Trumbull Lake Campground, nestled in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Bridgeport, California, is a serene high-altitude camping destination at 9,980 feet elevation. Situated on the shores of the picturesque 100-acre Trumbull Lake, this campground is surrounded by towering peaks, glacier-carved cirques, and a dense lodgepole pine forest, offering a tranquil escape in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Ideal for nature lovers, it provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with easy access to the nearby Virginia Lakes and the Hoover Wilderness.
Campsite Details
The campground features 45 campsites, including 33 single-family sites, a few double sites, and one triple site, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 82 feet, though one site is designated exclusively for RVs. Most sites offer ample shade from lodgepole pines, and several near the lake provide partial lake views. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and bear-proof food storage locker due to frequent black bear activity. Amenities include vault toilets, potable water, and garbage/recycling services, with firewood available for purchase from the campground host, often praised for their friendliness and dedication, particularly a host named Kimo. Roads and parking spurs are dirt, and cell service is unreliable, with some reports of one to two bars (AT&T) or none at all.
Recreation and Activities
Trumbull Lake is renowned for fishing, with rainbow, brown, and brook trout attracting anglers using flies, bait, or lures. Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the lake, though gas-powered boats are prohibited. Nearby Virginia Lakes, within walking distance, offer additional fishing and canoeing opportunities. The Virginia Lakes Trail, accessible from the campground, provides hiking and horseback riding routes into the Hoover Wilderness and eastern Yosemite National Park, with destinations like Blue Lake, Cooney Lake, and Summit Lake at 11,100 feet elevation. Other activities include wildlife viewing (deer, birds, and small mammals), mountain biking, and day trips to attractions like Bodie State Historic Park, Mono Lake, and Travertine Hot Springs.
Natural Setting
The campground is set against a stunning backdrop of glacier-carved peaks, including the 12,375-foot Dunderberg Peak, with aspens and summer wildflowers adding vibrant color to the landscape. The high-altitude environment (just under 10,000 feet) features cool evenings and warm summer days, though visitors should be prepared for potential altitude sickness. The surrounding area, part of the largest National Forest in the lower 48 states, is rich in biodiversity, with a high desert climate similar to Joshua Tree or Alabama Hills, characterized by minimal tree coverage beyond the campground’s pine forest.
Logistics and Access
Located 6 miles west of Highway 395 via Virginia Lakes Road, Trumbull Lake Campground is approximately 12 miles south of Bridgeport, reached by turning right at Conway Summit and traveling 5.9 miles, where the road transitions from asphalt to gravel. The campground is seasonal, typically open from mid-June to early October, weather permitting, with exact dates varying due to snow. Reservations for 24 sites can be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov (877-444-6777), while the remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Fees range from $23-$34 for single sites, $40-$50 for double sites, and $50-$65 for the triple site, with a $6 fee for extra vehicles. Check-in is at 2:00 PM, and check-out is at noon.
Nearby Amenities
Virginia Lakes Resort, a 5-minute walk from the campground, offers a small store, café serving breakfast and lunch, rowboat rentals, and showers ($5 for 20 minutes). This proximity provides campers with convenient access to basic supplies and meals, enhancing the camping experience. The resort’s presence is a unique feature, as it’s rare for such a remote high-altitude campground to have these amenities nearby.
Visitor Considerations
- Bear Safety: Strict food storage in bear boxes is mandatory to prevent bear encounters.
- High Altitude: At nearly 10,000 feet, acclimatization may take a few days; visitors should stay hydrated and monitor for altitude sickness.
- Fire Restrictions: Fires are permitted only in fire rings, and firewood should be purchased locally to prevent pest spread. Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and dogs must be leashed (maximum two per site).
- Water Quality: Some campers have reported yellowish-brown potable water, so bringing a filter or extra water is advisable.
- Campsite Selection: Sites like #35 and those on the eastern perimeter are noted for spaciousness and privacy, while lakefront sites offer scenic views but are quickly reserved. Avoid sites near the dumpster or vault toilets to minimize odors.
Visitor Feedback
Campers consistently praise Trumbull Lake Campground for its serene beauty, well-maintained facilities, and the exceptional care provided by the camp host, Kimo, who is noted for keeping restrooms clean and offering local recommendations. Reviews highlight the campground’s peaceful atmosphere, even during busy periods like Labor Day, and its suitability for fishing and hiking enthusiasts. Some note the vault toilets may smell if the wind carries odors, and the high elevation can be challenging for those unaccustomed to it. The campground earns high ratings (5/5 on Yelp and Campendium) for its scenery and recreational opportunities.
Conclusion
Trumbull Lake Campground is a gem in the Eastern Sierra, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and rustic charm. Its high-altitude setting, proximity to Trumbull and Virginia Lakes, and access to wilderness trails make it an ideal base for exploring the region. Whether casting a line, paddling across the lake, or hiking to alpine vistas, campers will find Trumbull Lake Campground a memorable retreat in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.