Best Dispersed Camping near Alabama Hills, CA

Free camping in the Alabama Hills desert landscape has become increasingly popular with dispersed campers looking for a primitive experience. You'll find no facilities here - no toilets, no water sources - so being self-sufficient is essential. The main camping areas fall under Bureau of Land Management (BLM) jurisdiction, which enforces a 14-day maximum stay. When setting up camp, keep at least 200 feet from water sources and roads to minimize your impact. Many of the best spots require high-clearance vehicles since the dirt roads can get rough, especially after rain. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for camping here, while summer brings intense heat that makes camping difficult without proper preparation. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as they change seasonally and are strictly enforced. Food storage matters here - proper containment keeps local wildlife from becoming problems at your campsite. Cell service throughout Alabama Hills is spotty at best, so download maps beforehand and let someone know your plans. The nearest supplies are in Lone Pine, about 10-15 minutes away, where you can get water, food, and fuel before heading to your site. Despite the lack of amenities, the dramatic rock formations against the Sierra Nevada backdrop make the extra preparation worthwhile.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Alabama Hills, California (49)

    1. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    87 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "Location- ALABAMA HILLS, Lone Pine- Movie Rd. CA. Tent Dry Camping. BLM Land, for disperse camping. No reservations required, unless you choose to stay at a “campground”."

    "Everything about Alabama Hills is incredible. From the moment you drive down Whitney Portal Rd to Movie Rd, it has uniquely amazing views. Movie Rd has the best dispersed camp spots."

    2. Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    8 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    3 miles

    "Please be respectful and leave no trace so we can keep this gem open. We’ve been here several times and it never disappoints."

    "Exploring Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road is like stepping onto a film set straight out of a Western movie."

    3. Alabama Hills Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "First site is large and was to turn around a larger trailer or rv. The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue."

    "Road is sandy but with clearance is fine."

    4. Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite

    5 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    1 mile

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

    Take Hwy 395 to Lone Pine."

    "walk less than 100 yards and go climbing."

    5. Alabama Hills on Movie Road

    4 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    5 miles

    "Hello TheDyrt Community,

    The Alabama Hills on Movie Road, located in California, is a stunning desert landscape famous for its unique rock formations and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains"

    6. Alabama Hills North

    2 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    4 miles

    "Awesome location, easy to reach with a 4X4 Low clearance vehicles may need to be careful"

    "Rolled in after midnight and no one else was around."

    8. Hogback Creekside Camp

    2 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    7 miles

    "This site is so close to the road, we could see them make the turn off Hogback road. No trees, just bushes. It's okay. Pretty basic. Great views of the backside of Mount Whitney."

    9. Hogback Creek Road

    1 Review
    Alabama Hills, CA
    7 miles

    10. Outpost Camp Dispersed

    1 Review
    Alabama Hills, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2483
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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Alabama Hills, CA

168 Reviews of 49 Alabama Hills Campgrounds


  • Nissa N.
    Jun. 11, 2020

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Incredible disperse Camping

    Location- ALABAMA HILLS, Lone Pine- Movie Rd. CA. Tent Dry Camping. BLM Land, for disperse camping. No reservations required, unless you choose to stay at a “campground”.

    Absolutely breathtaking place, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet or as if you’ve been taken back into time, to the early dawn of mankind days. This was our first disperse/dry camping and I wouldn’t camp any other way, it was marvelous.

    Directions- Once at Alabama Hills, Take Hwy 395 to Lone Pine. (it’s a proper town with restaurants/ grocery stores/ car workshops). Turn west at the stoplight onto Whitney Portal Road, drive 2.5 miles to Movie Road, turn right & the road turns into a “well groomed dirt path” from that point onwards “The world is your oyster! You can basically set up camp anywhere. As you drive down the groomed dirt path, there are multiple exits to various dirt paths leading inwards, where you can pick your spot to set up camp.

    One very important thing is you MUST come here in a GOOD condition 4WD! There’s NO other way. You don’t want to get WHEELS stuck on the dirt path. We had rented a 4WD for the weekend.

    We camped about 3miles in Movie Rd. Another good thing is if you run out of any supplies or have car trouble “Lone Pine” town is nearby you can drive over in minutes or call for any help. Phone service & wifi is available only on the groomed dirt path, also a bit unstable, however manageable for a call or text. So you’ll have to walk out of your campsite back to main rd.

    It’s wonderful to go on hikes and explore during the day, that’s what we did. Evenings we’d sit around fire and cook dinner. Then at night time S’mores time! (we have a camp fire permit) you get it online.

    Another important item to have around is a sturdy SHOVEL, as it’s very sandy here and the shovel is very multi-purpose, well at any camp for that matter. Bring Plenty of WATER, it’s very dry out here. As there are no water taps around, unless you head back to Lone Pine. Also you MUST clean up after, bring along a few trash bags or a bin, to clear up before you leave. LEAVE no Trace. Keep nature clean.

    This is purely disperse camping. You’ll have to bring everything of your own. Our camp was a 3days/ 2nights. Arrived on Friday and left on Sunday morning. Waking up every morning to this spectacular view, is pure bliss! We’d definitely be coming back here a few more times! If you haven’t already then hop on a 4WD and head over to Alabama Hills!

  • Rachel W.
    Aug. 14, 2020

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Unworldly. Tranquil. Amazing

    Everything about Alabama Hills is incredible. From the moment you drive down Whitney Portal Rd to Movie Rd, it has uniquely amazing views. Movie Rd has the best dispersed camp spots. All with amazing views. SUV would probably be best for navigating the roads or at least 4x4. They’re all pretty far apart so they’re private. It’s so quiet at night you could hear a pin drop. The stars and the Milky Way are insane! So many constellations and shooting stars and satellites. Sunset was amazing over Mt. Whitney. The moon rise was quite the experience. Then sunrise... it was all just so beautiful!! Highly highly recommended! Pack lots of water! Lone Pine is nearby for firewood. But I think fires are currently restricted! As always pack it in and pack it out. Leave no trace!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2021

    Independence BLM Dispersed

    Free dispersed camping outside of Independence, CA

    Independence is on Hwy 395 about an hour south of Bishop and about half an hour north of Alabama Hills.  Which is to say it's a great location with a lot of places to explore and hike.  

    This land is a good spot to stay for a few nights while exploring the area, or if you just need a free place to sleep.  The spot we marked here is about 2 miles west of Independence, but there are a few other cleared out areas that you can camp on, just check Google satellite maps.  We didn't see anyone else camping on the BLM land while we stayed here, but we saw a lot of people driving up and down Onion Valley Rd.

    The area is clean and very quiet, zero shade and zero amenities.  Please help keep it clean by packing out your trash.

    Some of the dirt roads might need a high clearance vehicle but on the spot I've marked we made it fine in our 26ft motorhome.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    Great spot near the road

    Was a great place to stay. Plenty of shade for you, plenty of sun for you solar panel. Load road, you camp near the side, but it's not heavily trafficked even on the weekends. They are many spots nearby. Some really pretty of you walk and camp. Most are car accessible and has amazing views! Totally recommend

  • Popeye F.
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Dispersed Camping

    San Bernardino National Forest

    Dispersed camping at a Yellow Post campsite was great. About 4 mi. of washboard dirt road past Heart Bar Campground to Yellow post site #6. No amenities other than a picnic table and a fire ring. That means, bring plenty of water and a port-a-potty. There is no fee, however, you need to go on line to get a fire permit, which is necessary even for a propane stove. Actually, the fire permit is for anything that has a flame. This trip was over Labor Day weekend of 2022 and the use of the fire pit was forbidden at that time due to high fire hazard conditions. The campsites are quite far apart so you feel a sense of privacy. However, you will see vehicles and or horses go by on the road next to the campsite. Some of the vehicles drive fast on the dirt road which can kick up dust clouds. This is only a problem if you are downwind. The temperature was about 83 for a high and 55 for a low and the wind was light and comfortable. We were glad we had our canopy. The canopy has bug screens on 4 sides but the bugs were not too bad. We used lemon grass bug spray repellent and were comfortable. This campground is away from light sources making it great for stargazing. We enjoyed the campsite so much that we just hung out and relaxed there all weekend ...no hikes or trips away from the campsite. We hung a couple of hammocks with tarps for shade but backed our teardrop under a naturally shaded area of the campsite. We will probably camp there again. If you are not into dispersed camping, there are several campgrounds nearby. Heart Bar campground is huge with amenities and South Fork Family Campground is nice with more shade and a small stream running through. The parking for rv's at South Fork is a bit short at some of the campsites. Best to check the length for a match with your gear. This area is great for camping but make sure you have everything you need as there is no grocery store at the corner. Happy camping..!

  • J
    Apr. 27, 2017

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    Camped in the dispersed camping area late April. This place is beautiful! No facilities so bring your water, bathroom equipment, cooking and cleaning supplies. The wind picks up in the afternoon so the tent was put to the test. We wrapped our sleeping bags up so the dust wouldn't accumulate on/ inside them. If your looking for quiet and close by rock climbing, here is the place!

  • I
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Alabama Hills, CA 36°35'57.7"N 118°06'32.4"W

    Alabama Hills California presents a varied landscape. From the picture above you can plainly see the desert floor to MT. Whitney, snow capped in March of 2018.

    “Its like this place was made for exploring and with no end in sight”

    With a last minute decision to make the 2.5 hour trek from our home in Valencia, California. Makayla packed up after her early release and headed North via the I-14 and CA-395.

    The prior week had heavy rainstorms, high winds and the potential for below freezing temps. The unclear conditions mixed with the reality of fast moving flash floods in the area nearly cancelled the entire trip.

    The area and what we recommend Access to the area is relatively easy. The trails are mostly groomed and with a most CUV's, Soft-roaders and even some 2wd vehicles can make the most of the area. If you want to get to the more interesting bits, like up Mt. Whitney, you will need a high clearance 4wd with Low Range and purposed tires. The scenery is nearly second to none and will not disappoint.

    Camping is first come - first serve. There are no fees as this is an open area so plan accordingly as I am sure holidays can get packed. No shower or restroom facilities are available, so bring the necessary kit.

    Alabama Hills may look familiar to many of you due to the simple fact that it has been seen in a large amount of movies. Westerns to Iron Man, the Hills were so widely used, one of the roads is appropriately titled "Movie Road".

    Photographers alike can also take advantage of very little light pollution. Meaning that the low light Milky Way shots are considerably easier.

    Alabama Hills Cafe is hands down the best place to grab breakfast for an early out when heading back to civilization. After a few days in the wilderness, there is nothing wrong with letting someone else do the cook and do the dishes for you

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2020

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Otherworldly

    Camped here in Nov 2020 when it was pretty chilly and got a dusting of snow overnight. This is boondocking at its best, with tons of secluded sites off the main road (Movie Rd).

    Roads are decent, there are lots of level, large and pull-through sites. Amazing scenery of the Sierra Nevadas and the unique landscape of the Alabama Hills. Lots of hiking trails, arches and movie locations.

    Download the Alabama Hills Rec Area digital map from Avenza for locations of the arches, trails and movie scene locations.

    No amenities, no cell service but the town of Lone Pine is 10 min away.

  • Val C.
    Jul. 16, 2023

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    Limited Camping Spots

    Came because we needed a place to camp overnight. Unfortunately I was not aware that the BLM changed their policy on dispersed camping at Alabama Hills. They have limited marked camping spots and encourage visitors to camp at other nearby campgrounds.


Guide to Alabama Hills

Dispersed camping near Alabama Hills, California takes place within a designated National Scenic Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This desert landscape sits at approximately 4,500 feet elevation with the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountain range creating a backdrop of 14,000+ foot peaks. Recent management changes have significantly reduced available camping areas, with many former dispersed sites now designated as day-use only.

What to do

Explore movie filming locations: Movie Road features numerous sites where Western films and blockbusters were shot. "The only places you can camp are designated now. Tuttle creek. Everywhere else there are signs for no camping and only day use," notes Emily D. about Alabama Hills Recreation Area.

Photograph rock formations at dawn: The unique geological features capture dramatic shadows as the sun rises over the Owens Valley. At Alabama Hills North, camper Rachele V. reports: "2nd time at this spot and loved it! Rolled in after midnight and no one else was around."

Night photography sessions: The area offers exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution. "The stars and the Milky Way are insane! So many constellations and shooting stars and satellites," shares Rachel W. about the night sky viewing opportunities.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The rock formations create natural separations between camping areas. "Very nice spot with a nice view of Mt Whitney," says Jahro M. about Django Free Dispersed.

Cool season temperatures: Fall through spring offers the most comfortable camping weather. Mark A. notes about Alabama Hills Recreation Area: "Hands down my favorite place to camp! Granted, you won't get the facilities or running water, but as far as beauty and open space go this place is unmatched... Gets pretty toast in the summer though."

Access to Lone Pine: The town provides necessary supplies just minutes away. "It's so quiet at night you could hear a pin drop. The stars and the Milky Way are insane! So many constellations and shooting stars and satellites. Sunset was amazing over Mt. Whitney," explains Rachel W.

What you should know

Camping now restricted to designated sites only: Free dispersed camping has been significantly limited. "Awesome landscape to camp in. All the sites are designated so look for the map at the entrance to find one. We arrived on a Monday afternoon at 5 pm (mid May) and found just one site left," reports marcus K. about Movie Flat Road.

No facilities available: There are no permanent toilets or water sources at most sites. "No toilets or amenities so thats a little bummer. Its might be worth it to pay $8 a night at a campground if you want easy access to toilets. Tuttle creek is up the road and is a good option," advises David V.

Early arrival recommended: Sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Definitely a place you'd want to show up 4-5 hours early to find a spot. Otherwise, the roads were not too bad. The below freezing temps were well worth the stunning views," notes Kai K.

Tips for camping with families

Explore alternative campgrounds when full: Have backup options ready. "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," advises Katie T..

Pack extra water: No sources exist in the camping areas. "This site is on Horseshoe Meadow Road about 1/2 mile north of the Tuttle Creek site. There are 3 legal spots with camping signs," explains Kent G.

Winter camping preparation: Temperatures drop significantly after dark. "Below freezing temps were well worth the stunning views," mentions Kai K., highlighting the need for proper cold-weather gear.

Tips from RVers

Road conditions vary: Some access roads require careful navigation. "The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue. The second and third have better views. But the first can offer wind protection from the north," explains Kent G. about Alabama Hills Dispersed Site.

Site selection for views: The best spots for scenic vistas require advance planning. "There are a ton of sites so drive around until you find one you like. Lots of premade fire pits to use. Sites are pretty spread out so you won't really see/hear your neighbors. Roads are flat and my small sedan had no problem navigating," shares Megan S.

Leverage level sites: Look for the few naturally level areas. "First two are level. Third will need leveling blocks. First site is large and was to turn around a larger trailer or rv," notes Kent G.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the BLM rules for camping in Alabama Hills?

BLM rules for Alabama Hills include a 14-day stay limit within any 28-day period. Camping is now restricted to designated sites only due to recent policy changes. Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings (when fire restrictions allow), and maintain at least 200 feet distance from water sources. Portable toilets are required as there are no facilities. Independence BLM Dispersed follows similar regulations and is a good alternative if Alabama Hills is full. All motorized vehicles must stay on established roads. Dome Rock Dispersed Camping operates under comparable rules if you need another option in the region.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Alabama Hills?

Dispersed camping in Alabama Hills is primarily accessible via Movie Road, which connects to Whitney Portal Road just west of Lone Pine. Alabama Hills Recreation Area offers numerous dispersed sites among the unique rock formations. The main camping area spreads throughout the recreation area, with many secluded spots branching off the main road. For the best sites with views of Mount Whitney and the Sierra Nevada mountains, explore Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road. Note that recent BLM policy changes have limited dispersed camping to marked spots only, so look for designated camping areas when you arrive.

Is camping in Alabama Hills free?

Yes, camping in Alabama Hills is completely free. As BLM-managed public land, Alabama Hills Dispersed Site provides no-fee camping with no reservations required. This makes it a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking spontaneous adventure. While camping is free, remember there are no amenities—you must bring all supplies including water, and pack out all waste. If Alabama Hills is full or you're seeking alternatives, Hogback Creekside Camp is another free dispersed camping option in the region. Though free, camping is now limited to designated sites only due to recent BLM policy changes to protect the area.