Tent camping near Keeler, California provides access to remote wilderness areas between 2,000-11,000 feet elevation. The high desert environment features dramatic temperature swings, with summer daytime highs often reaching 90°F at higher elevations and dropping to 40°F overnight. Camping sites range from primitive backcountry locations that require wilderness permits to drive-up spots with basic amenities.
What to do
Alpine lakes hiking: Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry Campsite offers access to pristine mountain lakes with excellent fishing opportunities. "My brother caught multiple Golden Trout while fishing at Lake #3 and #5," notes Les R., who adds, "We saw marmots and even a bighorn sheep!"
Photography at Homestake: Night photography enthusiasts find Homestake Primitive Campground ideal for capturing the night sky. "This is a great place to stay for getting early morning, late evening and night shots on the Racetrack. The night sky is amazing," shares James N.
Acclimatization hiking: Use these high-elevation campsites as bases for acclimatizing before bigger hikes. "We stayed here the end of August before backpacking Mt Langley and Whitney. It's a great campsite to stay at to acclimate ahead of time for your trips," explains Kristen C.
What campers like
Dispersed camping privacy: Symmes Creek offers more solitude than established campgrounds. "Dispersed camping on National Forest Land. There's a mile of gravel and then another half mile of dirt road, but if you go slow, most vehicles should be fine," notes Wanderfalds L., who managed to bring a 30-foot trailer to this spot.
High-elevation cool temperatures: Many campers appreciate the cooler climate at higher elevations. "Campsite is at 2000 feet so cooler than bottom and way less crowded," shares John H. about Emigrant Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Tent sites near alpine meadows provide chances to observe Sierra wildlife. "Coyotes, fox, deer and if you hike high enough you might see some bighorn sheep. The night sky splashed with the Milky Way visible most nights," writes Michael A.
What you should know
Water availability concerns: Potable water access varies seasonally and by location. "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 Niko L.
Bear precautions required: Bear canisters are mandatory for backcountry camping. "You are required to use a bear canister for overnight camping. Your toiletries, wrappers, trash, and food must fit in there, so plan accordingly," advises Les R.
Tent-only restrictions: Some campgrounds limit the types of camping allowed. "We planned on staying here in our little Toyota Motorhome but when we arrived, we saw a 'Tent Only' sign," reports Michell C. about Emigrant Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly adventures: Guitar Lake Backcountry and similar areas can work well for older children. "I've used this spot for more 2-5 day jaunts than I can remember. My kids have been treated to this place for weekends off the grid since they've been toddlers," shares Michael A.
Acclimation importance: Children need time to adjust to altitude when camping in this region. "We didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley," explains Les R., describing a sensible approach for tackling high-elevation adventures.
Firm ground preparation: Bring appropriate tent stakes for the hard ground common in this area. "While the ground is hard & filled with stones which make it hard to get a good stake in the ground, this is a good campsite due to location," notes Jason E.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Horseshoe Meadow Campground accommodates some smaller RVs but has limitations. "Good 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," shares Kristian W.
Boondocking possibilities: Some dispersed camping areas can accommodate larger vehicles. "We towed a 30ft travel trailer with no issue. The dirt road dead ends at a large spot with easy turn around," reports Wanderfalds L.
Self-contained necessities: RVers must bring adequate supplies. "No facilities, so make sure you have enough water and power to get you through," advises Wanderfalds L., highlighting the importance of being fully prepared for remote camping.
