Camping cabins near Independence are the charming alternative to a tent or a yurt. It's easy to find cabins in Independence with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect cabin rental for your Independence camping adventure.
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.
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.
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.
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
For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.
$34 - $95 / night
Lodgepole Campground is located in the breathtaking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in central California's rugged Sierra Nevada range. Lodgepole is perched on the banks of the scenic and lengthy Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, at an elevation of 6,700 ft. The inspiring Giant Forest Grove and the mighty General Sherman Tree - the world's largest tree in volume - are just two miles from the campground.
Forty miles of trails, including the paved Big Trees Trail, invite visitors to immerse themselves in the majesty of the ancient grove. Several additional popular hiking and wilderness trailheads are close by, including the trail to Moro Rock, a granite dome with spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and western half of the park. Tokopah Falls Trail is an easy walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, leading to an impressive 1200 ft. waterfall. Fly-fishing is also a popular activity on the Marble Fork.
Lodgepole pine, Red fir, and shrubs forest the campground, while towering groves of giant sequoias and craggy granite peaks dot the landscape. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River is fed by snowmelt and flows seasonally through the site. This region is characterized by warm days and cool nights in the summer and deep snow and cold days in the winter.
For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404.
The General Sherman Tree, General Grant Tree, Moro Rock and Tunnel Log are nearby, as is the informative Giant Forest Museum and the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Colorful Crescent Meadow offers views of vivid summer wildflowers and access to Tharp's Log, a cabin in a fallen sequoia. Crystal Cave is Closed for the 2023 season. Tours into Crystal Cave, one of hundreds of marble caves in the park, give visitors an interesting view of rock formations, fossils, rare minerals, and unique wildlife. Tickets are required, but are not sold at the cave entrance. Reserve in advance on www.recreation.gov. Tickets may also be purchased same day, if available, at the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Crystal Cave is about a 45 minute drive (13 miles/21 km) from the campground. Vehicles longer than 22 feet long are prohibited on the narrow, winding Crystal Cave Road.
Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations. All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first nights use fee. Cancellations for a single nights reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov.You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-4404 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.
$32 / night
Big Pine Creek Campground, surrounded by sprawling meadows and towering trees, is perfectly situated in the scenic Big Pine Canyon. Campsites are perched along the cool, fish-filled waters of Big Pine Creek. Big Pine Canyon is heralded for having both the largest and southern most glaciers in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The campground sits at 7,700 feet elevation among vegetation like Jeffrey pine, sagebrush, aspen and cottonwood trees.
The creek and nearby Big Pine Lakes are great for fishing. Both water spots have rainbow, brown and brook trout. The North Fork Trail gives hikers access to Big Pine Lakes and the Palisade Glacier. The trail climbs past waterfalls and zigzags through Jeffrey pine, manzanita and sage before it reaches Big Pine Lakes.
Big Pine Canyon is heralded for having both the largest and southern most glaciers in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Palisade Glacier, the largest, sits above Big Pine Lakes. These impressive glacial lakes at around 10,000 feet elevation are the source of the North Fork of Big Pine Creek. The South Fork is bordered by the Palisade Crest with peaks over 14,000 feet and Middle Palisade Glacier, the southernmost glacier.
Glaciers in the nearby John Muir Wilderness make an exciting hiking destination. A commercial pack station is within close proximity for horse enthusiasts looking for an outdoor adventure. A general store, pay showers and pond fishing can be found at a nearby resort.
$26 / night
$38 - $75 / night
Sentinel Campground in Cedar Grove is nestled in the stunning Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the United States. With views of a lovely meadow central to the campground, the sound of the Kings River, and glowing mountainsides just beyond the trees, Sentinel Campground is a wonderful place for families to spend time in the great outdoors.
Cedar Grove provides a plethora of hiking trails, from the hiking newcomer to the avid backpacker, and everyone in between. Day hikers can hike to Mist Falls, Cedar Grove Overlook, around the peaceful Kanawyer Loop along the Kings River, through Zumwalt Meadow, and more. Visitors can also fish for trout in the Kings River, or take a scenic horseback ride through the canyon with the Cedar Grove Pack Station.
Tall granite mountainsides cradle the south fork of the Kings River, as streams and creeks feed the river with snowmelt from higher elevations. Abundant wildlife roam through the tall ponderosa pine and incense cedar trees, meadows and along riversides. Hikes into the backcountry out of Cedar Grove will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Kings Canyon National Park.
For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-3792.
Hume Lake, Grizzly Falls, Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, Sequoia Groves and numerous hiking trails attract visitors to this area. Campfire stories, nature and wildlife presentations, and ranger-led hikes are also available during most of the season.
Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first nights use fee. Cancellations for a single nights reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov. You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-3792 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.
$32 / night
Canyon View Group sites are located in Cedar Grove, Kings Canyon National Park, California. Cedar Grove is located on the South Fork of the Kings River at an elevation of 4,600 feet. This is a TENT ONLY Group Campground. No RV's or Trailers allowed.
Cedar Grove provides some of the best trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially near Roads End. Nearby the Kings River offers excellent trout fishing. Horseback riding is also available. Expect warm days and cool nights in the area.
The group sites are located in a cedar and ponderosa pine forest at the bottom of the third deepest canyon in the contiguous United States. The Cedar Grove area's glaciated valley features towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and the powerful Kings River, whose canyon gave the park its name. Two prominent rock formations, North Dome at 8,717 feet and Grand Sentinel at 8,518 feet, rise 3,500 feet above the canyon floor. Many species of wildlife inhabit the canyon as well.
For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-3792.
Boyden Cave, Hume Lake, Grizzly Falls, Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, Sequoia Groves and numerous hiking trails abound in the area. The Cedar Grove Visitor Center offers ranger-led programs including nature and wildlife presentations as well as ranger-led hikes. The Crystal Caves are about a two and a half hour (72 miles/116 km) from the campground. Reserve tour tickets in advance on Recreation.gov.
Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations. For group campsites: All modifications must be made at least 14 days prior to scheduled arrival date to avoid additional fees. For group campsites: All cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date are considered late cancellations and will incur the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov.You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-3792 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.
$50 - $70 / night
Welcome to Three Rivers Hideaway
Three Rivers Hideaway is a full service RV Park, with cabins & campground.
Conveniently located 3.5 miles from the Foothills Entrance (Hwy. 198) to Sequoia National Park and 5 miles from Lake Kaweah. Three Rivers Hideaway is a quiet park on the banks of the Kaweah River in Three Rivers, California. Stay for a night, a week, or a month and enjoy the many activities our spectacular area has to offer.
Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter
Three Rivers Hideaway is open year around. Explore, hike, sight see, rest or go on a whitewater rafting adventure. Sequoia National Park, the Kaweah River, mountain vistas, and hospitality to boot! Four seasons of fun!
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.
Big Meadows Campground is located 75 miles east of Fresno, California, in the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Monument. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet. Please note, this campground IS NOT within Shenandoah National Park.
Hiking into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness and fly fishing in Big Meadows Creek are popular options. Horseback riders have access to the nearby Horse Corral Pack Station. Numerous trailheads provide access to popular wilderness areas including Jennie Lakes, Monarch and National Park wilderness destinations. Guests looking for water activities can visit Hume Lake, only 15 miles away.
Big Meadow is a beautiful, higher altitude campground, uniquely arranged into 5 separate units with approximately 5 - 9 campsites per unit. The campground has a primitive feel but with amenities. Each unit has a maintained vault toilet and trash dumpster. Sites each have a fire ring, picnic table and a food storage box. Campground is near numerous meadows and sits along a serene creek that hosts plenty of wildlife.Buck Rock Lookout, perched at an elevation of 8,500 feet, is a short drive away. Hume Lake is approximately 15 miles from the campground.
For facility specific information, please call (559) 745-4209.
$34 - $72 / night
Traveler
Excellent RV Resort! We stayed a night on our way to Yosemite and we found this RV Resort by google search. Marcos at the front desk is very accommodating. There are many facilities including, swimming pool, hot tub, mini mart, gift shop, playground, horseshoes, basketball hoop, kitchen facility, RV dump station, fenced in dog run, laundry, showers, full hook ups, clubhouse, Wifi and more! Great place to stop.
RangerThis was stop to be able to visit Manzanar Internment camp.
Tent sites are gravel and mostly level. They all have water, a table and fire ring. Trees are still young. Very close to Owens lake(within view).
We had a lot of wind that came blowing up the valley from the south. There is very little protection for the tent campsites. Almost killed the tent.
Hosts were very helpful in getting us situated despite the need to switch sites(too many people).
Free muffins and coffee in the morning! Nice pool and hot tub, as well as bathrooms and laundry facilities.
Easy access into town for dinner or groceries.
Ranger
If you’re looking to camp in California, Sequoia National Park should be one of your top destinations. They have cabin and tent camping. I have stayed in both. There are trails galore and GIGANTIC trees bigger than your car. This beautiful setting is worth visiting year round and I recommend camping during the less touristy times in early Spring and Fall. You are near lakes, waterfalls, and an array of bodies of water. I recommend coming up the back end up the park for an easier ascent rather than via the 198. The 198 takes you up a steep, but beautiful, hair pin turn ridden road. If you get car sick easily, take the route through Fresno.
Guide
We were able to stay in the cabins for a night and they were small but clean. Some cabins have electric and some do not, but honestly, electric is not necessary while camping here so if you can’t don’t have it don’t worry. The area is very close to some awesome sequoia groves and was very quiet which was great. There are showers for people who stay in certain areas, but you need tokens from the front desk at check in. Don’t forget to ask, we didn’t know until we were naked, ready to go :). Hosts were very nice. Overall, great experience here.
Ranger
Backing up to the John Muir Trail all the way into the back country of the high Sierra is this Gem of a ranch. It has amazing amenities, such as cabins, tent cabins, developed hot springs, all meals included, toilets and running water, horses back tours/packing, backpacker resupply, and store.
Getting there however is quite a feat. First you have to traverse a one lane road nearly 30 miles back into Florence Lake. Then you have to take a boat ride to the other side of the lake, and finally you have to hike 5+ miles to the ranch. It is all worth it for the sunning views, great food, amazing fishing, hiking, and all around experience.
LegendSomewhere up near the starry night a pinecone the size of a cat begins its descent to the soft, needle laden ground below. It softly thumps against a branch, and then another, and still another. What seems like minutes, indeed enough time to walk a ways down a path, or find the restroom, or toss a ball many times with kids, the soft thumping grows a little louder, and boldly becomes a clunk…clunk…thunk…until the pinecone emerges from the cover of limbs and lands…bouncing…on the ground at my feet. This is the mighty sugar pine; a tree whose girth is so large in its own right that our family of five cannot manage to stretch our arms, hand-in-hand, around the whole of the tree. And yet, like the small dog that mercilessly barks, the giant sugar pine displays its fantastically large pinecones as a means to say, "I am here", rather than get lost among the biggest trees in the world by volume---the giant sequoias.
This isn't just a land of giant trees. Sequoia and King's Canyon boast some of the most grandiose monuments in all of the continental United States: the deepest canyon, the tallest mountain, incredible caves, the view from Morro Rock, a collection of some of the highest mountain passes, and an expansive backcountry wilderness. Despite the many wonderful park visual aids to teach visitors about the size of these great sequoias, and even standing at the foot of these great trees, I found it impossible to comprehend their size. The extremes of this beautiful place bring with them a sense of humility, much like standing at the edge of the ocean, and all that remains is peace and serenity. While we found this park to be far more awe-inspiring than Yosemite, really than any of the any parks we've visited, it is far less touristed and crowded.
And then there is the wildlife. California Black Bears were resting in every meadow that we walked by, usually making a meal of grubs in the rotting logs. We stopped to let a mama Quail pass with all her babies in a row behind her. Marmots greeted us from the hidden nooks, running here and there to find something to nibble.
With a national park like this, I'd be willing to sleep in my car! But I didn't have to, fortunately. We stayed in a cabin in Grant Grove, centrally located in the park. The cabin was furnished perfectly, and included all that we needed for bedding. There was a lovely fire fueled stove outside on the covered patio. The showers were good enough and there was a place to wash dishes. Grant Village has a large market for groceries, a restaurant and a visitor center. There is a free shuttle that runs through the park to alleviate any concerns about parking. This review is for General Grant Cabins, which are reservable from a separate entity via the National Parks system. However, it is alongside a campground area where tents and RVs can be parked. This is marked cabins only due to the NPS divisions--search for the campground to learn how to set up a tent or park an RV at the very same location.
Scout
This is a great place to stay a couple of nights if your looking to acclimate a bit before going Mt. Whitney. It's also just a beautiful campground in general. There are hiking trails from the campground itself, a gorgeous river flowing through it and the camp sites are spacious. It is a short drive from the Whitney Portal Store which has the biggest pancakes I've ever seen and if you go the other way, you can easily get to the Alabama Hills or the cute town of Lone Pine. The sites are shaded and there are pit toilets. It's a terrific campground for families or people just looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Legend
went during late june. mosquitos swarm the camp in the mid mornings and dusk. other than that the place is pretty well shaded. all reserved campsites were takin so there was some people. although the campsites were well dispersed. there are vault toilets at camp units 1,2,4. we happened to stay at 3. 😂. the were a few pain in the “A” campers, but the offroad trails near by allowed us to get away from them. the fire tower at the jeep trail has some stunning views. beware the stair climb. its old wood and creeky scary. temperature was high 80’s in the day and low 40’s in the evening. fairly clean restrooms. bear lockers to protect ur food. a near by creek and dry creek beds, home to mosquito hatchlings. errrrrrfh!
GuideMy visit was very brief. This was one campground I visited just to try and find an opening for one night. Just by driving through and cruising the sites, I would stay here for sure, especially during the summer months. This site sees quite a lot of shade and the river is really a sight to see. Just uphill from the campground is the Mt. Whitney trailhead, a small restaurant, a day use area with grills, a small fishing pond, and a very beautiful waterfall.
Wirhout staying here I can tell you to do your reasearch before staying here. The sites are mostly surrounded by large boulders and there isn't much room to park more than one vehicle and maybe one camper. Some sites have barely enough space for one tent so plan accordingly. Some driveways are narrow too because of the boulders. The campground is nestled within the trees so there should be plenty of shade.
I sure will keep this site in my list of places to camp in the future for summer getaways.
RangerWe explored this in completely unprepared clothing but it was so worth it. Camp spots are right in the middle of the forest, it feels like every campsite is it’s own little mountain. It’s so desolate and quiet here, definitely for those that want to be completely submersed in nature. Fishing is allowed at the portal and there’s a gorgeous waterfall that you can hike throughout, the water is so ice cold its refreshing. There’s a visitors center with additional information, no food but maps and small trinkets to buy. The folks there have been there for decades they say and know the area very well, along with the bears that are regularly seen roaming. Its $24 a night, you can stay up to 7days and the campsite is open from May-Oct. We’ve gone through the months of Sept/Oct and there are some major snow storms that come through during this time! There’s no restrooms, trash dump, or cell service and for the most part people are hard to come by. This is a place that’s far away from most folks, if you want a true get away.
Legend
CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Big Pine Creek Campground, CA
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20312&actid=31
As we traveled up Rt 395, along the Eastern Sierras, we searched for a campground offering trails into the wilderness…but also one with a shower, as they seem to be a rare commodity…and our last campground was primitive.
Reviews stated Big Pine Creek had showers and modern restrooms, so we drove through the night arriving at 7:00 Sunday morning…hoping for an available site. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
Turns out, the camper at site 2, beside the Host site, was packing up…so we claim jumped the site. Also turns out…after we paid $22 for the night…Big Pine Creek Campground does not have showers, nor modern restrooms.
So, to set the record straight…there are vault latrines and a river of cold glacier runoff of roughly 40F degrees. However, next to Big Pine Creek Campground is Glacier Lodge (they share the same entrance road and is privately owned)…and they will rent you a shower for $5/5 minutes. For that $5 shower, you can use the modern toilet.
Don’t let that run you off, though. We loved Big Pine Creek Campground. The sites are spacious and the backdrop is gorgeous. Not many campgrounds offer stellar trails into the Inyo John Muir Wilderness…more on that later. Mule deer roam between campsites, ground squirrels and magpies are everywhere. We also noted a resident lizard.
Most sites are somewhat tiered because of the sloped terrain. Site 2 parking pad was large enough for our SUV, but little else. You have a large bear resistant locker in front of a large fixed picnic table, situated on a large, raised, leveled pad that also has the fire pit. Up a few steps is the raised timber tent pad. Numerous large pines and smaller hardwoods populate the sites. Our neighboring site was visible with little obstruction, but was occupied by a delightful French family on holiday, that we enjoyed.
Big Pine Creek Campground is often filled with campers from all over the world and makes for interesting conversations.
Drinking water was a little walk. Last year’s winter had an avalanche destroy their water lines, so others were rerouted. No electric. Also, no cell service. Perfect for unplugging, relaxing and meeting your fellow campers.
There is a trout pond near the entrance that folks were capitalizing on. They were also fishing the creek. The glacier fed creek is cold…like 38 degrees cold. The trails…in a word…Epic!
The North Trail was incredible. We started late and only went to the first and second of seven alpine glacier lakes. The water is so emerald green, it’s surreal. We hiked out and back in 6.5 hours, taking an hour respite for a polar bear plunge in the near freezing lake. I was advised we missed the most beautiful third lake…also referred to as Emerald Lake. The North Fork Trail into The John Muir Wilderness does require permits for backcountry camping…an easy process and well worth it…https://www.recreation.gov/permits/John_Muir_Trail_North_Of_Devils_Postpile_Aa10/r/entranceEntryExitDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72203&entranceId=315543&permitTypeId=1009473747&entryType=1
Of note, along the way is Lon Chaney’s (of Frankenstein, Werewolf and Hunchback of Notre Dame movie fame) backcountry cabin. Lon Chaney would bring guests back by horse and mule train. Upon his passing, it was gifted to the parks.
One horse/mule train passed us on the trail, returning after they deposited their riders and goods out into the wilderness.
The host couple were very helpful and a joy to glean local and trail information from.
A wonderful campground to visit.
Guide
Great place to stay. With clean sites and plentiful amenities, you can camp comfortably while seeing the sites that California has to offer.
GuideOf all the places we took our kids on their first camping road trip (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone etc)it was right here in California that they found their favorite here at Kings; big trees ( and fallen giants you could walk through) cave tours, hikes, rivers .. they loved it. So much to cover its best to go to Recreation.gov and choose your camp area. Highly recommended by this family !
GuideAmazing views all around the campgrounds. If you want to get of away from the city this is the place to be...Love it.
Lodgepole Campground itself is located in the beautiful Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in the central California region next to the amazing Sierra Nevada. Lodgepole is near the Kaweah River.
The Giant Sequoia Forest it's a thing of beauty and the famous General Sherman Tree - the world's largest tree is an incredible experience to see up close.
RangerNote: This review is for climbing Mt. Whitney and camping at the Outpost Camp @ 12,000' Getting there: From any real city getting to Whitney Portal will take hours and hours on the longest most boring roads in the world. And you better not forget your permit before you get there, because you wont make it through Whitney Portal without it - permits are required to camp or climb Mount Whitney.
Campsites: There are no campsite at the Outpost Camp @ 12,000', you simply pick a spot and set up your tent. Try to find someplace that will be sheltered from the wind and don't set up too close to the water. Have a pre determined place picked out where you want to poop (you MUST have a WAG Bag with you on Whitney - be sure to pick them up before your hike, and carry extra) for going to the bathroom as it is quite rocky and exposed. You don't want to be searching for a spot with a turtle head poking out. Thirsty? Great! The stream has cold delicious water flowing through it, but unless you want to get giardia you better have a filter or iodine tablets. Enjoy!
The Park: It's beautiful, it's treacherous.
What to do: Hike forever and summit Mount Whitney! Try not to die. Look at ALL THE STARS! Try not to freeze to death. Enjoy the view! Try not get Altitude Sickness.
RangerIf you are hiking the highest peak in the conteninal U.S, you have 2 options. You can either hike all 22 grueling miles in one day or break it up into two by camping at Trail Camp. It is located about 6 miles from the Whitney Portal parking area and provides a great base camp for summiting. There is a nice lake to collect water from. Beware of the many marmots that will raid your camp.
GuideOut of this world....Started hiking at midnight from the portal making it to 10,000 by 6am....I took my time as it was a beautiful full moon
make sure to get your permit in advance if not go to the ranger station and hope someone cancelled they open at 9 a.m.
You can sleep in your car but they are some basic campgrounds nearby no showers though
GuideWhitney Portal Campground is located in the Inyo National Forest. It is the access point for anyone to hike / climb Mount Whitney. The campground itself has may RV and tent sites, but reserve plenty in advance as it fills up quick. If you are planning on hiking from the portal they do have one night only campsites for the hikers just outside the parking area at the portal. Just make sure you get a parking pass from the Forest Service office in Lone Pine. On the Trail there are three distinct places to camp. Lone Pine Lake is 2.4 mile is and is a nice unimproved camp area with a beautiful lake. Outpost camp is about another 1.5 miles up and is in a grassy meadow with a stream, also unimproved. The last camp area before summitting is Trail camp. It is 6 miles in from the portal, there is a small lake for a water source (use a filter). This is above tree line and the ground is hard with granite rock, so a tent wont stake. We used rocks instead and tied off with guide lines. This whole area, from the portal campground to the summit is amazing. The portal also has a small store and cafe. Food is awesome, Highly recommend.
GuideWe recently backpacked to the summit of MT Whitney. On the way to the summit there are several options for overnight camping. Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls. This is the last place you can camp without a Whitney zone overnight permit. Outpost camp is your next option at mile 3.8. Flat and shady with meandering streams and a waterfall, this is a beautiful place to stop for the night. Trail Camp is located at mile 6.3. Surrounded by tall, jagged granite peaks, and edged by a beautiful alpine lake, Trail Camp is awe inspiring. Trail Camp is about 12,000 ft elevation, so be prepared to camp at high altitude. If you can swing it, taking your time to ascend slowly, and camping along the way for at least a couple of nights will make your MT Whitney experience truly unforgettable.
TravelerWe aren't big hikers, so our reasons for coming had little to do with the trailheads to the mountain. When my brothers and I were little, we went to Whitney Portal every summer to camp and fish. My father used to get us all set up with hooks and poles early in the morning, just at the perfect time to meet the stock truck. The back of the truck would open and a river of hungry trout would come rushing out, and three little nippers pulling fish out as fast as dad could get the hooks out of them. Camping at Whitney Portal has become much more regulated now, but it's even more beautiful than I remember. The altitude still makes me tired at first, but after a day or so, it wears off and it's easier to enjoy fishing and watching the chipmunks and seeing the stars twinkle in the crisp night air.
It's a bit more primitive than my favorite places to camp, but the beauty makes up for it. Not a fan of vault toilets, but that's how it goes.
TravelerHad a wonderful time exploring the area of the Alabama Hills below and was a wonderful campsite to beat the heat of the valley, at that time was over 100 degrees. The stream was flowing and had just been load with fish, the campground was open and as well as the store/restaurant. The Burger and Beer was a welcome site after a week in the sierras, the big surprise was breakfast, the single pancake was big enough to feed three people. Do not order the short stack unless you have an army of people to feed. The campsite was kept very clean and well organized, firewood for campfires and an abundance of information about the hike to the top and surrounding areas.
GuideOne of my favorite campsites that I have been to. I stayed at the Backpackers spots near the entrance of the Portal and the spots were perfect for what I needed before and after I climbed Mt. Whitney. There are plenty of spots for a reasonable $10-15 with plenty of shade and coverage. The surroundings are gorgeous and you could have a great time staying here and just walking around looking at the river and waterfall at the campground. The store at the Portal has great options in terms of food if you do not feel like cooking or if you forget anything. The people inside are also very friendly and willingly to assist you in any way you may need. There are only vault toilets and I did have to filter all my water while there because of E.Coli threat but that just happens sometimes. When there isn't an E.Coli threat they also have showers available for use! For the price however, you can't find a more enjoyable and gorgeous site to camp at. I was a solo female and I felt extremely safe and comfortable. Bonus for the bear lockers by your car!
TravelerWe parked our rig and looked around and were speechless. Whitney Creek runs through the campground, and the Sierra Nevada mountains rise up all around it. For those hardy souls who want to hike up Mount Whitney, the highest point in the Sierra Nevada range, this is the place to start. For the rest of us, it was just an amazingly beautiful place to spend a couple of nights, do a little fishing and a little hiking. One caveat is that it is at 8,600 feet and the road up from Lone Pine is pretty scary.
GuideThere are two camp grounds in the portal. One about half way up and the other at the end of the road before you start your ascent up to one of the tallest mountains on the northern hemisphere!
The camp site that’s half way up has a stream running through it with hand made fire pits and bear cages per camp site. This site is truly stunning while star gazing and watching the sun just kiss the peak of Whitney in the early morning. Truly inspirational to get your day going.
The camp site above is immersed in the tall pine trees that sit right before the rocks take its place because of the lack of oxygen due to the elevation.
A fun area to day hike but if you are planning on going up you will need a permit.
ScoutThis camp ground is at the base of a very magestic mountain. Because Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48, this is a busy area. But it is still very relaxing and beautiful. And the camp host, Bill, is amazing. Very friendly, helpful and patient. The camp ground,itself has a beautiful stream running,through it, which ia stocked periodically with trout. 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.
I have two issues with the camp ground is the site are small. It took some creativity to get out tent to fit.
GuideGreat camp ground. no running water that time of year. Toilets were clean and bear boxes were easily accessible.
LegendThe Whitney Zone has an other-worldly feel to it. You can start your adventures to this unique place in the High Sierras by camping at the end of the road, just before the trailhead. The elevation is high enough to make it substantially cooler than Lone Pine, and it also has plenty of shade. The drastic climate difference here should acclimate you for even colder weather and altitude, if you're hiking up into the Whitney Zone!
There are plenty of bearboxes, sufficient pit toilets, and it tends to be quiet. Most people who stay here use it as a launch pad to hike into the backcountry early in the day. So, in my experience, you won't run into boisterous parties, and the campground is fairly spread out.
Just a reminder to obtain permits before you head into the Whitney Portal!
Cabin camping near Independence, California offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Independence, CA is Whitney Portal with a 4.8-star rating from 28 reviews.
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