Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

Star4.18
13 reviews
75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open late May throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bridgeport Ranger District site

Official Website
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Upper 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

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Provider
760-932-7070
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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 13 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."

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Campground Map

75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517

Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open late May–mid-Oct; summer offers clear days, hiking and fishing; some fire restrictions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-Oct; cool hiking and solitude, though early snows/weather can close access.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Mostly closed until late May; limited spring access due to snow and weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed late Oct–May; winter camping not supported on-site.

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.
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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.
HikingHiking is listed as an available activity, but no specific trails, lengths, or difficulty levels are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
FishingFishing 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 viewingMultiple 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAltitude 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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

Reviews

4.2
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 13 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...
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Based on 13 reviews

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 13 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 13 reviews

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...
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Based on 13 reviews

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...
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Based on 13 reviews

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 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash. No additional pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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