a medium sized campground that appears to rarely fill up. The sites are spaced well apart, among lots of pines with good shade on nearly every spot. You can hear the highway from most spots, but it's very quiet in the upper spots. There is at least one stream through the campground, flush toilets, water spigots, and a few large trash cans. There are fire rings, though you should check the fire regulations for your trip.

The Walker River is across the street, within easy walking distance. I saw a trail in the campground, but not sure how long or where it goes. Otherwise the main activity would be fishing/enjoying the river.

I really enjoyed the solitude, quiet, and mountainous surroundings!

Site37
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bootleg Campground located in California?

Bootleg Campground is located just off Highway 395 in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in California. This Forest Service campground is nestled among pine trees in a quiet area. The campground is situated near Walker River, making it a convenient stop for travelers along the 395 corridor. Its accessible location combined with natural forest surroundings provides a peaceful camping experience away from busy areas while still being easily reachable.

How close is Bootleg Campground to Bodie State Park?

While specific distance information isn't available, Bootleg Campground serves as a good base camp for visiting Bodie State Park since both are located in the Eastern Sierra region off Highway 395. The campground's location makes it convenient for day trips to Bodie and other nearby attractions. Campers planning to visit the historic ghost town can stay at Bootleg and enjoy its amenities including flush toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, and campfire rings before or after their Bodie excursion.

Are there photos available of Bootleg Campground?

Photos of Bootleg Campground are likely available through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest website or recreation.gov. The campground features spacious sites nestled among large pine trees with good separation between campsites. The area showcases typical Eastern Sierra forest scenery, with 63 sites spread throughout the wooded setting. Each site includes picnic tables, BBQ grills, and fire rings. For the most current and comprehensive visual information, contacting the Forest Service office directly is recommended.