Managed by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Portuguese Joe Campground sits one mile from Lone Pine along Mount Whitney Portal Road. This established campground accommodates RVs up to 75 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections, while also welcoming tent campers and walk-in visitors year-round.
A creek runs through the middle of the campground, creating what Berton M. describes as "soothing sounds" that provide natural background noise throughout the night. The approximately 20 campsites offer varying degrees of shade from trees along the waterway, though reviewers note the sites sit close together. Two restroom facilities and potable water serve the campground, with a card-accepting payment machine handling the $14 nightly fee plus $5 for additional vehicles.
Campers use Portuguese Joe as a base for exploring Mount Whitney and the Alabama Hills, with several reviewers mentioning its convenience for accessing nearby attractions. The campground's proximity to Lone Pine means restaurants and supplies remain easily accessible, including recommendations for Alabama Hills Bakery and Lone Pine Pizza. Cell service proves adequate for streaming according to visitor reports.
The creek offers cooling opportunities during hot weather, with temperatures reaching into the upper 90s during summer months. Bob T. notes the campground is "clean and shady with bathrooms and water but the campsites are close together." Reservations are available, though walk-in sites sometimes open up even on busy weekends. Campers seeking more dispersed options often check Alabama Hills Recreation Area or Boulder Creek RV Resort when Portuguese Joe reaches capacity.
The campground works well for overnight stops or short stays while exploring the Eastern Sierra region.
Description
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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.**
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPortuguese Joe Campground is located in California near Lone Pine
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 62 usersLast on 6/10/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 60 usersLast on 6/10/26- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 6/10/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 62 usersLast on 6/10/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 60 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 6/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
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
- 2 hrs 28 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 3 hrs 30 min from Visalia, CA
- 3 hrs 38 min from Hanford, CA
- 4 hrs from Fresno, CA
