Dispersed camping options surround the Alabama Hills at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates between valley floor and mountain sites. Temperatures vary dramatically by elevation, with mountain campgrounds running 15-20°F cooler than valley locations during summer months. Water availability becomes limited in most locations by mid-July, requiring campers to pack additional supplies.
What to do
High-altitude day hikes: Onion Valley Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring alpine lakes without overnight backcountry permits. "This campground sits above 9000 ft and you can drive there, park your car next to your site. It is a great basecamp for day hikes up into to higher altitude. There are multiple lakes a short hike away and waterfalls on 3 sides," notes one visitor.
Stargazing sessions: Light pollution remains minimal throughout the region, with elevation enhancing visibility. A camper at Sentinel Campground observed, "Beautiful campground close to the ranger station, surrounded by pine trees and rivers. We had site 8, which was a large site close to the restrooms... there were several great spots to put a tent."
Bear awareness training: Bear activity increases at higher elevations during summer months. Rangers frequently conduct educational sessions at larger campgrounds. "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions. So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service," warns a Whitney Portal camper.
What campers like
Temperature variation: Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground provides natural cooling at 7,000 feet. "It's a beautiful campground. The campground hosts never came around and it felt like we could have stayed for free. We had some questions about the area and in order to get some answers we had to drive to the nearest people," one visitor shared.
Seasonal accessibility: Most high-elevation glamping close to Alabama Hills, California becomes accessible by late April, with snow lingering at higher elevations. "We stayed at one of the group campsites with about 15 people total. Plenty of space and picnic tables my only complaint was that there was only one normal sized bear locker for a group campsite," notes a camper at Quaking Aspen Campground.
Proximity to trailheads: Sheep Creek Campground positions visitors near multiple hiking routes. "Great campground with nice and spacious sites and several trails accessible directly from the campground. Site number 25 was a real winner. Set back from the road and very large is was great. Also close to the bathrooms without being too close...if you know what I mean," reports one visitor.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Overnight backcountry trips require wilderness permits obtained through recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Day hikes from established campgrounds typically don't require permits. "I'd camp here to hike Meysan Lakes and the start of the Whitney trail to Lone Pine Lake, neither of which require permits for day hikes. It's a great camp for acclimatization," explains a Whitney Portal camper.
Water availability: Most campgrounds turn off potable water by mid-September. "Bring water or water filters as the spigots are dry. There's a creek to get water to filter," advises one Diaz Lake Campground visitor about late-season conditions.
Cell service limitations: Signal becomes virtually nonexistent above 6,000 feet. "No service within the campground so make sure you have everything available to you," warns a Quaking Aspen visitor. Another camper noted, "If cell signal is an issue this campground only had 1 bar for Verizon."
Fire restrictions: Regulations change weekly during summer based on conditions. "Due keep in mind you will need to obtain campfire permit online before you arrive depending if there are fire restrictions or not," reminds a Quaking Aspen visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Gradual acclimatization: Allow children to adjust to elevation by spending first night at lower elevations. "This is a great place to go and sleep and then continue with your trip," advises a Diaz Lake camper, referring to its 3,700-foot elevation as preparation for higher destinations.
Site selection strategy: Princess Campground offers family-friendly accommodations. "We spend Memorial Day weekend at this nice campground at Morning Star site 26. Beautiful situated next to a little water flow and a big stump the kids played on. Space between the sites, but no low brush, so neighbors can be seen," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife sightings. "Our site (#75) was not very wide but backed onto a lovely patch of woodland that had deer and other critters passing through it," describes a Princess Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Generator-free zones: Many campgrounds prohibit generators during specific hours. "This campground is way up into the Sierras, which means the views are amazing and it serves as a great jumping off point for backpacking trips. Just double check that your site is actually a drive-in site if that is what you want," advises a Onion Valley camper.
Road grade considerations: Access roads to higher elevation glamping sites near Alabama Hills feature steep grades and switchbacks. "Site 84 was technically approved for a trailer over 10 feet, but a serious squeeze to get our trailer and explorer to fit within the lines," warns a Moraine Campground visitor.
Dump station availability: Limited facilities exist for waste disposal at higher elevations. "The highlight of our visit to Princess was that after we camped at Hume Lake, we were able to stop back by on our way home and use the RV sewer cleanout and water fill-up station for free! It is usually $10 but for this weekend (maybe longer?) it was comped, which was awesome."
