Fishing, hiking, and lake access all converge at Trumbull Lake Campground, set within Toiyabe National Forest at just under 10,000 feet elevation in the Eastern Sierra. The campground sits close to Trumbull Lake itself, with Little Virginia Lake, Big Virginia Lake, and Red Lake all within walking distance. Most campers who show up here are after the trout. Non-motorized watercraft are common on the lake, and the trailhead to the Virginia Lakes area, which also has fishing access, sits just off the western edge of camp.
Sites vary considerably in size and position. Lakeside spots fill fast, especially on weekends, but sites along the eastern perimeter tend to be more spacious and face the cliffs for sunrise views. A few reviewers note that site data on Recreation.gov can be inaccurate, with more sites accommodating two vehicles or RVs than the listing suggests. No cellular service is available. The vault toilets are cleaned twice daily. One practical note: Al flagged that the on-site water "was yellowish/brown," likely sourced from the lake, and used it only for washing rather than drinking.
The campground also works as a staging point for day hikes into the Hoover Wilderness, where a trail climbs over an 11,100-foot pass with open sightlines toward Yosemite. Nearby alternatives include Toiyabe NF Dispersed near Virginia Lakes and Upper Virginia Creek Campground to the northeast. The season runs early July through mid-September, so the window is short. Plan accordingly, and the elevation alone may be reason enough to visit.
Description
Overview
Trumbull Lake Campground is located next to its scenic namesake at an elevation of 9,980 feet. The lake is one of ten alpine lakes in the area. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring local trails.
Recreation
Trumbull Lake offers canoeing and fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout in a beautiful natural setting.
Facilities
This campground contains several single-family sites, a few double sites and one triple site, all with picnic tables, food storage lockers and campfire rings with grills. A few sites closer to the water have partial lake views. picnic tables, food storage lockers and campfire rings with grills. A few sites closer to the water have partial lake views. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Roads and parking spurs are dirt. Check in for campsites is 2pm, check out is noon.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the shores of quiet Trumbull Lake, a 100-acre lake surrounded by towering peaks and glacier-carved cirques. A dense forest of lodgepole pine covers the campground, providing ample shade in most campsites. Aspens and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
Nearby Attractions
The Virginia Lakes area is very close, offering additional canoeing and fishing. The Virginia Lake Trail, for hiking and horseback riding, provides access into the adjacent Hoover Wilderness Area and Yosemite National Park. Bodie State Park.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTrumbull Lake is located in California near Mono City
Directions
Travel 13.5 miles south of Bridgeport on Highway 395. Turn right at Conway Summit. Travel 5.9 miles on Forest Road 21 to where the asphalt turns to gravel. Turn right at campground entrance.
Address
P.O. BOX 472
Bridgeport, CA 93517
Coordinates
38.0505556 N
119.2572222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/21/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/21/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 58 min from Carson City, NV
- 3 hrs 27 min from Modesto, CA
- 3 hrs 29 min from Merced, CA
- 4 hrs 19 min from Fresno, CA
