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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite

Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite is a unique spot that offers a rugged outdoor experience with stunning views. This area is perfect for those who enjoy rock climbing and bouldering, with scenic landscapes that some have described as feeling like another planet.

Visitors have shared that the location is great for waking up to beautiful sunrises and enjoying a cup of coffee before heading out for a climb. One camper noted, “Do you like rock climbing? Do you like beautiful views? This is the place where you can camp, wake up in the morning, drink coffee, and walk less than 100 yards to go climbing.”

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to set up camp in a secluded area is a big draw. Just keep in mind that campfires may be restricted depending on the season, so it's wise to check ahead.

This campsite is located near Lone Pine, California, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you're hiking through the iconic Alabama Hills or just soaking in the views, this spot offers a raw and adventurous camping experience. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek to find your perfect spot, as some campers have had trouble locating it after dark.

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Location

Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.57845652 N
118.07566182 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite needs a permit.


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2022

Epic. Use these coordinates

The BLM page for Alabama Hills gives perfect directions the coordinates below took us out of town east.

Take Hwy 395 to Lone Pine. Turn west at the stoplight onto Whitney Portal Road, drive 2.5 miles to Movie Road, turn right. (Coordinates to that intersection are 36.59560° N, 118.10869° W)

There’s changes in 2022 more “day use only signs” at the front. Keep heading towards the back and it opens up.

Check the Alabama Hills page on the status of campfires they were not allowed when we went due to seasonal weather restrictions. And get your permit online if it is allowed. :)

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite by Katie T., June 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite by Katie T., June 22, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2021

Dispersed

Very cool spot for bouldering, very secluded and scenic if you love a mars looking panorama lol feels like outer space

Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite by Gabby G., July 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite by Gabby G., July 27, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Great for hikers

Very nice view. Some clips of the film Ironman and Star Wars took place. Very cold around March.

SiteAlabama Desert
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite by Kaye P., July 12, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2020

(36.5825719, -118.1129572)

Do you like rock climbing? Do you like beautiful views? This is the place where you can camp, wake up in the morning drink coffee. walk less than 100 yards and go climbing.

  • Review photo of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite by Frederick S., October 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite by Frederick S., October 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite by Frederick S., October 30, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2020

No luck

We drove to this location and arrived around 9pm on a Sunday. The road we needed to take was closed and gated off. There was another potential road to the left, but it was also gated off. When Googling the name of this place, it comes up as a location on the opposite side of Sequoia National Park. Not sure if this listing is an error but perhaps you’d have better luck during the daytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite?

    Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite is located at 4193 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.