Map showing campground location near Alabama Hills, California

Camper submitted image from Mt. Whitney Trail Camp

Mt. Whitney Trail Camp

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reaching Mt. Whitney Trail Camp means committing to a serious climb. Situated above the tree line at roughly 12,000 feet on the approach to the highest peak in the contiguous United States, this hike-in camp gives climbers a staging point for summit attempts, with views of rugged peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes in every direction. Outpost Camp Dispersed, about a mile south, draws hikers who want to stop earlier on the route, but most continue to Trail Camp.

Crowding is a real factor here. Even with the permit system in place, arriving by mid-afternoon can mean difficulty finding a flat spot among the rocks. One reviewer noted that hikers pass through at all hours, and the trail runs just yards from many tent sites. Sleep can be interrupted. Temperatures drop sharply overnight, and at least one visitor reported a nearby lake freezing over. All waste must be packed out using bags provided at permit pickup, and some visitors have found evidence that not everyone follows through on this.

Water is available from the lake and surrounding sources, which multiple reviewers confirm. The 360-degree sightlines from camp take in sunrise and sunset across the high Sierra. Campers exploring the broader Eastern Sierra corridor will find camping near Inyo National Forest ranging from trailhead sites to developed campgrounds at lower elevations. Permits for Trail Camp are lottery-based for peak season and book out early, so plan well ahead if a summer trip is the goal.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

San Francisco to Santa Barbara: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsMt. Whitney Trail Camp is located in California near Alabama Hills

Public Campground

Coordinates

36.58584376 N
118.2617944 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Reservations

+17608732483

Drive Time

3 hrs 3 min from Bakersfield, CA
4 hrs 6 min from Visalia, CA
4 hrs 14 min from Hanford, CA
4 hrs 36 min from Fresno, CA

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Mt. Whitney Trail Camp

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spectacular alpine views and friendly staff at this high-altitude camp above treeline. Some visitors expressed disappointment with rocky sleeping conditions and crowded tent sites during peak times.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Les R.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2024

beautiful setting, but overcrowded and uncomfortable

I think the coordinates for this campground are off, it's located closer to 36.563093,-118.279422

We hiked Mt Whitney from the portal campground in two-days, with one overnight at trail camp. Even with the permit system, the campground was packed, it was hard to find a spot for our tents. We arrived to the campground around 4pm, so I would suggest starting the hike earlier (we started at 10am) if you want a better spot. Another downside of how many people go through the campground, was that it smelled like pee in a few areas, and I was very disappointed to see people had left trash and even wagbags.

The 360 view around the campground is magnificent, and it is breath-taking to see the sunset and sunrise. Don't expect to sleep much in-between though, because you're sleeping on rocks, and hikers start/finish at all hours on the trail that's a few yards away from many of the tent spots.

(10) View All

Sam

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2021

Nice

Love camping at Whitney Portal. Fun, relaxing and nice camping sites

Month of VisitAugust

Stacy C.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 23, 2020

Outpost Camp

We camped at Outpost camp which is about 4-5 miles in from the entrance. No one was there when we camped. Most people camp at Trail Camp. There was a nice waterfall nearby as a great water source. Permit is a must.

Month of VisitSeptember

Ted S.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 22, 2020

Unreal

We got a permit and camped here. Coldest night ive camped in a long time. The lake froze over but it was beautiful

Mannie C.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2019

Mind blowing!

The campsites were clean and very well maintained. The staff was also friendly. I can’t wait to go back.

(4) View All

Alana H.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2018

Breathtaking landscape

This is the closest campground to the peak of Mt Whitney

permits for camping are extremely limited and are based on a beginning of the year lottery system for peak season. Permits are available spring and fall as well but weather conditions may make reaching the camp/peak impossible.

this camp is located above the tree line with views of rugged peaks, glaciers and lakes.

All waste must be packed out in special bags given to you when you pick up your permit.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to reserve a spot at Whitney Portal Campground?

The best time to reserve a spot at Whitney Portal Campground is very early in the year through the lottery permit system for peak season (typically summer months). Permits are extremely limited and high in demand. While permits are also available during spring and fall, weather conditions can make camping difficult or impossible during these shoulder seasons. For the best combination of access and weather, secure your reservation for summer months through the early-year lottery, as the campground fills quickly due to its popularity as the gateway to Mt. Whitney.

What amenities are available at Whitney Portal Campground?

Whitney Portal Campground offers clean, well-maintained campsites in a beautiful mountain setting. Amenities include access to water sources, though availability may depend on seasonal conditions. The campground is organized with designated camping areas and is managed by staff who maintain the facilities. Given its popularity as a starting point for Mt. Whitney hikes, basic amenities are functional but expect a rustic camping experience. The campground provides the essential facilities needed for preparing for mountain treks.

How close is Whitney Portal Campground to the Mt. Whitney trailhead?

Whitney Portal Campground is located right at the beginning of the Mt. Whitney trail, making it the closest campground to the trailhead. This prime location allows hikers to start their Mt. Whitney ascent directly from the campground without additional travel. Many hikers use Whitney Portal as their base camp before attempting the summit, either as a starting point for day hikes or for longer multi-day expeditions that include camping at higher elevations along the trail.

What's the difference between Whitney Portal Campground and Whitney Trail Camp?

Whitney Portal Campground is located at the trailhead and serves as the starting point for Mt. Whitney hikes, while Whitney Trail Camp is positioned along the Mt. Whitney trail itself, approximately 6 miles up the mountain. Trail Camp is a backcountry camping area requiring a hiking permit and is typically used by backpackers planning multi-day summit attempts. Portal Campground is accessible by vehicle with developed campsites, while Trail Camp is a more primitive high-altitude camping experience. Some hikers also use Outpost Camp, located about 4-5 miles from the trailhead, as an alternative to the more crowded Trail Camp.

Keep Exploring