Best Tent Camping near Bridgeport, CA

Tent camping in the Eastern Sierra region near Bridgeport, California offers a mix of established and dispersed options, with sites scattered throughout the surrounding national forest lands and along nearby creek beds. Mill Creek National Forest provides shaded tent sites alongside a flowing creek, while Upper Virginia Creek Campground offers more developed sites with access to Virginia Lakes and proximity to attractions like Bodie Ghost Town and Mono Lake.

Most tent campgrounds in this area feature minimal amenities, with dispersed sites typically lacking facilities entirely. Upper Virginia Creek Campground provides pit toilets, bear boxes, and established fire pits, while dispersed areas like Mill Creek require campers to pack in all necessities including water. Ground conditions vary significantly, with some sites featuring sandy or volcanic soil that may make tent staking challenging during windy conditions. Seasonal road access can be difficult, particularly in spring when snowmelt may create muddy conditions on forest service roads. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote tent sites, though as one camper mentioned, "My Cruze made it" to Mill Creek's camping area.

Tent camping experiences near Bridgeport benefit from the area's remarkable natural setting. Sites at Mill Creek provide the soothing sounds of flowing water, creating a peaceful atmosphere even when relatively close to Highway 395. Higher elevation tent sites offer expansive views of Mono Lake and the surrounding mountains, with some dispersed areas providing enough separation between sites to ensure privacy. According to reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value "the calming creek noise" at Mill Creek National Forest and the "great views of the Sierras and Mono Lake" from dispersed sites in the Mono Basin area. Backcountry campers venturing further into Yosemite territory can find more remote tent sites with even greater solitude and alpine views.

Best Tent Sites Near Bridgeport, California (55)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bridgeport, CA

1133 Reviews of 55 Bridgeport Campgrounds


  • Erin S.
    Nov. 1, 2019

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Grand Basin 10 tent at North Pines

    North Pines is one of three campgrounds on the floor of Yosemite Valley. Across the Merced River from the other two campgrounds and adjacent to the horse stables, it is relatively isolated with no major roads running by it. Nevertheless, it is well connected to the rest of the valley amenities, with a quick walk to the bus station, a longer walk (1 mi) to the visitor center via the Valley Loop Trail, or a drive (if you don't mind braving traffic and searching for parking spaces). 

    The sites are not well defined. You have a place to park and besides that, it is a little of a free-for-all with the adjacent sites as to where you set up your gear. Despite that, we had plenty of room to set up our large 10 person tent, without feeling crowded or that we were overspilling our space. We were there the last weekend it was open (Oct 26/27) and all sites were booked. There are no hook-ups, and the comfort stations only have toliets and sinks (no showers), a fresh water faucet, and a disposal "toliet" for dish water. All dishes must be washed at camp. The facilities were fairly clean, though the disposal toilet often backed up.  Being late October, I was expecting very cold conditions. But the weather was great! 70s during the day and 40s at night. Clear skies. Absolutely beautiful. 

    Our site was located right next to the comfort station, and in hindsight I wish we had found a place a little farther away. But besides the proximity, our site was nice with a fire pit and picnic table. Quiet hours are from 1000-0600, and we had to remind our neighbor campers who came back drunk at midnight to shut it, but that seems to be more the normal than abnormal these days. There were mostly tents in the campground, with a few small RVs and trailers. Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between.

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This weekend I got to test the Wenzel Great Basin 10 tent (https://wenzelco.com/great-basin-10/). Overall, my impression of this tent is that it is a solid and reliable tent. Yes, it has a few design items that could be improved for ease of use, but overall it served us well and I look forward to using it again. The tent is a domed center-opening design, with two side "rooms" that can be separated by zipped curtains, making three interior spaces total. My husband and I filled up on room with two large cots facing length wise (we had them oriented along center line and still had enough room to move along the sides). The other side has more than ample room for my daughter's small cot, which ran the width of the tent along the side window. Very comfortable for three people. 

    Yes, this is a huge tent. Can it be set up by one person? Probably, if that person is patient and tenacious. Two people work much better. A few design items we found annoying were the pole connections, which would frequently catch on the tent pole sleeves and center strap. Also, the zipper flap on the tent's door would frequently get caught in the zipper, making it almost a necessity to use two hands to open and close the tent. Besides these two small inconveniences, the tent worked great. The rain fly fits snug against the tent roof. The construction felt sturdy and we liked the design of the three interior rooms. 

    Overall, we had a fun two nights in Yosemite. We might make a tradition out of going for the closing weekend each year.

  • Anna C.
    Sep. 28, 2017

    Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Hetch Hetchy Walk-in Established Sites

    We stayed the night at one of the Hetch Hetchy reservable sites (first come, first served) before our trek through the backcountry of Yosemite. The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings. A permit is required to stay in the area as well as a $6 per person fee and you're able to check-in with your reservation right at the Hetch Hetchy entrance. The sites are well maintained and do feature scenic vistas, though it appears that the best views offered by Hetch Hetchy are found farther in the backcountry and we wish we had the time to really explore the area. The campground served as an easy spot to hike in, set up and prepare for a long trek ahead, although, if you're not pressed for time or resting up for a big hike, I'd recommend continuing on past the established sites into the more scenic backcountry. One major advantage of Hetch Hetchy is that you'll avoid the major crowds in Yosemite Valley which can't be beat in my book.

  • Scot J.
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Desert Creek Campground

    Awesome little getaway

    8.5 miles of the main road, crossing the creek 5 times, we found the perfect little spot. Restroom was quite a distance from our campsite, so we opted for our own portable toilet. No showers available but boil some creek water and washcloth wipe yourself down, you're good to go. Also recommend getting a fire permit from the Bridgeport Ranger Station. No trash receptacles or bins.......so pack out your trash.

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 14, 2019

    Twin Lakes Campground

    crowded and sites are close together

    This campground seems more fitted to those using campers more so than those tent camping.

    I saw very few tent campers and the RV's and tow behind campers were the majority here.

    I 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.

    Site was a bit muddy and wasn't that easy to find a level spot for a tent.  A bit of garbage was left on site and trash in the bear box.  All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and bear box.

    Noise level was higher than I prefer but then again if I'm not just hearing nature, it's too loud for me.

    Pretty lakes, waterfalls and a nice area to venture around.

    Traffic in Mammoth can get pretty busy.

  • Erin M.
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Minaret Falls Campground

    Backcountry car camping!

    Wonderful campground with gorgeous views that won’t disappoint! Plenty of shade and spacious camp sites. Restrooms and water were also available. You can also purchase firewood from the camp host. I had no cell phone service in the Reds meadow valley. There is plenty to do in the area with hikes to the Devils postpile which is a National Monument, and Rainbow falls. You can see them both on a 4 mile loop that leaves from the postpile parking lot. There is also river access In the campground for great fishing. You will need to purchase an adventure pass on your way into the valley either from the mammoth mountain adventure center or the guard station upon entering the park for 10$. Take plenty of water on your hikes and remember to leave no trace on trails. Also remember to properly store food in the provided bear boxes this is very active bear country!

  • S
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Sand Flat Campground

    No Reservations Required

    Located off highway 50 near Kyburz, CA, this campsite is a first come, first serve campsite. No reservations. Listen to the sounds of the river while sleeping. You can also play & fish in the river during the day. The river is stocked with fish. RV & tent sites which are spacious & most have nice shade coverage. No hookups, vault toilets. Dog friendly on leashes. Camp host has been there for 5 years & is super friendly. we had no problems but we followed the rules. Only 4 stars because you do hear the highway traffic. one of my fav places. $23 per day per site, $8 for extra parking. Lots of extra spaces.

  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake George Campground

    Love Lake George!

    Lake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.

  • Kiley S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Sherwin Creek

    Lovely Spot Near Mammoth Lakes

    On our way from Reno to Vegas we drove into a serious thunderstorm, so while we weren’t planning to stop, we were thrilled to find this campground when we did! Close off the Highway and very close (~2 miles) from grocery, gas etc. in town, yet feels secluded and is very quiet. Clean vault toilets. Picnic table, water spigot, fire ring, BBQ pit and bear box at each site. Despite the rain we were happy to find a covered, honor-system firewood stack ($7 in the bucket) so we could still have a fire. Great spot for getting up and heading to hike at the many awesome trails surrounding. Lots of people had their OHVs along too- must be good trails for that too! Gotta pay on rec.gov.. no cash ranger box.

  • kathleen K.
    Jul. 2, 2021

    Lower Lee Vining Campground

    Use the BEAR BOX

    Stayed here for one night on my way through Yosemite. Car camped in a Toyota Yaris end of June 2021. Limited number of spaces available. Very budget-friendly. No Reservations needed or required. The sites are close together they come with a picnic table a bear box and a fire ring. There is no usable water on property. No flush toilets. No showers. There is a man in charge of the campground in the very first sight to the left when you drive in look for the American flag. There are two bears that roam this property they come and check the property at night and in the morning and they will investigate every single site so do not leave anything out put everything edible in the bear box! Well I was here the Bears annihilated someone's ice chest that got left out overnight. Great trails Great hiking a lot of nature to look at in this area I like this campsite I wish it had running water at least one well pump would be great I know that the river was closed because I was able to get to it but I don't know how usable that water is. I will probably be back this is a great location! Check out is 2 p.m.!


Guide to Bridgeport

Dispersed tent camping near Bridgeport, California ranges from volcanic landscapes at 8,000+ feet elevation to alpine meadows with creek access. The Eastern Sierra region experiences dramatic temperature shifts, with summer days reaching 80°F and nights dropping to near freezing even in July. Volcanic soil conditions in many areas create unique challenges for tent staking, especially during the frequent afternoon wind patterns common to the region.

What to do

Fishing at pristine alpine lakes: Virginia Lakes, accessible from Upper Virginia Creek Campground, offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. "Virginia lakes resort is a 5 minute drive. Bodie ghost town and Mono lake are great day adventures from here as well," notes Bruce E.

Hiking to mountain viewpoints: Trek the high-altitude trails near Lake Helen Dispersed Campsites for panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra range and Mono Basin. The network of trails ranges from gentle meadow walks to challenging summit climbs above 10,000 feet.

Backcountry exploration: Venture deeper into Yosemite territory via the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp trail system. "Great starting point to do day hikes into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne," says Daniel L. The 6-mile hike from Tuolumne Meadows leads to beautiful alpine terrain.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings at Mill Creek provide opportunities to spot mule deer, ground squirrels, and various bird species. The meadow areas near creeks are particularly active with wildlife at dawn and dusk.

What campers like

Solitude and separation: At Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site, campers appreciate the privacy between sites. "We found a nice, open campsite with great views of Mono Lake and the eastern Sierras," reports Emma T. Most sites allow for proper distancing from neighbors.

Creek-side relaxation: The soothing sounds of running water enhance the camping experience at many sites. "Cool water, a nice breeze in the evening, water sounds day and night. Quiet," shares DJ M. about camping along Mill Creek.

Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Overlooking mono lake on one side and a mountain range on the other," describes Jaden J. The volcanic terrain provides natural platforms for unobstructed celestial observation.

Geological features: The unique formations around Mono Lake create an otherworldly landscape for exploration and photography. The volcanic composition of the soil and surrounding terrain provides a distinctive camping backdrop not found in other Sierra locations.

What you should know

Road conditions and vehicle requirements: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. "Road got quite sandy in some sections, would recommend having a 4x4 to access some of the sites," advises Emma T. about Upper Lyell Canyon Footbridge Backcountry Campsite. However, standard vehicles can reach some areas with caution.

Temperature fluctuations: Be prepared for significant day-to-night temperature changes. "It gets warm during the day, but there is a good breeze during the day. And an even better breeze at night," notes Val C. about camping in July. Nighttime temperatures commonly drop below 40°F even in summer.

Water sources and filtration: Most dispersed sites require water filtration from nearby creeks. "The Tuolumne River was our water source, which is located adjacent to the camp," shares Erin S. Seasonal flow variations can affect reliability, particularly in late summer.

Insect preparation: Bug activity intensifies near water sources and during certain seasons. "Lots of bugs. bring bug spray," warns Val C. Evening mosquito activity can be particularly heavy in meadow areas and near creeks.

Tips for camping with families

Established sites for easier logistics: Choose locations with basic amenities for family comfort. "For a free spot, it was clean and had pit toilets, bear boxes and fire pits," says Bruce E. about Upper Virginia Creek Campground, making it suitable for families with younger children.

Wildlife education opportunities: The diverse ecosystems provide natural learning experiences. Young campers can observe pika, marmots, and various bird species in their natural habitat, particularly at higher elevation sites.

Creek exploration for children: Shallow creek areas offer safe water play opportunities during warmer months. "Nice shaded with creek sounds," mentions Kristin C., describing the Mill Creek area that provides natural entertainment for children.

Gradual acclimatization: When camping at higher elevations with children, Young Lakes Backcountry Camp visitors recommend spending a night at mid-elevation first. "Great backcountry campsite with a ~6.4 mile hike in," notes Esther Y., suggesting families should prepare properly for the elevation gain.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access at most sites: Most dispersed camping areas near Bridgeport have significant access limitations for larger vehicles. Small trailers and campervans can navigate to some areas, but full-sized RVs should seek established campgrounds.

Leveling challenges on volcanic terrain: The uneven ground at many dispersed sites requires additional leveling equipment. The sandy volcanic soil can shift under stabilizers, especially after rain.

Alternative dispersed options: For those with smaller RVs or campervans, Hardin Flat Road provides accessible options. "I am parked across from a private drive so I can turn around with my RV if needed," shares Ashley M. about finding suitable parking for smaller rigs.

Seasonal planning for RV access: Spring snowmelt creates muddy conditions on many forest service roads. "Went on 4/5/24 - 4/7/24. I stayed to car camp and had an overall nice time. There was a good amount of ice but with 4x4 not problem," reports Martin A., noting challenging early season conditions.

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 Mill Creek National Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bridgeport, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 55 tent camping locations near Bridgeport, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.