Tent camping near Alabama Hills, California provides access to several wilderness trailheads that serve as gateways to high-altitude adventures. The area sits in the rain shadow of the Eastern Sierra, creating an arid climate with limited natural shade at many camping locations. Dispersed camping options in the region require proper waste management and adherence to fire restrictions that vary seasonally based on wildfire danger.
What to do
Fishing alpine lakes: At Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry Campsite, campers can catch Golden Trout in several connected lakes. A camper reported, "My brother caught multiple Golden Trout while fishing at Lake #3 and #5" and recommended obtaining fishing permits in advance.
Acclimation hiking: Use campgrounds as staging areas for higher elevation pursuits. A camper at Lone Pine Lake - Inyo Wilderness noted, "Hike approx 2.5 Miles up Mt Whitney trail. Follow sign to lone pine lake detour to left of the trail. Camp anywhere following LNT policies."
Wildlife viewing: The high meadows and lakes host diverse alpine wildlife. One visitor to Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry Campsite observed, "We saw marmots and even a bighorn sheep!" Another camper warned about properly securing food as "there is a lot of bear activity."
What campers like
Solitude and spacing: Campers appreciate the distance between sites at high-elevation campgrounds. A visitor to Horseshoe Meadow Campground noted, "The campsites are spread well apart under the pines. The parking encircles the large, flat meadow."
Stargazing opportunities: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. At Symmes Creek, a camper highlighted the "Gorgeous night sky for stargazing!" while providing specific coordinates: "36.7550, -118.2540."
Wilderness access: Many sites serve as jump-off points for backcountry exploration. A Horseshoe Meadow Campground visitor explained, "Mainly a thru hikers stop or base camp for those venturing into the higher elevations for a few days. Beautiful meadows and streams running through it with marmots popping up from the rocks."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most backcountry camping requires advance planning. A visitor to Cold Springs Campground shared, "You will need to gain a backcountry permit to do this trail and make sure you know of updated water sources and filtration systems."
Water availability changes: Potable water may be unreliable late in the season. One camper reported, "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."
Bear precautions: Bear-resistant food storage is essential. A camper noted, "You are required to use a bear canister for overnight camping. Your toiletries, wrappers, trash, and food must fit in there, so plan accordingly."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly base camps: Some campgrounds offer safer options for children. A visitor to Cold Springs Campground shared, "Remote, but not too remote and great for kids. Closed in winter due to snow. Usually open late May through October."
Access to water features: Many families enjoy riverside campsites. At Cold Springs Campground, "There are sites located along the East Fork of the Kaweah River from which you can climb down into the River. In spring, some river sites have some flooding because of rain and runoff. Note that the water is COLD, even in summer."
Prepare for extended driving: Some of the best family sites require significant travel time. One camper advised, "Getting to this campground takes a little patience. It is about 45 min drive from SR-198 on Mineral King Rd (partially paved/dirt), but with a couple small pull offs with water falls and Sequoias along the way."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Access roads can challenge RVs of certain sizes. At Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground, the campground serves as "a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets."
Dispersed camping with RVs: Some areas allow larger vehicles with proper planning. A Symmes Creek visitor advised, "There's a mile of gravel and then another half mile of dirt road, but if you go slow, most vehicles should be fine. We towed a 30ft travel trailer with no issue."
Limited hookup options: RV campers should prepare for primitive conditions. A visitor to Horseshoe Meadow noted, "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."
