Obsidian Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Californians seeking a truly serene and authentically wild camping experience, Obsidian Campground in Bridgeport, CA, is a cherished secret, a "great little campground" that many almost "hate sharing" because it remains wonderfully uncrowded and absolutely beautiful. Nestled in a picturesque forest of aspens and pines, Obsidian Campground offers a pristine escape from the bustling city, a place where the sounds of nature truly dominate. As one long-time visitor fondly recalls, it was a family's "go-to campground" for catching "a lot of breakfast trout out of the creek and nearby river." This speaks volumes about its prime location for fishing enthusiasts. Beyond the fantastic angling opportunities in Molybdenite Creek and the Little Walker River, Obsidian Campground serves as an ideal base for hikers and explorers. Adventurers can embark on a "little day hike to Emma Lake which is loaded with Brook trout and stunning views," or delve deeper into the vast Hoover Wilderness. While it embraces a more primitive style of camping, without amenities like potable water, its quiet charm, natural beauty, and abundant recreational opportunities make it a compelling destination for those ready to unplug and immerse themselves in the majestic Eastern Sierra landscape.

Location and Accessibility

Obsidian Campground is beautifully situated in Bridgeport, CA 93517, USA, within the expansive Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Its location offers that coveted balance of remote tranquility and reasonable accessibility for Californians. To reach this serene spot, travelers typically take Highway 395, the scenic artery that runs through California's Eastern Sierra. From Highway 395 north of Bridgeport, you'll turn onto Little Walker Road (Forest Service Road #066), which is a well-maintained dirt road extending for approximately three miles to the campground sign. The journey itself is a picturesque drive, setting the tone for the natural beauty that awaits. The elevation of the campground, around 7,800 feet, ensures cooler, more comfortable temperatures during the warmer months, providing a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations. While the interior roads within the campground are dirt, they are generally suitable for both tents and RVs, though some sites or the path to the lower "iOverlander spot" might be tricky for low-clearance vehicles or large trailers. Being located near Bridgeport means that while you're immersed in the wilderness, the town provides access to a general store and fuel, making resupply relatively convenient. However, it's crucial to note that potable water is not available at the campground, and cell service can be spotty or non-existent, reinforcing its appeal as a true disconnect-and-reconnect destination for California's outdoor enthusiasts.

Services Offered

• Primitive Campsites: Offers ten designated campsites, each typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, catering to both tent and small RV camping.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available for campers' convenience.
• No Potable Water: Campers must bring their own drinking water, as potable water is not available on-site.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically taken, emphasizing the need for early arrival, especially during peak seasons.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash.
• Campfires Permitted: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings, provided there are no current fire bans or restrictions.
• Fishing Access: Direct access to Molybdenite Creek and the Little Walker River, both known for trout fishing (the river is stocked with trout).
• Trailhead Access: Serves as a base for various hiking trails, including the Molybdenite Creek Trail which leads into the Hoover Wilderness, and the short, steep hike to Emma Lake.
• Shade: Nestled under aspens and pines, offering welcome shade in a high-desert environment.

Features / Highlights

• Uncrowded and Peaceful Atmosphere: A defining feature, as repeatedly highlighted by visitors, is its tranquil and often uncrowded nature. This allows for a truly serene and immersive outdoor experience, a rare find in many popular California campgrounds.
• Excellent Trout Fishing: The campground's proximity to Molybdenite Creek and the Little Walker River, which is stocked with trout, makes it a premier destination for anglers. Many visitors boast of "catching a lot of breakfast trout."
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Set amidst a "beautiful" landscape of aspens and pines, the campground offers picturesque views. The nearby Emma Lake is particularly praised for its "stunning views" and Brook trout.
• Gateway to Hoover Wilderness: The Molybdenite Creek Trail, accessible directly from the campground, provides an entry point into the vast and rugged Hoover Wilderness, offering extended hiking and backpacking opportunities for experienced adventurers.
• Emma Lake Hike: A popular "little day hike" to Emma Lake is a significant highlight, leading to a pristine alpine lake known for its beauty and excellent Brook trout fishing.
• True Disconnect: The lack of potable water and often spotty to non-existent cell service provides an authentic off-grid experience, encouraging campers to fully unplug and reconnect with nature. "Deadly quiet. Only thing you can hear is the wind."
• Classic Eastern Sierra Experience: It embodies the rustic charm and rugged appeal of camping in the Eastern Sierra, surrounded by majestic mountains and clear high-country air.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, enhancing the wilderness experience.

Contact Information

Obsidian Campground is managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. While a direct, always-staffed phone number for the campground itself may not exist, the relevant Ranger District office can provide the most current and accurate information.

Address: Bridgeport, CA 93517, USA (General area within Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest)

For more specific inquiries, including seasonal opening/closing dates (which are weather-dependent), current fire restrictions, and trail conditions, it is best to contact the Bridgeport Ranger District:

Bridgeport Ranger District

Address: 75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517

Phone: (760) 932-7070

Mobile Phone: +1 760-932-7070 (This number is likely the same as the landline for the District Office)

It is highly recommended to check the official Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest website (www.fs.usda.gov/htnf) before your trip. This resource will have the most up-to-date alerts, passes, permits, and general information regarding the campground and surrounding area, ensuring a safe and well-prepared visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Californians, Obsidian Campground offers a distinct and highly suitable outdoor escape that epitomizes the raw beauty and peaceful solitude of the Eastern Sierra. Its primary appeal for locals lies in its ability to provide an uncrowded, genuinely rustic experience, a rare commodity in a state with many popular recreational areas. This isn't a bustling resort; it's a tranquil haven where the sounds of the creek and the rustle of aspens replace urban noise, allowing for a profound sense of disconnection and rejuvenation. For the avid angler, the easily accessible trout-filled Molybdenite Creek and Little Walker River are significant draws, offering rewarding fishing trips that can become cherished family traditions, as evidenced by long-time visitors. Hikers benefit from direct access to trails leading to stunning destinations like Emma Lake and the vast Hoover Wilderness, providing opportunities for both casual day hikes and more challenging multi-day treks into pristine backcountry. While the lack of potable water and limited cell service requires preparation, these very aspects are what make it suitable for Californians seeking a true unplugged adventure – a chance to fully immerse themselves in nature without digital distractions. Its location within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest makes it relatively accessible for residents from various parts of California, particularly those in Southern and Central California who regularly travel the US-395 corridor. Obsidian Campground allows Californians to tap into the authentic, untamed spirit of their state's high country, creating lasting memories amidst breathtaking scenery and fostering a deep appreciation for the wilderness that exists right in their backyard.

Obsidian Campground

Bridgeport, CA 93517, USA