How much does camping cost at Bootleg Campground?

Camping fees at Bootleg Campground range from $12-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Bootleg Campground?

Bootleg Campground is open Late May through mid-September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bootleg Campground?

Bootleg Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Bootleg Campground?

Fire policies at Bootleg Campground: Campfires are allowed with a California Camp Fire Permit. Firewood is available for purchase.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bootleg Campground have?

Bootleg Campground has 63 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bootleg Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bootleg Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bootleg Campground?

Bootleg Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bootleg Campground?

Popular activities at Bootleg Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bootleg Campground

Q: Is Bootleg Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bootleg Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews report ample availability even during peak times, with some stating the campground never gets full.

4.17

41 reviews

Bootleg Campground, Walker Canyon, US-395, Walker, CA

Top 16% in CASummer

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Quick Facts

6,600 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Late May to mid-Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,600 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Late May to mid-Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bootleg Campground

$12.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $28 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $6 per vehicle per night

Standard Site Fee$22.00

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USFS

Provider

760-932-7070

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Bootleg Campground, Walker Canyon, US-395, Walker, CA

Bootleg Campground

Bootleg Campground, Walker Canyon, US-395, Walker, CA

Nearby places

Walker (7.7 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Bridgeport (22 miles, approximately 25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Walker (7 miles): Basic supplies, small town amenities. Nearby restaurants include a burger place and BBQ options in Walker (user review mentions but did not visit).

Driving directionsFrom Bridgeport, drive approximately 22 miles north on U.S. Highway 395. The campground is located on the left-hand side of the highway in Walker Canyon. Alternatively, from Walker, CA, take US Route 395 south for 7.7 miles, and the campground will be on the right.

Easy access from U.S. Highway 395. The routes to the campground are paved, and the campground accommodates any size RV. However, seasonal closures may affect accessibility due to weather.

Weather at Bootleg Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bootleg Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and comfortable conditions at this elevation. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-60s to mid-80s°F from June through August, with nights dropping to the mid-30s to low-50s°F. June gets particular praise from campers. Spring warms up late at 6,600 feet, and winter brings freezing temperatures that close the campground. Wild roses and other mountain flora bloom from late spring into summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Open and busiest season; mid‑60s to 80s°F, best access and fishing season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May through mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Late May to mid-September, weather permitting. Typical seasonal opening dates are May 24 through September 15.

About Bootleg Campground

Bootleg Campground sits at 6,600 feet in Walker Canyon along the West Walker River, surrounded by Jeffrey pines and sagebrush. The campground has 63 sites, including five pull-through spots for RVs up to 40 feet. Sites range from $12 to $24 per night and are widely spaced. US-395 runs nearby, bringing some daytime road noise.

Bootleg Campground provides facilities for tent camping and RVs, with 63 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and comfortable conditions at this elevation. Daytime highs typically reach the mid-60s to mid-80s°F from June through August, with nights dropping to the mid-30s to low-50s°F. June gets particular praise from campers. Spring warms up late at 6,600 feet, and winter brings freezing temperatures that close the campground. Wild roses and other mountain flora bloom from late spring into summer.

ElevationPerched at an invigorating 6,600 feet above sea level, Bootleg Campground offers that perfect high-country experience where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and every breath feels like pure mountain medicine. This elevation places you in the sweet spot of Walker Canyon's ecosystem, high enough to escape the desert heat but accessible enough for comfortable camping throughout much of the year.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Walker River actively carves through Walker Canyon here, cutting and widening the granite walls that frame the campground. Jeffrey pines dominate the forest, with wild roses blooming among granite boulders and sagebrush filling the spaces between trees. The terrain is rocky, something tent campers notice immediately. Views of the canyon open up from various points in the campground, showing the steep granite slopes that rise above the river corridor.

Geological RegionBootleg Campground sits within the dramatic embrace of Walker Canyon, a living geological masterpiece still being sculpted by the relentless Walker River. Watch as the river continues its ancient work, actively carving and widening the canyon walls that shelter your campsite. The surrounding Jeffrey Pine forest thrives in this unique ecosystem, where wild roses bloom among granite boulders and sagebrush carpets the spaces between trees, creating a diverse tapestry of mountain flora that changes with every season.

Scenic ViewsViews include the forested canyon, dispersed wildlife, and sounds of the Walker River. Some sites offer elevated vantage points.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available on-site, but the campground caters well to RVs and tent campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 30 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number not specified.

Groups

Group sites are limited, and facilities for groups are not detailed beyond this.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutA main spur branches into two loops. The widely spaced sites provide excellent privacy, with campers consistently noting the generous distance between spots. Both single and double-family sites are available.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews report ample availability even during peak times, with some stating the campground never gets full.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations; all sites are first-come, first-served.

Site SizeThe campground contains both single and double-family sites. RV spaces accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, with five pull-through spots available.

PrivacyThe sites are widely spaced, offering excellent privacy. One camper described it as 'lots of space between spots,' while another noted, 'The sites are large and well-separated.

Total Campsites63 campsites

Recommended SitesSites on the hillside provide shade and breezes; sites near the entrance may have weak cellular signal.

Best CampsitesReviews say there are no bad sites here. Campers looking for cell service should choose spots near the entrance, where one or two bars occasionally appear. Sites closer to the river offer the best fishing access.

Amenities available

Bootleg Campground offers a variety of basic yet essential amenities to ensure a comfortable camping experience. The campground features single and double-family sites equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and food storage lockers. Flush toilets and potable water are available, and trash collection is provided. Notably, firewood can be purchased from the camp host.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Bootleg Campground offers opportunities for fishing and limited hiking. The campground is located near the West Walker River, known for its trout fishing, and a short trail above the campsites provides additional recreational options.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRocky terrain makes tent pitching challenging. Proximity to the highway introduces daytime road noise. Wildlife hazards include chipmunks (noted as common). Users recommend avoiding feeding wildlife.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at each site to protect from wildlife.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed with a California Camp Fire Permit. Firewood is available for purchase.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesBridgeport Ranger District, 75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517, Phone: 760-932-7070 (Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST).

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided on-site, but the exact locations or frequency of pickup are not specified.

Water FeaturesWest Walker River is located across US-395, accessible by walking. Excellent for trout fishing.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful in most reviews (e.g., Amanda and Andy). One negative review mentions inconsiderate host behavior.

Cell CoverageReviews suggest that cell service is limited or non-existent, though campers closer to the entrance may receive a bar or two.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

41 reviews

Satisfactory

Bootleg Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Bootleg Campground receives high praise for its spacious sites, cleanliness, and proximity to the West Walker River. However, some reviewers mention road noise and limited cell service as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious and well-separated campsites, friendly camp hosts, and excellent trout fishing in the nearby West Walker River.

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Challenges include road noise during the day, rocky terrain making tent pitching difficult, and limited to no cell phone service.

Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One camper mentioned that choosing a site near the entrance might offer limited cell service. Several campers also found the sites to be spacious and well-separated.

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites near the entrance for better cell service, bringing cash or checks for payment, and being prepared for rocky terrain if tent camping.

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from late May to mid-September, during which the weather is generally favorable. Reviews consistently highlight the clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites during this period.

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Walker River, if you know what you’re doing, is fabulous for trout.' 2. 'Bathrooms were clean. There is running water at the campground.' 3. 'Lots of space between spots.' 4. 'Big trees shade...

Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are provided.

Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. No specific reviews address pet-related experiences.

Based on 41 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Fly fishers and anyone who needs a site to themselves: the wide spacing and West Walker River access make this the rare roadside camp that feels private. June through August is the window, and hosts Amanda and Andy keep the place clean.

Skip if

Rocky ground is a real obstacle for tent campers without a thick pad. US-395 daytime noise reaches every site, there's no cell signal past the entrance, and no dump station means self-contained RVers need a plan.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.2

(41)

Bootleg

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

Bootleg Campground sits at 6,600 feet in Walker Canyon, where Jeffrey Pines shade a low-density layout that delivers real solitude. The West Walker River runs just across Highway 395, putting trout water within easy walking distance. Flush toilets and potable water keep things comfortable.

Bootleg Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Bootleg Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Bootleg Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bootleg Campground

Planning Tips

About Bootleg Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Bootleg Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bootleg Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews