Best Dispersed Camping near Bridgeport, CA

The area around Bridgeport, California gives dispersed campers plenty of options on public lands without developed facilities. You'll find primitive camping spots in the undeveloped sections near Bridgeport City Park Campground and throughout the Bridgeport Recreation Area. Since these sites have no amenities, you need to bring everything with you—water, food, and all supplies. Follow Leave No Trace practices and camp at least 100 feet from any water sources or roads. Most locations limit stays to 14 days to protect the environment. Many of the best spots require vehicles with good clearance as roads can be rough and unmaintained. Don't expect bathrooms or picnic tables—this is bare-bones camping at its most basic. Fire restrictions change seasonally, with complete bans common during dry months, so check current rules before you go. The area has lots of wildlife, making proper food storage important. Weather varies dramatically by season—spring and fall are generally mild, summers can get hot, and winters bring snow and cold. The backcountry areas of Bridgeport Area State Park have similar dispersed camping conditions. Pack out everything you bring in to keep these areas clean for future campers. These remote sites let you disconnect completely from everyday life and enjoy nature without distractions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bridgeport, California (52)

    1. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    1 mile

    "The address on google maps however DOES NOT lead to the camping destination but we ended up running into a couple of ATV’ers that led us in the right direction."

    "Just pull onto one of the dirt roads on the left and find a spot! Any car or smaller RV could easily drive the road."

    2. Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking

    6 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful location and well secluded. Passed/saw only about 3 others during our one day stay here. Setup camp near the end of the road. A bit windy at night."

    "It was just so nice, I don’t know if it was dispersed camping cause the location takes you to Virginia creek and there is a long road with lots of space like it’s a legit campground but no one there to"

    3. Buckeye Hot Springs

    2 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    $24 / night

    "Gorgeous area and plenty of space to go around. The hot springs parking lot signs that say that there is camping at the day use area where this is marked."

    4. Green Lake test

    3 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    12 miles

    "Ends at Green Lake with some phenomenal spots.

    Keep in mind, the lake is from snowmelt, so not particularly warm.

    Would get 5 stars if the bugs weren’t so bad."

    "I mean... all these little mammoth lakes are hidden gems but I loved my time hiking into green lake around thanksgiving time. A little more difficult to get to but worth it."

    5. Bodie Roadside Camp

    1 Review
    Bridgeport, CA
    6 miles

    "We stopped here because several other locations (that we found on this app) nearby were full or closed. It was nice and we had it to ourselves until about midnight when one other car showed up."

    6. Mill Creek National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Mono City, CA
    16 miles

    "This is a very cool spot the entrance is just south of Lundy Lake rd. on the 395, there's also a back way in on Lundy Lake rd. just past the first building."

    "nice shaded with creek sounds no restroom"

    7. Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road

    2 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    $18 / night

    "Close to fishing streams, high mountain lakes, hiking trails, off roading and don't forget that trip into Bridgeport and Bodie."

    "Easy access two miles off US 395 by gravel road.   It is know as an infrequently utilized destination.

    The trailhead for Molybdenite Creek is just past site 14. "

    8. Mono Lake South Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "All around Mono Lake is USFS and BLM land that is open for dispersed camping, as long as you stay above the 1941 water line (you will see signs marking this line, which is fairly close to the lake)."

    "The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat! "

    9. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    8 Reviews
    Lee Vining, CA
    25 miles
    Website

    "And an even better breeze at night. lots of bugs. bring bug spray. 4wd not required, but might help. High clearance will help."

    "Along a National Forest Service Road are 4-5 pullouts with great views of Mono Lake and the adjacent small crater.  You can walk up the crater or hike down to the South Tufa area.  "

    10. Leavitt Lake

    3 Reviews
    Bridgeport, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 932-7070

    "I have a truck. i got about a half mile in before the snow washed out the road. you can still hike in. high clearance and 4wd a must"

    "We visited Lake Levitte, back in June 2021. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle, ad there are some technical sections. If you watch your line, you can make it."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bridgeport, CA

168 Reviews of 52 Bridgeport Campgrounds



Guide to Bridgeport

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bridgeport, California, where nature lovers can enjoy stunning landscapes and serene environments without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Bridgeport

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Visit the picturesque Leavitt Lake, known for its stunning views and basic camping spots, making it an ideal location for photography and relaxation.
  • Hike to the serene Green Lake, a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat and beautiful scenery, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • Discover the unique landscapes at Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road, where you can enjoy fishing, hiking, and the tranquility of nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bridgeport, California

  • Always pack out what you pack in at Warren Fork Trailhead to help maintain the natural beauty of the area and ensure it remains pristine for future visitors.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities at Lake Helen Dispersed Campsites, as there are no toilets or trash services available, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and be cautious, especially in areas like Buckeye Hot Springs, where bears may be present; bringing bear spray is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Bridgeport, California?

Yes, there's abundant free camping near Bridgeport. Bridgeport Travertine Hot Springs Dispersed offers several free sites with fire rings just outside the hot springs area. Standard dispersed camping rules apply - stay 14 days maximum and pack out all trash. For a different experience, try Sage Hen Dispersed off Highway 120, which features several established spots at a forest service road intersection. Be aware that some forest roads may have snow even in mid-April, and road conditions can be washboarded. Free camping is typically available from late spring through fall, depending on snow conditions and seasonal fire restrictions.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Bridgeport, CA?

Dispersed camping options abound near Bridgeport. Laurel Springs Campground offers dispersed sites along a narrow grassy path suitable for small vans and cars with some clearance, though not recommended for big rigs. There's a 14-day maximum stay with seasonal fire restrictions. Crab Cooker Hotsprings provides another option with about 8 back-in spots plus tent camping areas, accessible via a long dirt road requiring 4x4 or high clearance vehicles. The area offers stunning 360-degree views, though water flows only in winter months. Most dispersed sites have no facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.

What BLM land is available for camping around Bridgeport?

BLM lands around Bridgeport offer excellent dispersed camping opportunities. Mono Lake South Dispersed is on USFS and BLM land surrounding Mono Lake, with multiple pullout areas and forest service roads along Highway 120 east. When camping here, stay above the marked 1941 water line. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site is another BLM option that gets warm during summer days but offers nice breezes. While 4WD isn't strictly required for many BLM sites, high clearance vehicles are helpful for navigating the access roads. Remember BLM camping follows dispersed rules: no services, pack in/pack out, and typically 14-day stay limits.