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Mt. Whitney Trail Camp

6 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Mt. Whitney Trail Camp, near Lone Pine, California, is a stunning spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada. With breathtaking views of rugged peaks and nearby glaciers, this campground is a favorite for hikers tackling the Mt. Whitney trail.

The camp offers essential amenities like drinking water and toilets, making it a practical choice for adventurers. Visitors rave about the incredible sunrises and sunsets, with one camper noting, “The 360 view around the campground is magnificent.” Just keep in mind that the area can get crowded, especially during peak times, so arriving early is a smart move if you want to snag a good spot.

For those who enjoy a bit of solitude, some campers recommend checking out nearby Outpost Camp, which is a quieter alternative. The surrounding landscape is perfect for exploring, with opportunities for fishing in the nearby lakes and streams. Just remember, permits are required for camping, and all waste must be packed out, so come prepared.

Whether you're here for a quick overnight stay or a longer adventure, Mt. Whitney Trail Camp offers a memorable experience in one of California's most iconic natural settings.

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Location

Mt. Whitney Trail Camp is located in California

Coordinates

36.58584376 N
118.2617944 W

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Connectivity

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

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

31 min away

Alabama Hills Dispersed Campsite

32 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

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

Connectivity

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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

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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.

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