Travertine Hot Springs sits on a low ridge just south of Bridgeport on Bureau of Land Management land, with an unobstructed view of the Eastern Sierra peaks across the valley. It's one of the most scenically placed hot springs in California — multiple pools of varying temperatures, white travertine mineral formations, and a 360-degree view of sagebrush basin and granite mountains that's hard to match.
For van lifers running the Highway 395 corridor, Travertine is the obvious overnight pairing: free dispersed BLM camping exists within a short drive, and the springs themselves are a 5-minute walk from where most people park. There's no fee, no reservation, and no developed facilities beyond a portable toilet that the BLM maintains seasonally.
Getting There
From the town of Bridgeport on US-395, head south on 395 for approximately 1 mile and look for a right turn onto Jack Sawyer Road — this is an unpaved BLM road heading west toward the Sierra range. Follow this road about 0.8 miles to the informal parking area. From here the springs are a 5-minute walk up the travertine ridge.
Van access: Jack Sawyer Road is a dirt road that can have rough sections. Passable in any standard van in dry conditions. After significant rain, the approach can become muddy — approach with caution or wait for it to dry. There is no defined parking lot; vehicles park informally in flat areas near the road end. Space for 10–15 vehicles comfortably, more when spread out.
From Mammoth: Travertine is about 45 minutes north on US-395 — a natural add-on to any Eastern Sierra van trip that includes Mammoth and the Bridgeport area. From Bishop, it's about 1 hour north. From South Lake Tahoe, it's about 1.5 hours south on US-395.
The Pools
Travertine has three to four usable pools depending on recent water flow and seasonal variation. The springs themselves are highly active geothermal features, and pool formations shift over time as mineral deposits build up and channels change direction.
Upper Pools (105–108°F)
The hottest pools are closest to the source vents near the top of the travertine formation. These are good for brief soaks or for people who run cold — most visitors spend only 5–10 minutes here. The mineral content is high and the water is slightly sulfurous. The views from the upper pools are the best on the ridge.
Middle Pool (100–104°F)
The most-used pool at Travertine. Comfortable for extended soaks, positioned on the main travertine shelf with good Sierra views. Typically holds 6–8 people. This is where most van lifers spend their time.
Lower Pool (99–102°F)
The coolest of the pools, fed by overflow from above. Less dramatically placed but comfortable for longer stays, and sometimes less crowded when the middle pool is full.
Free Camping Near Travertine
This is where van life has a real advantage over tent camping or resort stays: free BLM dispersed camping exists directly adjacent to the springs.
Jack Sawyer Road BLM Dispersal Area
The same road that accesses Travertine has flat parking/camping areas along its length. Many van lifers simply park and sleep within a 10-minute walk of the pools. No facilities, 14-day limit. This is completely legal and common — you'll often see other vans and 4WD vehicles camped here overnight.
Bridgeport BLM (North of Town)
Dispersed BLM camping north of Bridgeport along the Twin Lakes Road corridor. More isolated than Jack Sawyer Road but still within 15 minutes of the springs. Better cell signal here than at the springs themselves.
Seasonal Notes
Travertine is accessible year-round, but the experience varies significantly by season:
- September–November: The best window. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, temperatures drop pleasantly (soaking in 100°F water when the air is 50°F is genuinely perfect), and the light on the Sierra peaks is extraordinary in fall.
- December–February: Cold and often snowy in Bridgeport (elevation ~6,400 ft). The springs themselves are warm but the approach road can be icy. Stars visible in winter are excellent — bring warm towels.
- March–May: Good season. Wildflowers in the basin by late April. Approach road muddy if there's been recent snow melt.
- June–August: Busy. Summer crowds at Mammoth spill over to Travertine on weekends. Soaking in 104°F water when the air is 85°F is less pleasant. Weekday mornings are manageable; weekend afternoons are crowded.
Plan Your Eastern Sierra Van Route
Map Travertine, nearby free camping, and the full US-395 corridor in the Vanlife.la trip planner.
Open the Route Planner →FAQ
Is Travertine Hot Springs clothing-optional?
Yes, nudity is legally permitted on BLM land and Travertine has historically been clothing-optional. In practice the springs are mixed — some visitors wear swimsuits, some don't. There's no formal policy enforced. Weekdays tend to attract a more private crowd; summer weekends bring families and groups who generally wear swimwear.
Can I camp at Travertine Hot Springs?
Yes — dispersed camping on BLM land adjacent to the springs is legal. Jack Sawyer Road has informal camping areas within a short walk of the pools. No facilities, 14-day limit. Some visitors simply park their van and sleep here overnight — it's a popular van life camp spot.
Is Travertine Hot Springs safe to soak in?
The springs are fed by geothermal groundwater, not a surface water source. Risk of Naegleria fowleri (the brain-eating amoeba found in warm stagnant surface water) is significantly lower in true geothermal springs fed from deep aquifers than in surface-influenced springs. That said: don't submerge your head, and avoid soaking if you have open cuts or wounds.
How crowded does Travertine get?
Weekday mornings are typically quiet. Summer weekends can see 30–50 people throughout the day. The most reliably uncrowded time is weekdays in shoulder season (September–May). Sunset and sunrise see moderate crowds year-round as they're popular photo moments.
Also soaking in the Eastern Sierra? See our guide to Wild Willy's Hot Spring near Mammoth — clothing-required pools at 100–106°F, 45 minutes south on US-395.