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Dispersed camping is allowed on public land in the Mono Basin—the Jeffrey pine forest off of Highway 120 east is a recommended dispersed camping area. If you plan on having a campfire, propane stove, lantern, or any open flame, you must obtain a permit. Camping is allowed on the exposed lakebed surrounding Mono Lake by permit only. Camping on the islands in Mono Lake is allowed by permit only, except during April through August when the islands are closed to all boaters. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed recreation areas such as South Tufa, Navy Beach, Old Marina, and County Park. Permits are available free-of-charge at the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center
$5 / night
The Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite sits on the floor of the Yosemite Valley. Located on Southside Drive, this campground offers tent sites and glamping tents. Picnic tables, fire pits, and an extensive camp store.
Regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.
You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.
Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.
Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).
Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:
Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.
Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150
Located deep in the rugged Yosemite National Park backcountry, Vogelsang is one of the park’s acclaimed High Sierra Camps (HSC). One of five high country camp areas, Vogelsang is the highest, situated at an elevation of 10,130 feet, near the head of Rafferty Creek, and at the base of 11,410-foot Fletcher Peak. The only way to get there is by hiking a fairly rugged 7.5-mile trail from Tioga Road (Hwy 120), in the Tuolumne Meadows area, up and over 9,992-foot Tuolumne Pass. The trail begins with a comfortable stroll along the picturesque Lyell Fork Tuolumne River, before climbing steadily south into lodgepole pine forest alongside tumbling Rafferty Creek, and finally emerging into sprawling alpine meadows surrounded by skyscraping granite spires.
The HSC at Vogelsang consists of 12 tent cabins that can accommodate a maximum of 42 guests. Cabins are equipped with bunks, but campers must provide their own linens or sleeping bags. Camp guests are also treated to family-style breakfast and dinner by the camp host and chef. A vault toilet is available near the camp area. Getting to stay in one of Vogelsang’s coveted cabins requires entering the annual HSC lottery, which typically takes place the winter before the summer hiking season. Due to high demand, the limited number of spaces, and the short accessibility season (often only 2–3 months), camps sell out quickly. If you don’t get a cabin space, you can choose to tent camp nearby (backcountry permit required). This is primitive wilderness camping, so you should follow Leave No Trace guidelines. You can still opt to purchase just a meal at the camp so you don’t have to cook. HSC cabin rates are $152–$159/person/night; meals only are $80/person/night; kids rates are available.
The Vogelsang HSC is the perfect basecamp for exploring one of the most spectacular regions of the Yosemite high country. Right near the camp, you can visit nearby Boothe Lake, take a chilly dip in Fletcher Lake, or make a short hike to Vogelsang Lake, which rests in a rocky basin between Fletcher Peak and 11,493-foot Vogelsang Peak. Wander a little farther through Vogelsang Pass for stunning views over Lewis Creek Canyon and 12,561-foot Mount Florence. For an extended trip, you can continue another 8 miles southwest to Merced Lake HSC, one of the larger, and more remote camps on the High Sierra Loop. For a stunning change of scenery on your hike out from Vogelsang, hike east through the Evelyn Lake meadows—with an optional 3-mile round trip to Ireland Lake—then drop down into the wide Lyell Canyon and finish with a leisurely, view-packed stroll north alongside the river.
Scout
This was our first time at a KOA and we throughly enjoyed ourselves. We stayed for one night. (Tent Camping) The staff was friendly and helpful and all of the sites and communal areas were clean. The tent sites were a tad smaller than what we imagined, but was able to situate our 10x10 canopy and connecting tent between the hook ups and picnic table. The views are beautiful and it is mostly quiet but you can hear the road at times.
Guide
We were tent camping and were nervous about not having a reservation around Yosemite so we reserved a site here for a tent site by the river. The price was high but were willing to pay for a confirmed place to stay during June 2021. When we got there they were under major construction and told us the area by the river was closed. They put us in the area on the hill. The sites were small and full of dirt. We got more dirty there than several of the more remote places we stayed before and after our stay there. The campground was decent though, and everyone we spoke with was nice. Three stars was value for the price. We found several first-come first served campgrounds around there for much less (of course they only had vault toilets).
ScoutWe tent camped on the river here and really enjoyed our stay. We floated on the river in tubes, visited Nearby Rainbow Pools, went into Yosemite Valley a couple of days, the park is about 5-10 mins from the entrance to Yosemite but we didn’t mind we enjoyed the drive into the valley and used it as an opportunity to spot wildlife. We had two young kids (6 &8) and the campground restrooms and showers were perfect after a long day hiking, they were well maintained, good water pressure. These restrooms were located at the ponderosa tent sites, we had some family also camping in RVS along the river and I can’t speak for those restrooms. No cell service & WiFi is unlikely to work so prepare to be unplugged..they do give you printed directions to the closest area to get a signal depending on your carrier. The staff was very friendly and helpful! We will definitely be back one day. Side note: we came during COVID so reservations to Yosemite National park were required, therefore the park and surrounding campgrounds were not as packed as they normally would be. (This was heavenly).
Guide
Great location right in the valley. Amenities were nice (showers, laundry, food). The three-sided cinder block enclosure was a bit rustic and dirty. Would have felt cleaner actually camping in a tent where you can control what comes in and out of your personal space. Hiked several days in the park and took in sunset from Glacier Point (while doing the 4 mile hike earlier in the day from the valley floor up to the point). Beautiful!
Guide
I really enjoyed tent camping here. I’m not a fan of the trailer camping because it’s all cement and everyone is close together, but it’s doable if need be. When tent camping, you’re under beautiful trees which I love!
Guide
We had a nice open camping spot. It was at the edge of Yosemite Valley. The only downside to the spot was everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don’t know why they need to run them. Next time we will camp in a tent only area. This area had no showers.
Guide
I’ve camped here 4 times- 2 times tent camping and 2 times trailer camping. The lake has a beautiful, and easy to walk to from the campground, especially from the sites in the 40s and 50s. The vault toilets can be a bummer if you are tent camping, and there are no hookups for rvs. But the campground has beautiful trees, and there is a restaurant and camp store for your convenience. Also, across the highway at the Silver Lake East campground is an awesome hidden secret called “Potholes.” Shhhhh!
Ranger
Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.
Traveler
There is no space between tent sites and no dividing trees or bushes. Bathroom and showers are clean.
Guide
This is a beautiful campground. At the end of the road. Parking is along a ridge, and tent camping is down the hill. RV camping has no hookups, but plenty of space.
Scout
Hard ground, flat spots. Fine if u stay on ur camping pad. Great stop to stay the night while driving through. Tent camping is definitely hefty here but with a washroom and free, couldn’t ask for more
GuideBeautiful tent camping above the Yosemite valley. Close enough to drive into the valley but far enough to not be surrounded by people at all times. Make sure to bring hammocks! Great trees to lounge in!
Guide
4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon.
Legend
Nice campground with numerous RV and tent sites. Bathroom with flush toilets and showers. Big trees provide ample shade. Quiet area close to the amenities of the Carson Valley.
Ranger
It's free but donations are welcome. It's more for boondocking your trailer or RV. Spots are huge. Great for motorcycle/snowmobile. I was the only person in a tent. Not great if you're looking for tent camping atmosphere. But close to Mammoth and June Lake Loop. Had a bear visitor. Better for RV camping.
Scout
Tent camping and some RV sites available. Went at the very end of the season so cold at night but beautiful during the day! Various homes nearby. Lake was beautiful and the leaves were changing in time for winter. Very clean. Flushable toilets and running water. Walking distance from town.
Guide
Campground is setup in a loop. Pay at the post upon entry - fill out the reservation envelope and put your nightly fee into the envelope.
There are spots for tent camping and even or truck spots with a larger parking space.
This is a seasonal campground and will be closed during the winter months.
ScoutBeen camping here for years, very nice and really clean. Nice family owned rv park and tent camping. Make sure if you come since it’s right next to the mountains be prepared for wind and rain, but usually passes pretty quick. About a two hour drive into Yosemite valley and only like 20 mins from Yosemite east entrance.
Legend
Love this campground because of it’s close proximity to the Stanislaus River. There are 28 first come first serve RV and Tent sites. There are interesting granite rock formations in and around the campground. Potable water, fire rings, picnic tables and garbage receptacles round out the amenities.
Scout
Turtle Rock is a hidden jewel. It is well kept and maintained. Showers are provided for a small fee so make sure you have quarters. Toilets are dispersed throughout the campground. There’s a section for tent camping as well as RV camping. No reservations required as I always drive in whenever I go. One of my favorite spot around Markleeville area.
Scout
Great little spot for tent camping or vehicle camping. You'll be fine if you have a smaller RV or Camper trailer but would not recommend for large units. Camp host Scott was really cool and down to earth. The campsite is clean and well maintained. Pit toilets were the best I have ever seen/smelled. The site can be pretty windy so bring tent stakes and cordage to tie out your walls.
Guide
Visited in Fall, beautiful time, All the trees were changing, it was beautiful. The campground was nice, the spaces were separated, we tent camped. Store a few minute walk down the road, along with place to rent boats for the lake. Very calm and peaceful area. Because of the beauty and seclusion, wonderful time. one of the best campgrounds/locations I've ever been to.
Guide
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, free kayaks and SUP boards to use. Beautiful grounds. Full hook ups, great tent sites, and rentals. Great staff. Wood, charcoal, ice, and propane for sale on sight.
ScoutThe river is fun for tubing and evening chill. Close drive into the park but tent sites were crammed and the womens restroom became unusable with overflowing toilets. Get there early to pick your spot! Some good shade unless they are all taken so come prepared with your own. Had to use the one toilet in the men’s restroom.
Traveler
This campground was awesome. We went in the middle of summer without reservations and we were able to get a tent site. This camp site is at the head of the Upper Falls trail so you can get an early start and see some great sunrise scenes. Plenty of toilets and water sources at the camp site, just bring your filter.
Guide
site: right on river was a huge plus! semi-private, decent sized site. some sites seemed more private than others. some tree cover. a bit loud for tent camping quiet, but it’s expected with such a full campground. amenities: quite clean for the amount of people using facilities. attractions: the views from my site were amazing. shuttle stop near campground. I would go camping here again if we wanted to be in the heart of the park.
Guide
We usually stay in the Mammoth Lakes area but changed it up and we are so happy we did. The tent sites are small with little to no shade but the beauty of Convict Lake was worth it. The only wildlife we dealt with were deer which is much better than bears (so many in Mammoth).
We enjoyed paddle boarding, fishing, and hiking around the lake.
Discover the beauty of tent camping near Bridgeport, California, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique amenities and experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bridgeport, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bridgeport, CA is Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
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