Dispersed camping options surround Keeler, California, situated at 3,602 feet elevation in the Owens Valley between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, while winter nights drop below freezing. Campers commonly visit during spring and fall when daytime highs remain between 70-85°F, providing more manageable conditions for exploring the Eastern Sierra wilderness.
What to do
Mount Whitney trails: The Whitney Portal area provides access to numerous day hikes beyond just the main Whitney trail. "Great access to Mt Whitney trailhead. If you're looking for a place to take your jet skis, dirt bikes, and screaming children all while running your generator 14 hours a day, this is the place for you! Diaz lake is literally perfect for that sort of activity," notes one visitor about activities in the wider area.
Kearsarge Pass hiking: Onion Valley serves as a gateway to alpine lakes and high-country trails. "It's a great basecamp for day hikes up into to higher altitude. There are multiple lakes a short hike away and waterfalls on 3 sides, its a beautiful place with peaks souring towards 14,000 ft," explains a camper who used this as their base for exploration.
Kings Canyon exploration: From Sentinel Campground, visitors can access the Kings River and surrounding wilderness. "We hiked the Zumwalt Meadow loops which is a super easy trail (more of a walk) and well worth traveling a few more miles down the road. It's also worth stopping and visiting the waterfalls just off the road," recommends one camper.
Alpine lake fishing: Many of the lakes accessible from Onion Valley and surrounding areas offer fishing opportunities. "If you want to head off into other parts of the backcountry (or are coming back) this is a great calm and serene area with fantastic scenery. The lake isn't too cold if you want to rinse or just cool off," notes a visitor to the Monarch Lakes area.
What campers like
Streamside campsites: Many campers appreciate sites positioned near moving water at Sheep Creek Campground, noting "We prefer to camp by the river because the campsites are bigger and we get to hear the river all day long." Another camper mentions, "There is a small stream at the back of the site that occupied kids making fairy houses for hours."
Vault toilet cleanliness: Dispersed and primitive camping areas often maintain surprisingly clean facilities. "Cleanest vault toilets I've ever been in," reports one camper at Quaking Aspen. Another mentions that at Troy Meadow, "The bathrooms were also kept very clean."
Star viewing opportunities: The remote location far from major cities provides exceptional night sky viewing. "At night, the stars were absolutely beautiful," reports a camper at Emigrant Campground. Another notes from Minietta Road, "In this place you are like lost on an uninhabited island, no phone signal, not a single tree."
Shade availability: Despite the desert climate, many campsites offer tree cover. "Lots of cool hikes nearby, including waterfalls and the Kearsarge Pass. The views are unreal. Walk in sites have more shade and are more secluded," reports a camper at Onion Valley.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region. A camper at Diaz Lake Campground notes, "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions." Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes.
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds shut off water systems seasonally. "Water is not potable year round, will be deemed not potable and/or shut off mid-May per convo with NPS employee. Fill at Stovepipe, Panamint, or elsewhere in summer," warns a camper at Emigrant Campground.
Extreme temperature fluctuations: The 8,000+ foot elevation at many campgrounds means cold nights even in summer. "It did get chilly at night, but as long as you bundle up in your tent, you'll be completely fine," advises a Whitney Portal camper. Another notes, "We were exhausted so we just opened a couple windows to the car rather than set up our tent."
Permit requirements: Many wilderness areas require permits for overnight stays. "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."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Minietta Road provides dispersed glamping near Keeler with easy lake access. "Great for a night or two, heading towards or leaving Death Valley between Joshua Tree. I was able to let dog and cat out of camper and they weren't going anywhere....nothing to chase, etc."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families often enjoy watching the local animals. "There are so many friendly squirrels that vacation here whether it's for group camp parties or family adventures," notes one camper at Diaz Lake, while another mentions "There are tons of mountain squirrels running around the campground frequently, and they are so cute and entertaining to watch."
Waterfall access: Several campgrounds offer short hikes to waterfalls suitable for children. "The Whitney Portal store is a stroll away with famously good food, run by the same family since before I was a ranger there back in the 1990s. They have some last minute supplies too," mentions a camper.
Accessibility concerns: Some family-friendly sites require advance planning. "I'd also consider other campgrounds in the area, as there's a fair bit to do around Lone Pine for such a small town, and the Whitney Portal's position at the end of the road means you'll need to ascend/descend a mile in elevation over 13 steep and twisting curves every time you leave or return."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra have limited spaces for larger vehicles. "If 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."
Generator restrictions: Noise regulations affect generator use at many campgrounds. "With no hook ups or dump station, expect some generator noise during the day and evening," notes a camper at Sheep Creek Campground.
Water and hookup availability: Most glamping near Keeler, California offers primitive camping without RV amenities. "Diaz Lake Campground is right off HWY 395, has a small lake, picnic table, bathroom, and parking. Pros: easy to access, more like and in and out area. Accept pets. Flat surface."
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. "Coming in late to Death Valley one night in November, crossing our fingers that we would be able to find somewhere to camp without a reservation. Low and behold, right after entering the park we stumbled upon Emigrant!"
