Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Alabama Hills, CA

Alabama Hills Recreation Area permits dogs throughout its free dispersed camping sites, offering pet owners scenic camping opportunities among the distinctive rock formations. Tuttle Creek Campground also welcomes pets and provides basic facilities including toilets, trash service, and a sanitary dump station. Whitney Portal campground combines pet-friendly policies with additional amenities including drinking water, firewood sales, and a small market. Most camping areas feature fire rings at designated sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply based on weather conditions. Several dispersed sites along Movie Flat Road and throughout the Alabama Hills area provide excellent options for camping with pets, as rock formations create natural windbreaks for camping spots.

Campers report that high clearance vehicles navigate the Alabama Hills dispersed camping areas more easily, though careful driving can accommodate standard vehicles on many routes. The area offers numerous opportunities for hiking with dogs, with trails winding through the unique boulder formations that have featured in various films including Ironman and Star Wars. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, making spring and fall better seasons for camping with pets. Dogs should remain leashed in most areas to protect wildlife and prevent encounters with native animals. Alabama Hills provides excellent access to rock climbing opportunities within walking distance of many campsites, allowing climbers to bring their dogs along while enjoying the area's numerous bolted routes and bouldering problems.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Alabama Hills, California (106)

    1. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

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

    "We absolutely love Alabama Hills. BLM land so you can camp anywhere. So many beautiful views."

    "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."

    2. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    42 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    2 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."

    "This spot is great if you want easy access to Alabama Hills but don’t want to deal with having no toilets and no reservations. Still beautiful views throughout the campgrounds."

    3. Whitney Portal

    30 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 937-6070

    $34 - $95 / night

    "There are hiking trails from the campground itself, a gorgeous river flowing through it and the camp sites are spacious."

    "It is close to Whitney portal, alabama hills, onion valley, and many other hiking/backpacking destinations. We took out 7 and 9 year old boys and they had a blast."

    4. Boulder Creek RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 876-4243

    $38 - $75 / night

    "The Dyrt listing shows they have a dump station but when we stopped in after a trip to Alabama Hills we were informed their dump station was no longer 'operational'."

    "It's on the outskirts of downtown Lone Pine, but the views are beautiful of the mountains and the RV park is spacious with plenty of room to get your steps in. "

    5. Lone Pine

    14 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 937-6070

    $34 - $81 / night

    "All around a killer spot. If it weren’t for the Alabama hills being even better, even cheaper, even more private, it would be a no brainer. But if you want any facilities...."

    "While visiting Alabama Hills Recreation Area (AHRA) we made Lone Pine on our next stop for our second campsite and to relax for my 44th birthday 🎂

    Since the terrain is a little different it was a nice"

    6. Diaz Lake Campground

    15 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-5577

    $14 - $35 / night

    "This is a small lake and they limit the number of motorboats to 25, which is about 20 too many in my estimation.  "

    "This is a great driving reprieve from traveling along the 395! A lovely little lake surrounded by giant oak trees that offer lots of nice shade to spend time resting."

    7. Portuguese Joe Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-5577

    $14 / night

    "Big points for being close to a great little town - highly recommend Alabama Hills bakery.

    Cell service good enough for streaming."

    "Not the dispersed camping I was looking for but at least I found something because Alabama Hills and Tuttle Creek were packed on a Friday afternoon."

    8. Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    8 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    3 miles

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

    "I was able to find a pretty dope spot surrounded by rocks, and nowhere near any other campers. I was legit, alone.

    Great place to pull off and sit on a rock to watch the sun set over the mountains."

    9. 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."

    10. 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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Alabama Hills, CA

878 Reviews of 106 Alabama Hills Campgrounds


  • Erik R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    Dennis H. Jackson

    Exploring Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road is like stepping onto a film set straight out of a Western movie. This iconic location in California has been the backdrop for countless films, thanks to its stunning rock formations and dramatic landscapes. If you're planning a visit, make sure to check out Castle app for an interactive and personalized travel guide that enhances your experience with custom itineraries and insights tailored to your interests. Whether you're a film buff or an outdoor enthusiast, the combination of real-world exploration and digital tools can make your adventure in the Alabama Hills truly unforgettable.

  • L
    May. 19, 2019

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    This place is amazing!

    We absolutely love Alabama Hills. BLM land so you can camp anywhere. So many beautiful views. You can see Mount Whitney in the distance. 4 wheel drive isn’t required but definitely recommend. No bathrooms or water around. A lot of old movies were filmed in the hills. We went off roading to a nearby mine, you can drive all the way in the mine which was rad.

  • Zighin J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Alabama Hills on Movie Road

    Wonderful Recommended Movies & Sports!!

    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. This area has been a favorite filming location for many classic western movies and TV shows. If you’re visiting, you can explore scenic hiking trails, take photos of the iconic Mobius Arch, and enjoy the natural beauty of this hidden gem. To fully appreciate the cinematic history of the area, I recommend using and access magis tv free account to stream some of the classic films shot here. It’s a great way to connect your visit with the Hollywood legacy of Alabama Hills.

    Best of Luck!!

  • 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

  • James N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    At the approach to Mt. Whitney

    Nice, out of the way campsite. 81 sites on Tuttle Creek. Clean restrooms. No showers or drinking water. Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography.

  • B
    May. 19, 2024

    Siesta Ranch

    Stunning views, great location

    Had a great experience at Siesta Ranch. The proximity to Alabama Hills and the privacy and convenience of full hookups coupled with views of the Eastern Sierras sold it for me. Would stay again!

  • Jeff T.
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    A perfect getaway spot with spectacular views!

    The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is the perfect spot for dispersed camping. The Alabama Hills have several rock formations that make finding a private spot relatively easy, especially during off-peak times. The silence, views of the hills and Mt. Whitney, and privacy make this a favorite location of ours and we will be back. It can get cold at night, so pack accordingly, but the stargazing at night is well worth it!

  • Amelia F.
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    Easy spot near Alabama Hills

    This spot is great if you want easy access to Alabama Hills but don’t want to deal with having no toilets and no reservations. Still beautiful views throughout the campgrounds. It’s a bit easier for families here.

  • 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.


Guide to Alabama Hills

If you're looking for a pet-friendly camping experience near Alabama Hills, California, there are several great options that welcome your furry friends. These campgrounds offer a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities perfect for you and your pets.

Dog owners appreciate the spacious sites and natural surroundings

  • At Alabama Hills Recreation Area, you can enjoy stunning rock formations and plenty of space for your dog to roam.
  • Whitney Portal features well-spaced sites nestled in nature, providing a peaceful environment for both you and your pet.
  • Lone Pine offers sites along a creek, allowing your pet to enjoy the soothing sounds of water while you relax.

Pet owners like the variety of outdoor activities available

  • At Diaz Lake Campground, you can take your dog for walks around the lake and enjoy the beautiful views.
  • Portagee Joe Campground is close to hiking trails, making it easy to explore the area with your pet by your side.
  • Grays Meadows provides access to fishing and hiking, perfect for a day of adventure with your furry companion.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Alabama Hills

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Alabama Hills, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Alabama Hills, CA is Alabama Hills Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 87 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Alabama Hills, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 106 dog-friendly camping locations near Alabama Hills, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.