Bodie State Historic Park
Bridgeport, CA
A gold-rush town left in arrested decay, with about 100 buildings still standing as they were abandoned. The last three miles of SR-270 are gravel; there is an entrance fee and snow often blocks the road in winter.
Bodie lies at about 2,550 m (8,400 feet) and is a gold-mining town that the State of California preserves in a state of "arrested decay": the buildings are not restored, only protected from further deterioration. W. S. Bodey found gold here in 1859, and after the discovery at the Bunker Hill Mine in 1876 the town grew rapidly to more than 250 buildings (by 1879). Fires in 1892 and 1932 destroyed large parts of it, and mining was suspended in 1942. About 110 buildings still stand, many with furniture and goods inside. Bodie has been a National Historic Landmark since 1961 and a State Historic Park since 1962.
You can look through the windows into houses and stores. Winters are snowy, and temperatures as low as minus 36°F (minus 38°C) have been recorded. Bodie lies east of US-395 between Bridgeport and Lee Vining; check road conditions and opening hours before you go, especially in winter. Allow two to three hours.
- Nearest town
- Bridgeport, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.2120, -119.0120
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Willow Springs RV ParkMotorhome stopover11 mi from Bodie State Historic Park · 27 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Bridgeport Reservoir Marina & CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Bodie State Historic Park
- Lundy Canyon CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Bodie State Historic Park · 36 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Mono Vista RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Bodie State Historic ParkTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Annett's Mono Village CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Bodie State Historic ParkCaravans
- Ellery CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Bodie State Historic Park · 12 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bodie State Historic Park?
Bodie State Historic Park is in Bridgeport, CA, at GPS 38.2120, -119.0120. It is about 19 mi from Lee Vining.
Can you camp near Bodie State Historic Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Willow Springs RV Park, about 11 mi away; within 25 mi there are 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bodie State Historic Park?
Bodie State Historic Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and the ghost town of Bodie.
What is there to see near Bodie State Historic Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mono Lake Tufa (19 mi), June Lake Loop (30 mi), Tuolumne Meadows (30 mi) and Tenaya Lake (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bodie State Historic Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)