Bridgeport, California sits at 6,470 feet elevation in the Eastern Sierra region, where summer highs typically reach 80°F while winter temperatures drop below freezing. The camping season generally runs from late April through mid-October, with several campgrounds closing during winter months due to heavy snowfall. Weather can change rapidly in this high-elevation area, particularly in spring and fall.
What to do
Kayaking on Bridgeport Reservoir: Campers at Paradise Shores RV Park can take advantage of free kayaks and paddleboards. "Great camp hosts. They have some kayaks available for the guests first," notes Harold T. in a recent review of Paradise Shores RV Park.
Visit Bodie State Historic Park: This well-preserved ghost town is located about 20 minutes from Bridgeport. "Close to Bodie and Mono Lake," mentions Angie R. from Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park and Marina. The park features over 100 structures in a state of "arrested decay."
Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Saddlebag Lake Campground reported, "This place was by far the best area I've ever been to to capture the night sky. On a no moon evening and clear sky's the stars looked amazing."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many rv parks near Bridgeport maintain excellent bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were very clean! Mono Lake is only an hour away so we stayed two nights so we could do a little day trip for some sightseeing," writes Katie E. about Whiskey Flats RV Park.
Convenient location: The strategic position between attractions appeals to many visitors. "This campground is close to a small town, many lakes, hiking, biking, atv trails etc. the campground offers clean bathrooms, laundry, open kitchen and fire pit," says a camper at Paradise Shores RV Park.
Alpine views: The mountain scenery surrounding Bridgeport receives consistent praise. "Incredible views of the mountains and alpine lakes from the highest campground in California (10k). Primitive camping with vault toilets, incredible campground host, potable water, firewood for sale," notes Tim R. about Saddlebag Lake Campground.
What you should know
Altitude considerations: At 6,470 feet and higher, visitors should account for altitude effects. "Excellent campground, secluded, high up (10,000ft), and Beautiful. My wife and I went camping here in October. It was snowing at the time and windy, averaging 29 degrees in the tent," writes Cecil K. about Saddlebag Lake Campground.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Mono Vista RV Park runs from April to October, while Paradise Shores operates from April 26 to October 15.
Cell service limitations: While the existing description mentions good service, coverage can be spotty in certain areas. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes notes: "There is no cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation options for children. At June Lake RV Park, a visitor reports, "Adjacent marina lets you rent kayaks, paddle boards, or pontoon boats. Easy walk to June Lake Brewery."
Swimming options: Some campgrounds feature pools for kids. A reviewer at Mammoth Mountain RV Park mentioned, "Hot showers, heated pool and spa. Drinking water and clean-out/dump station for RV."
Wildlife awareness: Educate children about bear safety. "Large bear boxes on site to store food in," writes Erin M. about Mammoth Mountain RV Park, while another camper warns, "Make sure to use the bear box as we had a bear come into our camp the last night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Not all RV sites in Bridgeport campgrounds offer the same amenities. "We were under the trees this time instead of on the asphalt parking lot slab. All dirt, dirt back in site, dirt camp site accessed by a dirt road. Expect lots of dust. Bring all your campsite mats, you will need it," advises Patrick J. about Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. At Saddlebag Lake, a camper notes it's "Accessible via a gravel access road, might be challenging to traverse for anything bigger than small trailers/RVs."
Hookup positioning: At some parks, utility placement requires planning. "We backed in pretty deep to the site as not to run into our neighbor. My long shore cord had to be stretched to get to the power box. The water and sewer fine. Why these boxes are so far back almost into the next site is puzzling," reports a Mammoth Mountain RV Park camper.
