Earth houses near Bridgeport with a private bathroom
This Eastern Sierra outpost is within reach of Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, and Yosemite.
- Bridgeport
Popular camping styles for Bridgeport
Earth houses near Bridgeport with a private bathroom guide
Overview
Bridgeport is an excellent stopover for roadtrippers reaching Highway 395 via Sonora Pass. The historic enclave is home to Travertine Hot Springs, where Hipcampers can soak in natural thermal pools within view of Sawtooth Ridge. Within the surrounding Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, Buckeye Hot Springs is a creekside spot near Buckeye Campground, which includes trailheads for exploring the Hoover Wilderness. Anglers come for trout fishing at the Bridgeport Reservoir or Twin Lakes, and many RV travelers stop en route to Bodie State Historic Park, home to the ghostly remnants of an 1880s gold mining town.
Where to go
Twin Lakes
In the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest just 13 miles west of town, Twin Lakes hosts recreational activities all summer long. In addition to boating and fishing for brown trout, there are several day hikes in this scenic lake basin: the Buckeye Canyon Trail, Eagle Creek Trail, and Sawmill Loop. Alternatively, venture into the backcountry via the Hoover Wilderness or beyond with access to the northern reaches of Yosemite National Park. Don’t confuse this spot with the much larger Twin Lakes at Mammoth about an hour south!
Mono Lake
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is set just south of Bridgeport and only 13 miles east of Yosemite. This ancient lake is best known for its tufa spires made of calcium carbonate, and the alkaline waters invite more than 80 species of migratory birds each year. Hiking, bird watching, photography, boating, and cross-country skiing are popular. The closest campgrounds are located in Lundy Canyon, Lee Vining Canyon, and the June Lake Loop.
Bodie Hills
This vast area includes three BLM Wilderness Study Areas, which border the ghost mining town of Bodie. It’s a region of rocky canyons and streams where stands of aspen provide stunning fall foliage. Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, and camping in the Bodie Hills.
When to go
Bridgeport campgrounds are generally open from late May to late September, weather permitting. Spring, summer, and fall are ideal times for anglers. The town draws an influx of visitors during the Fishing Season Opener each April, the Bridgeport Trout Tournament every June, and Bridgeport’s annual Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration. While Bodie State Historic Park is open year-round, it’s only accessible by skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles during winter months. Sonora Pass is closed in winter but opens to snowmobilers.
Know before you go
- Be bear aware. Use provided bear boxes and take precautions to properly store food and scented items.
- Check first to see if drinkable water is available at your campsite, as access to this amenity varies.
- Dispersed camping is allowed in US Forest Service land surrounding Travertine Hot Springs, but there are no facilities. Prepare to be self-contained and maintain a respectful distance from the baths.
- Many visitors to the thermal springs prefer to soak in the nude, so don’t be surprised!
- Bodie State Historic Park is located at the end of 13-mile Bodie Road (Highway 270), the last section of which is a bit of a bumpy, graded dirt road.
