The Keeler, California camping area sits within the Owens Valley at approximately 3,600 feet elevation, positioned between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains. The area experiences extreme seasonal temperature variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Camping options near Keeler range from designated BLM sites with minimal amenities to developed campgrounds with full hookups, situated between 10-15 miles from Keeler proper.
What to do
Bouldering opportunities: The unique rock formations at Alabama Hills Recreation Area provide excellent climbing for all skill levels. "Lots of premade fire pits to use. Sites are pretty spread out so you won't really see/hear your neighbors. Roads are flat and my small sedan had no problem navigating," notes Megan S., highlighting the accessibility for climbers without specialized vehicles.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Diaz Lake offers fishing opportunities within a short drive. As Federico C. mentions, "Very nice scenery, with a lot of space. It is nice not to be on top of each other. Nice off road and water sports opportunities." The lake supports various fish species and provides shore fishing access points.
Photography at sunrise/sunset: The dramatic lighting on the Sierra Nevada makes Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road particularly popular with photographers. "Great place to pull off and sit on a rock to watch the sun set over the mountains. Shade was minimal, but if you hide between the rocks like they do in that scene on the fire planet in Riddick you'll be alright til it cools off," advises Andrew P.
What campers like
Mountain views: Campers consistently rate the Sierra Nevada backdrop as a primary attraction. At Whitney Portal, Jeff V. explains: "The bears and popularity of the Portal limit my enthusiasm for it a bit, but the positives of a store and restaurant, showers, and great hikes make camping here worth the effort for a few days. It's certainly a great way to get used to the thinner air if you're then headed for the back country."
Creek access for cooling off: Several campgrounds feature creek access that provides relief during hot periods. Regarding Portuguese Joe Campground, Amanda R. notes: "The little stream is great for cooling off. Bathrooms stunk! Great area for exploring. Great views close by. Several geocaches locally. Plus a short distance to town."
Stargazing conditions: The limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "It's so quiet at night you could hear a pin drop. The stars and the Milky Way are insane! So many constellations and shooting stars and satellites," reports Rachel W. about Alabama Hills Recreation Area, highlighting the astronomical viewing conditions in this region.
What you should know
Designated camping restrictions: Recent management changes have limited dispersed camping in popular areas. Emily D. warns about Alabama Hills Recreation Area: "The only places you can camp are designated now. Tuttle creek. Everywhere else there are signs for no camping and only day use."
Wildlife concerns: Both insects and larger wildlife can impact camping experiences. At Tuttle Creek Campground, Deb H. cautions: "Beautiful campground. We were in site 28. Clean pit toilets. Stunning views. But we were invaded by deer mice. They got in our campervan. We killed more than 10 of them... There was a poster on the vault toilets warning about hantavirus in the area."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality across camping areas. Regarding Alabama Hills Side Trail, Katie T. advises: "The BLM page for Alabama Hills gives perfect directions... There's changes in 2022 more 'day use only signs' at the front. Keep heading towards the back and it opens up."
Tips for camping with families
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience significant noise issues. At Diaz Lake, Lauren K. reports: "We only stayed here for a night, enjoyed the water access and incredible sunrise views, did not enjoy the close quarters with other campers who were blasting music until the early hours of the morning."
Educational opportunities: The region offers multiple learning experiences for children. Andrew notes about Boulder Creek RV Resort: "This was stop to be able to visit Manzanar Internment camp... 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."
Basic camping with children: Madeline B. shares about Lone Pine Campground: "A friend and I camped here - I as a first time real camper... and she as a first time camper as an adult - at the end of June, and it was great for us! The camp grounds also have some large boulders to climb on if you are a boulderer."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many camping spots near Keeler, California have restricted services for RVs. Jake N. reports about Boulder Creek RV Resort: "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'."
Site leveling requirements: Several dispersed camping areas require preparation for RVs. Kent G. notes about Alabama Hills 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."
Bridge clearance concerns: Some campground roads have limitations for larger rigs. Kerry L. cautions about Portuguese Joe Campground: "Squeezed a 5th Wheel into one of the spots. Would not advise crossing bridge at back of campground to loop around very low clearance and very small width."
