Top Horse Camping near Alabama Hills, CA

Are you looking for a place to stay in Alabama Hills with your horse? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach California campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Alabama Hills, CA (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal

    1.

    Whitney Portal

    28 Reviews
    124 Photos
    395 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Overview

    Whitney Portal Campground is in a prime location within the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains - at the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States. With hiking trails to Mt. Whitney and the John Muir Wilderness less than a mile away, the campground is a popular home base for hikers, as well as family, RV and tent campers who wish to explore the area's activities and enjoy unparalleled scenery.

    Recreation

    Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal recreation area. Nearby trails lead into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The campground is only 0.5 miles from trailheads to Mt. Whitney, Meysan Lake and other popular destinations. Visitors should be aware that hiking in this area may require a permit. Visitors can also hike, fish and picnic in the area around the campground. There are numerous lakes, streams and a small pond in the area for trout fishing.

    Facilities

    Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal recreation area. Nearby trails lead into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The campground is only 0.5 miles from trailheads to Mt. Whitney, Meysan Lake and other popular destinations. Visitors should be aware that hiking in this area may require a permit. Visitors can also hike, fish and picnic in the area around the campground. There are numerous lakes, streams and a small pond in the area for trout fishing.

    Natural Features

    The facility is situated in a thick pine forest at an elevation of 8,000 ft. Campers can see striking views of the rugged granite peaks surrounding it. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    Nearby Attractions

    Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers. John Muir Wilderness

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $93 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine

    2.

    Lone Pine

    13 Reviews
    48 Photos
    213 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Overview

    Lone Pine Campground is located near the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States, offering unparalleled views of the mountain and surrounding peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. An abundance of fishing and hiking opportunities can be found both in and around Lone Pine.

    Recreation

    Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal area. Trails lead to the John Muir Wilderness, including Mt. Whitney, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The Mt. Whitney trailhead is just 7 miles away. The less challenging National Recreation Trail connects Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal and its picnic area and fishing pond. The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing, and anglers can access Lone Pine Creek and a nearby pond.

    Facilities

    Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal area. Trails lead to the John Muir Wilderness, including Mt. Whitney, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The Mt. Whitney trailhead is just 7 miles away. The less challenging National Recreation Trail connects Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal and its picnic area and fishing pond. The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing, and anglers can access Lone Pine Creek and a nearby pond.

    Natural Features

    The campground is nestled in sagebrush alongside Lone Pine Creek. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, the location offers clear views of surrounding granite peaks. Desert wildflowers add brilliant colors to the landscape in spring. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

    Nearby Attractions

    Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $70 - $78 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    3.

    Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    5 Reviews
    5 Photos
    72 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Horseshoe Meadow is a vast 10,000 foot high meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. Getting there is an adventure in itself; the road to Horseshoe Meadow climbs over 6,000 feet, as it winds its way up from Lone Pine. Three campgrounds are located in the Horseshoe Meadow Area. Trails from Horseshoe Meadow provide access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from approximately November to May due to snow.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $6 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kennedy Meadows Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kennedy Meadows Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kennedy Meadows Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kennedy Meadows Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kennedy Meadows Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kennedy Meadows Campground

    6.

    Kennedy Meadows Campground

    9 Reviews
    13 Photos
    334 Saves
    Little Lake, California

    Located on the Pacific Crest Trail near the South Fork of the Kern River, Kennedy Meadows campground is surrounded by the South Sierra, Golden Trout, and Domeland wildernesses. It's a great place for camping near Los Angeles. Some of the 38 sites are shaded by juniper and pinion. Maximum vehicle length is 30ft.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites

    7.

    Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    75 Saves
    Three Rivers, California

    Backcountry sites around this 9.4-mile round trip hike that climbs over 2,500 feet to visit the picturesque pair of high-elevation lakes.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground

    8.

    Horse Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    12 Photos
    168 Saves
    Three Rivers, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek

    9.

    Horse Creek

    7 Reviews
    17 Photos
    83 Saves
    Lemon Cove, California

    Overview

    Horse Creek Campground is located on the Kaweah River in the foothills of central California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Terminus Dam on Kaweah Lake is three miles east of Lemon Cove, CA.

    Recreation

    Kaweah Lake offers boating, water skiing and sailing. Horse and walking trails are available during low water. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and rainbow trout.

    Facilities

    Kaweah Lake offers boating, water skiing and sailing. Horse and walking trails are available during low water. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and rainbow trout.

    Natural Features

    The campground is settled on the river in a broad, arid valley with few trees. Shade is limited.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Horse Creek campground is 11 miles from Sequoia National Park's southern entrance station. Visitors enjoy viewing the inspiring Giant Forest Grove and mighty General Sherman Tree - the world's largest tree in volume. It is one hour more past the entrance station to reach 5,000' and the mightly Sequoias.__ __Note: Vehicles over 22' will not be allowed up Highway 198 through Sequoia National Park. It is a 1930s, two lane, switch back, road on the side of a mountain.__ __Larger vehicles need to use the northern route on Hwy 180 thorugh Sequoia National Forest to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park. In this area you can view America's Christmas Tree, The General Grant Tree and access the other areas. The Visitor Center is shared with the Forest Service and National Park Service.__

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Western Big Meadow Road Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Western Big Meadow Road Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Western Big Meadow Road Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Western Big Meadow Road Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Western Big Meadow Road Camping Area
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews In Alabama Hills

82 Reviews of 14 Alabama Hills Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    June 16, 2024

    Whitney Portal

    Pretty

    The campground is beautiful. The sites are a bit close together and many have little privacy, but it was very quiet and enjoyable. The vault toilets needed to be emptied and they were very stinky. It seemed a little early in the season (early June) for them to be so full. Nice hiking trails accessible from the campground. Saw fresh bear scat near our site, but never saw any bears.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    April 17, 2024

    Horse Creek Campground

    Very nice

    Very pretty spot 😊 could hear coyotes At night. Warm showers 😁. All awesome except for the fact you have to reserve one night in advance 😔

  • Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    April 2, 2024

    Alabama Hills Dispersed Site

    Alabama Hiils Dispersed site

    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. First two are level. Third will need leveling blocks. 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. The second and third have better views. But the first can offer wind protection from the north. BLM. Carry in and out.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    October 25, 2023

    Whitney Portal

    Near whits

    Nice spot near mount Whitney’s trailhead. Decent bathrooms. Some what of a watching destination from the portal. Small sites

  • Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
    September 16, 2023

    Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground

    Trailhead campground for Mt Langley hike

    We didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley. It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets. We stashed some extra toiletries in the bear boxes, rather than risk leaving them in the car. Toilets were pretty clean. Unfortunately, the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September. This is an equestrian campground, so there was some horse dung on the trails around the campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    May 18, 2023

    Horse Creek

    Quiet spot in the valley

    Still a bit of a mess after the flooding and no staff. Very scenic and beautiful though. Sites are not very level so come prepared.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    November 14, 2022

    Lone Pine

    Lone Pine Camp ground

    We stayed at this location for 2 nights. It wasn’t crowded, restrooms were clean, and overall great camp site. You can park right next to your campsite, each one has its own picnic table, bear box, and fire pit. The campsite is along a creek which sounds lovely at night.

    The campground did not have water during our visit but seems like it does certain times of the year

  • Camper-submitted photo from Western Big Meadow Road Camping Area
    November 3, 2022

    Western Big Meadow Road Camping Area

    Popular Area with some secluded spots

    I’ve camped in a few different areas along Big Meadows road. It’s a great spot, this pin location gets Verizon signal along with some of the higher sites if you pull off the road. Higher sites are pretty private and have enough sun coverage for solar, the ones by the road get traffic passing by daily.

    Montecito Bay Lodge just down the road has an all you can eat buffet Breakfast/Lunch $9 Dinner $20, the closest supplies are Kings Canyon Visitor Center, and Stony Creek Gas Station (closed oct-apr).

    You might want to double check with the Visitor Center if this road is open when it’s snowing.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kennedy Meadows Campground
    October 16, 2022

    Kennedy Meadows Campground

    Campground time forgot

    Most reviews here are dated. Campground has been abandoned for years so: no fees, busted up roads, no water, no trash, no bathrooms, no cell/wifi. Basically dispersed camping in an awesome location on concrete spurs/pads.  Each site still had picnic table and fire pit.  The mosquitos here are biblical at night so bring your nets and deet.  Kern creek and trails right from campground. General store and Grumpy Bear tavern close down the road.  Only 2 other campers here when I stayed in October. Great place as long as you are expecting disbursed camping experience.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    August 8, 2022

    Horse Creek Campground

    Water available

    We visited this camp late July 2022, hot temperatures although nice breeze. Google map is not updated/ accurate since it shows lake bend is closer to campsites which is not. The drought have made it too far to my liking we had to drive 3 miles up where the river flows to cool down , restrooms facilities are not maintained regularly. There are 2 restroom facilities (with showers) for 75+ sites.. too many people waiting in line to use the restrooms . Security was excellent rangers were patrolling very often, drinking water was available on sites…

  • Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    June 24, 2022

    Whitney Portal

    Magical spot, Gorgeous

    The trees against the rocks and blue sky is gorgeous every time you look up. Very cool campsites nestled into the raw nature. We loved it. Didn’t see any bears, used the bear locker and trash cans on site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    May 19, 2022

    Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    Good for tents, not for campers

    Great for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle. I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    May 9, 2022

    Lone Pine

    Loved this campground, work up to views of My Whitney.

    Great campground with views of Mt Whitney from camp. Had everything we needed for a comfortable night and we enjoyed exploring the rocks and little stream nearby. The ground is fairly hard and not much shade - plan your gear accordingly. We needed bug spray in April for mosquitoes. Our little Ford Fiesta did fine on the dirt roads to access the campsite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kennedy Meadows Campground
    April 22, 2022

    Kennedy Meadows Campground

    Solitude in the offseason

    Went up during the winter and stayed the weekend The fishing was great The campground was empty and we were basically alone The camp was clean and bathrooms were good Hiking was awesome But it was cold and our diesel fuel froze overnight Found a general store down the hill and had a community pot luck for 5 bucks It was sone of the best family fun

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    April 20, 2022

    Horse Creek Campground

    Great views, not well maintained

    We spent 2 nights here on our way to Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP. The spot was nice, right on the lake with nice mountain views. Sites were generally not level as it is situated on the hill down to the lake. Bathrooms were messy and half were out of order due to a maintenance project. The RV Dump station was also unavailable (same reason). During peak season I'm sure this is a great spot, but at the time of our visit it was a bit out of sorts. If we pass by again in the future we'll give it another try.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    April 11, 2022

    Horse Creek Campground

    Gorgous

    This place is awesome and knowing that certain times of the year it actually goes underwater. So it's just knowing that ur camping on an actual lake is pretty damn cool. Plus it's clean. And the scenery is spectacular

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    January 24, 2022

    Horse Creek

    Beautiful location

    This is a small place with very few campers. Some of the sites (75, 76 etc..) look out on Lake Kaweah. It’s clean and well organized. Some highway noise.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    January 17, 2022

    Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    Great base camp for hiking

    Many campgrounds close to each other but not on top. Cast meadow to the west is wonderful for morning walk with coffee. Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    January 6, 2022

    Horse Creek Campground

    Quick and easy.

    Stayed here for a couple nights, the warm weather has been quite appreciated. No wind either. Lots are spacious and all have a great view. Supposedly the lake is full up to here at other times in the year. For now it’s quite the ways but you can see it far off near the dam.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    August 4, 2021

    Horse Creek

    Pretty cool campsite

    It has bathroom, shower, fire ring and a picnic table with shade. Got a little T mobile signal. Need to check in with the ranger when arrive.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    July 27, 2021

    Whitney Portal

    Amazing

    By far the best campground I've been too.

    I was on campsite 044. Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you. Flat ground for the tent and in no sight of other campers. Close (walking distance) to Mt Whitney Trailhead

  • Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal
    July 26, 2021

    Whitney Portal

    Great access

    Camped here in spring when it first opened for the season. COLD and snow flurries, but still such a memorable and great experience. Most sites seem to be well spaced out and good amount of privacy. Lots of sites are along the stream. Great access to Mt Whitney trailhead. Hiked to Lone Pine Lake with my pup (no permits needed and dogs allowed up to here). Lots of snow, spikes were handy.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    July 21, 2021

    Lone Pine

    A great spot with excellent views and nice spacing.

    Spent one night and a morning and it was everything I expect in a USFS campground - water, pit/vault toilets, fire ring, picnic table. The morning view of the Sierra’s was amazing!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    July 20, 2021

    Horse Creek

    On the lake

    Nice campground on the lake but too hot 100 plus degrees in the summer

    Available depending on water level of the lake

    Decent fishing and great for boating and watersports



Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alabama Hills, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alabama Hills, CA is Whitney Portal with a 4.8-star rating from 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Alabama Hills, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Alabama Hills, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.