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Established Camping

Portuguese Joe Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

**EASTERN SIERRA WINDS + UNATTENDED CAMPSIRES = WILDFIRES** - **Always EXPECT WIND in the Eastern Sierra** - **Put out your campfire at night and before you leave during the day** - **Never Walk away from hot embers or coals** - **Wind can reignite them, potentially burning down your camp and much more** - **YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your wildfire* *Under California Penal Code 542 You can be prosecuted and if you found guilty, you can be fined or jailed recklessly allowing a campfire to become a wildfire.**

Portagee Joe Campground, near Lone Pine, California, is a cozy spot that caters to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. With a small stream running through it, the campground offers a refreshing ambiance, and visitors often mention the soothing sounds of water that add to the overall experience.

The campground features basic amenities like restrooms and drinking water, making it a practical choice for those exploring the nearby Alabama Hills or tackling Mt. Whitney. Many campers appreciate the shaded areas provided by the trees, especially during the hot summer months, as one reviewer noted, “thank goodness for the trees’ shade!!”

While the sites are close together, the campground maintains a quiet atmosphere, allowing for a peaceful retreat after a day of adventure. Campers have enjoyed the convenience of a new pay machine for reservations, and the proximity to Lone Pine means you can easily grab a meal or supplies if needed. As one visitor put it, “It worked,” highlighting the campground's straightforward appeal.

For those looking to explore, the surrounding area is rich with opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. The nearby Alabama Hills are a must-see, and many campers recommend checking out the local bakery for a tasty treat. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Portagee Joe Campground provides a simple yet enjoyable camping experience.

Description

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

This small, intimate campground on the banks of a mountain stream in the Sierra foothills. It's a quick trip to the famous Alabama Hills, where more than 400 movies have been shot, from classics such as "Gunga Din" to recent hits like "Ironman." Further up a paved road is Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental US. Located just one mile from the amenities in the town of Lone Pine, which is also home to the Lone Pine Museum of Western Film, and ten miles north on US 395 from the Manzanar Japanese American Internment Camp, which is now National Historic Site. There is ample access to open lands for hunting, hiking, climbing, bicycle riding, ATVs. Potable water is available.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
  • Wildlife frequently visits the area, keep your food stored in a safe place.
  • RV septic removal available.
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Location

Portuguese Joe Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Via U.S. 395, turn west in Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road, 1-mile to Tuttle Creek Road, turn south to campground entrance.

Address

1360 N. Main St.
Bishop, CA 93514

Coordinates

36.59994064 N
118.07169075 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Drive Time


Reviews

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3.5

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2024

Convenient Spot

Last minute decision to camp near Lone Pine. The site has a machine that takes cards now - super convenient. The breeze helped cool the temperature quickly, and the creek sounds great! Mostly quiet tonight, maybe a third full.

Site14
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 2, 2024

Glad to find this on a busy weekend

It was ok. Not the dispersed camping I was looking for but at least I found something because Alabama Hills and Tuttle Creek were packed on a Friday afternoon.
There were drunk guys across the creek from me so I stayed in my car most of the time. The fire ring was too close to the drunk guys to use.
It worked.

Site17?
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Michelle W., May 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Michelle W., May 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Michelle W., May 2, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 26, 2023

Mixed scenery - great attributes

Great view of the mountains, but the camp itself is not pretty. Sites are generous width, some shade potential.

It was quiet.

Big points for being close to a great little town - highly recommend Alabama Hills bakery.

Cell service good enough for streaming.

Site8
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Neil T., March 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Neil T., March 26, 2023
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 13, 2022

Cell Service by the Alabama Hills

This campground is perfect if you want to explore Mt Whitney or the Alabama Hills and need cell service. It's a small campground with a small stream running thru it. The campground has restrooms, water, tables, and fire pits. It's a good place to stay if you are in the area.

Site6
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2021

Small campground

Squeezed a 5th Wheel into one of the spots. Would not advise crossing bridge at back of campground to loop around very low clearance and very small width

Site#5
Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2021

Plenty of Shade

Stayed one night in April after a day trip to Death Valley. Clean and shady with bathrooms and water but the campsites are close together. Its a short trip to Lone Pine if you need anything. I would stay here again.

Site9
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Bob T., April 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Bob T., April 16, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2020

Got lucky

Booked at the last minute. The campground was okay. We were lucky there was no one on either side of us. The little stream is great for cooling off. Bathrooms stunk! Great area for exploring. Great views close by. Several geocaches locally. Plus a short distance to town.

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020

Basic but fine!

Not far from 395 and there are trees along the creek(maybe a water right way). They have a new pay machine like a lot of the campgrounds do now. It’s 99 degrees so thank goodness for the trees shade!!

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2020

A creek runs through it

This is a small camp ground. Off the aqueduct, this is a hidden gem. Reservations and walk-in are fine. We got a walk on site on a Friday night!

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Convenient and Simple

Portagee Joe is a small campground with round 20 camping spots. It's located 1 mile from Lone Pine on Mt Wilson Portal Rd. It's a good little campground if you are traveling thru or need a easy place to stay while exploring Mt. Whitney or the Alabama Hills. It cost $14 per night + $5 extra vehicle.  There's a pretty little stream that splits the campground that gives off soothing sounds. There's two restrooms and water. 

Since it's only 1 mile from lone pine there are plenty of restaurant to choose from for lunch and dinner. Lone Pine Pizza is really good.

SiteSite 4
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Berton M., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Berton M., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Portuguese Joe Campground by Berton M., October 1, 2019
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Portuguese Joe Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Portuguese Joe Campground has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Portuguese Joe Campground?

Portuguese Joe Campground allows vehicles up to 75 feet.

Are fires allowed at Portuguese Joe Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Portuguese Joe Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Portuguese Joe Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Portuguese Joe Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Portuguese Joe Campground?

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

How hard is it to get a campsite at Portuguese Joe Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Portuguese Joe Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Portuguese Joe Campground, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Portuguese Joe Campground?

There are 20 campsites at Portuguese Joe Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts