Horse campgrounds near Bridgeport, California offer access to extensive wilderness trail systems at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 75°F during day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Many equestrian camping areas remain accessible from late June through early October, depending on snowpack conditions in the eastern Sierra.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple streams and lakes offer trout fishing within a short drive of Bridgeport's horse camping areas. "We were at sites 12, 13 and 14 with our custom van, a Sportsmobile, trailer, fifth wheel, and a tent. The trailhead for Molybdenite Creek is just past site 14. One day we took this trail about 2-1/2 miles up a canyon that leads into the Hoover Wilderness," notes Ray B. from Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road.
Mountain hiking: The Carson-Iceberg Wilderness provides day hikes ranging from moderate 1-2 mile trails to challenging summit routes. "The next day we did the 1 mile hike to Emma Lake, also in the Hoover Wilderness. Take a vehicle from the campground up the road another 2 miles to the Emma Lake trailhead," reports Ray B.
Star viewing: Clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. "Amazing star gazing! Hiked up a rock face and laid out for hours watching the stars. Awesome waterfall hike also!" writes Savannah L. from Silver Lake Campground at June Lake, located about 45 minutes south of Bridgeport.
What campers like
High elevation cooling: Temperatures at Bridgeport area horse camps remain 15-20 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys during summer months. "Five couples took over the far end of Obsidian Campground to celebrate my wife's birthday for a couple nights. The elevation in this part of the Sierra's is a great way to beat the August heat," notes Ray B.
Wildlife viewing: The eastern Sierra supports diverse animal populations visible from many campsites. "We always sea bald eagles here! Fishing is really good!" reports Taylor from Twin Lakes Campground.
Secluded sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant privacy despite proximity to trail networks. "We stayed at a super campground on a forest road turn off. There were a couple of other spots taken, but it was off the beaten path and very quiet. I was able to watch the sunset from some rocks across the road," writes Erin O.
What you should know
Road conditions: Most forest roads leading to horse camps require slow travel but remain passable for trucks pulling horse trailers. "Easy access two miles off US 395 by gravel road. It is known as an infrequently utilized destination," notes Ray B. about Obsidian Creek campground.
Weather preparedness: Evening temperatures drop significantly even in summer. "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer," advises Jonathan G. from Twin Lakes Campground.
Limited facilities: Most equestrian camping areas near Bridgeport have minimal infrastructure. "I would consider Obsidian more of a primitive campground, not dispersed but minimal. Outhouses are clean, bring your own water, can get 5G/LTE here," explains Trl G. from Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road.
Tips for camping with families
Pack layers: The significant temperature variations require adaptable clothing. "I am a tent camper and I was there in Oct/Nov when I came through to look at the fall colors. This was a good staging site to go up and down the June Lake Loop for the colors. I am a tent camper and at this time of the year it is COLD," writes MarinMaverick from Silver Lake Campground.
Food storage: Bear activity requires proper precautions with all food items. "Keep your food in the bear lockers, they have daily visitors late in the evening and throughout the night," warns Jason F.
Bring water toys: Several accessible lakes provide recreation for children. "Bring water toys for the kiddos. The small beach is perfect for hot days. Be sure to put food and garbage away before bed- we had a bear come visit!!" advises Rosie R. from Twin Lakes Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: No full-service RV sites exist in the immediate Bridgeport area. "We managed to grab a decent site, I think it was 36. Tucked in a wooded area not far from the restrooms. Which are flush toilets and running water. Clean and well maintained," notes Heather P. from Twin Lakes Campground.
Site selection: When visiting equestrian campgrounds with RVs, specific sites better accommodate larger vehicles. "At the end of the campground there is a bigger spot for groups. Horse trailer parking/camping across from campground in a turn around spot. $12/Night for single unit, $6/Night for extra vehicle," advises Trl G.
Generator restrictions: Most national forest campgrounds have specific generator hours. "Noise level was higher than I prefer but then again if I'm not just hearing nature, it's too loud for me," explains Heather P. about the camping experience at Twin Lakes.
