Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
03 reviews75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Quick Facts
9,200 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Open late May throug...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
9,200 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Open late May throug...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsUpper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for camping at this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider760-932-7070
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
8 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleansites
"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's quietness, scenic beauty, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. Some limitations, such as the lack of running water and trash service, are also noted."
Fees & Passes at Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bridgeport Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
Mother Nature keeps you on your toes at this elevation, painting each day with her unpredictable brush. While summer days often dawn crystal clear with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration, the alpine environment can surprise you with snowflakes dancing through the air even as wildflowers bloom in late spring or autumn leaves begin their colorful transformation. Pack layers and embrace the adventure—those unexpected weather moments often become the stories you'll treasure most around future campfires.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open late May through mid-October as weather conditions allow.
About Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
Escape to the untamed beauty of Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground, where the whisper of wind through towering Jeffrey pines and the gentle murmur of Virginia Creek create nature's perfect symphony. This unspoiled retreat embraces the true spirit of wilderness camping, offering adventurers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the raw majesty of the high country. Here, beneath star-studded skies and surrounded by pristine forest, you'll discover camping as it was meant to be—simple, authentic, and deeply restorative.
Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground is a dispersed camping site designed for those seeking a primitive camping experience. It offers minimal facilities and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is not suitable for large trailers over 25 feet due to tight turns.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps you on your toes at this elevation, painting each day with her unpredictable brush. While summer days often dawn crystal clear with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration, the alpine environment can surprise you with snowflakes dancing through the air even as wildflowers bloom in late spring or autumn leaves begin their colorful transformation. Pack layers and embrace the adventure—those unexpected weather moments often become the stories you'll treasure most around future campfires.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,200 feet, this alpine sanctuary places you among the clouds where eagles soar and the air carries a crisp, pine-scented clarity you won't find at lower elevations. The thin mountain air reminds you that you're in rarified territory—take it slow your first day, stay hydrated, and let your body adjust to this magnificent height where the sky feels close enough to touch and every breath connects you more deeply to the wilderness around you.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the soft golden light filtering through a cathedral of Jeffrey pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the morning sun. Virginia Creek winds alongside the campground like a liquid silver ribbon, its melodic babbling providing the soundtrack to your alpine adventure. This pristine landscape offers endless inspiration—from the delicate wildflowers that dot the forest floor to the majestic peaks that frame the horizon, every view reminds you why John Muir called these mountains the 'Range of Light.'
Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness tapestry of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this 9,200-foot alpine jewel showcases nature's artistry at its finest. The surrounding Jeffrey pine forest stands as a testament to life's persistence at high altitude, while Virginia Creek has carved its patient path through the landscape over millennia. This is where the Eastern Sierra's dramatic geological story unfolds before your eyes—ancient granite sculpted by ice and time, creating a playground for those who seek adventure in one of America's most spectacular mountain environments.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground has approximately a dozen campsites, as described in a user review. No specific dimensions for these sites are provided.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy for campsites is not explicitly mentioned in the sources. However, the quiet and remote nature of the campground might suggest some degree of seclusion.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest choosing sites closest to the creek for better views and fishing access.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
No information about group camping sites is provided in the available sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a dispersed layout with roughly a dozen primitive campsites, each equipped with fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen late May through mid-October as weather conditions allow.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. According to user reviews, there are roughly a dozen campsites available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
This primitive campground offers a variety of outdoor activities for campers to enjoy. Authoritative sources highlight hiking, OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) road riding, fishing in the nearby Virginia Creek, and hunting as key recreational opportunities. User reviews also emphasize the quality of fishing and wildlife sightings, including bears and deer.
Hiking
Hiking is listed as an available activity, but no specific trails, lengths, or difficulty levels are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Virginia Creek. One user review praises the 'great fishing in the creek.' The specific types of fish or fishing regulations are not detailed.Wildlife viewing
Multiple user reviews highlight opportunities for wildlife viewing. One camper noted, 'Every time I've camped here I've seen bear or deer in the campground.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not addressed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed with a free California Camp Fire Permit. However, open fires may be prohibited during the summer months due to fire risk.
Hazards
General hazardsAltitude sickness may occur due to the campground's elevation of 9,200 feet. Wildlife such as bears and deer are frequently seen according to user reviews.
Weather at Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 15.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Bridgeport Ranger District (Address: 75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517, Phone: 760-932-7070)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no trash service available. Campers are required to pack out their trash. One user review mentions burning trash as an alternative, but this is not recommended or verified by authoritative sources.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Virginia Creek, which offers fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsLimited amenities: No potable water, no picnic tables, and only one pit toilet.
HostThe campground has a camp host, as mentioned in user reviews.
Campground Map
75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Driving directionsFrom Bridgeport, drive south on US-395 for 13 miles. Turn right onto Virginia Lakes Rd and continue for 4.7 miles. Then turn left into the campground.
The campground is accessible from Virginia Lakes Rd, which is paved. The site is not recommended for large trailers over 25 feet due to tight turns.Nearby places
Bridgeport: 13 miles (~20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Bridgeport: 13 miles (~20 minutes) for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's quietness, scenic beauty, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. Some limitations, such as the lack of running water and trash service, are also noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the 'very quiet' atmosphere, the presence of wildlife such as bears and deer, and the 'great fishing in the creek.' The pit toilet is described as 'very clean,' and the campsites...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of running water and trash service is a common concern among campers. One user mentioned experiencing altitude sickness due to the high elevation of around 9,800 feet.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing plenty of water and being prepared to pack out trash. They also advise obtaining a free California Camp Fire Permit for campfires, barbecues, and portable stoves. One user...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open from late May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. Some reviews note that open fires are restricted after late June or early July; campers should verify fire...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Every time I've camped here I've seen bear or deer in the campground.' 2. 'You need to take your trash out or burn it. If that's a problem, then please don't go.' 3. 'I'm only going to say you...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has approximately a dozen sites, as noted in a user review. Specific site numbers or differences between sites are not provided.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash. No additional pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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