Best Tent Camping near Keeler, CA
Looking for tent camping near Keeler? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Keeler with tent camping. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Keeler, CA (34)
1. Portagee Joe Campground
Lone Pine, California10 Reviews•24 Photos•50 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
2. Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground
Alabama Hills, California6 Reviews•11 Photos•52 SavesLocated in the Horseshoe Meadow Recreation Area this trailhead campground has 18 walk-in sites suitable for backpackers and hikers to use the night before they are going to hike into Golden Trout Wilderness via the Cottonwood Pass trail. Please self-register at Horseshoe Meadows Campground when you arrive. Sites include food storage boxes, tent pads, and tables, fire grates, piped water, and toilet facilities. One night stay limit. Horseshoe Meadow Area Campgrounds Guide (pdf)
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
3. Horseshoe Meadow Campground
Alabama Hills, California5 Reviews•5 Photos•74 SavesHorseshoe Meadow is a vast 10,000 foot high meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. Getting there is an adventure in itself; the road to Horseshoe Meadow climbs over 6,000 feet, as it winds its way up from Lone Pine. Three campgrounds are located in the Horseshoe Meadow Area. Trails from Horseshoe Meadow provide access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from approximately November to May due to snow.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$6 / night
4. Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
Alabama Hills, California2 Reviews•7 Photos•11 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
5. Homestake Primitive Campground — Death Valley National Park
Keeler, California2 Reviews•16 Photos•28 SavesExtremely remote campsite at 3,785ft of elevation, accessible only by high-clearance vehicles with all-terrain tires. Access from Saline Valley Road requires navigating Lippincott Pass and should only be attempted by experienced 4-wheel drivers. There are no approved toilet facilities at this location and no water available. Pack in all that you need, pack out all that you bring.
- Tents
- Toilets
6. Whitney Family Campground
Alabama Hills, California2 Reviews•2 Photos•15 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
7. Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, California8 Reviews•29 Photos•116 SavesFirst come / first served tent only campground with no additional fee. Located next to CA 190 at 2100' feet in elevation. Emigrant campground overlooks the Cottonwood Mountains which is a part of the Panamint Range. This is a small campground with 10 sites southwest of Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station. A building with flush toilets is 270 feet down a dirt trail just outside of the campground.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
- Drinking Water
8. Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry Campsite
Alabama Hills, California1 Review•6 Photos•7 SavesLocated near Horseshoe Meadows, the Cottonwood Lakes Basin has many pristine alpine lakes and creeks located between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak. Side trails branch to Muir Lake, Hidden Lake, South Fork Lakes, Cirque Lake. Along the trail to New Army Pass are Long Lake and High Lake in the John Muir Wilderness. Climbing over New Army Pass the trail continues into Sequoia National Park and eventually joins the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Cottonwood Lakes are home to California's state fish, the Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita).
Common Destinations: Cottonwood Lakes basin, New Army Pass, John Muir Trail, Mount Langley
Download area map for trail names https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5337644.pdf
Wilderness Permit Information (760) 873-2483
Historically, there has been a high level of bear activity in the Cottonwood Lakes area. From Memorial Day weekend through October 31, all food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers.
At the trailhead, all food, trash and scented items must be removed from vehicles and stored in the bear proof lockers that are located in parking areas. Dispose of trash in bear proof trash receptacles.
For more information about traveling in bear bear country, click here...https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_003846
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
9. Lone Pine Lake - Inyo Wilderness
Alabama Hills, California1 Review•2 Photos•19 SavesWhile planning your wilderness trip, please note that activities like backpacking, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, and horse camping are allowed. Motorized or mechanical activities like drones or bicycles are not allowed in wilderness.
There are maintained trails through the area to hike on, but no developed campground facilities. Campsites are not assigned. Follow Leave No Trace principles when selecting a wilderness campsite. Groups are limited to 15 people or less, in order to preserve the solitude and tranquility of the backcountry. If you will travel into the neighboring national parks, you may be limited to a smaller group.
When you sign a permit as group leader you are agreeing to abide by all laws, rules and regulations that apply to the area and accept responsibility for your group to do likewise.
The first principle of Leave No Trace is to plan ahead and prepare. Learn the rules & regulations for the area you'll visit.
- Tents
10. Symmes Creek
Seven Pines, California2 Reviews•4 Photos•66 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Alcohol
Recent Tent Reviews in Keeler
484 Reviews of 34 Keeler Campgrounds
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Teresa A.
Guide
Wildrose Campground — Death Valley National Park
Overnight in Death Valley
After spending the day exploring we found this gem of a spot. Even had fresh water available to fill up our tanks.
- JJoseph Z.Guide
Horse Meadow Campground
Awesome location
If you like to be off the grid amidst the trees this is the place for you. We like to camp next to the creek. Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there’s no fires near.
- Michell C.
Ranger
Stovepipe Wells Campground — Death Valley National Park
Basically a Gravel Parking Lot
There wasn’t much to this camp site…it was basically a gravel parking lot. Tent only spaces along the rear of the campground. The best part about it is that it’s cheap…only $9 with an Access Pass and in early December it was almost empty. Stayed one night and walked to the gift shop store for snacks and stickers.
- Michell C.Ranger
Emigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park
Tent/Car Camping Only
We planned on staying here in our little Toyota Motorhome but when we arrived, we saw a “Tent Only” sign. The camp looked very clean and there were restrooms available.
- KKevin T.Guide
Minietta Road
Ideal for the night
We pulled off on the closest part to the road which was quiet all night really. There were other parts further up.
- MMike
Scout
Taboose Creek Campground
Easy access right off highway
Was going to stay at the truck stop overnight , till I opened up the dryt app and found this campground that was only 5 miles away. There was only 3 other campers there. Easy pay with kiosk pay station with credit card. There was also an artisan well for amazing water and a stream running thru camp
Thomas and James S.Guide
Creek Side Independence Dispersed 2
Breathtaking peace
Mountain side relatively flat dirt area to park. Has a sizable fire ring for the cold nights! Absolutely magical to sit next to the creek listening to the roaring waters! Much needed after the desert!
- GGarrett B.Guide
Stovepipe Wells Village RV Park — Death Valley National Park
No-frills sites, but easy access to supplies, fuel and pool
We stayed recently when it was 116 during the day, but since the sites had electric, we gave it a shot. The first two sites we tried had bad electrical setups. The breakers wouldn't lock in place, and kept flipping back to the tripped/open state. No problem, since we were the only people there - we just notified management and moved sites. They have water/sewer too, but you'll want to filter the water because of the taste. The pool across the street was actually cold at night, even though the air temp was 90, so that was great.
The "saloon" was being renovated and had a limited menu... I'll just say that we wished we had just grabbed some pre-packaged sandwiches from the general store instead.
Not a bad stop for staying in the park, with easy access to supplies, if neeeded.
Rachele V.
Traveler
Alabama Hills North
Amazing views!
2nd time at this spot and loved it! Rolled in after midnight and no one else was around.
- AAndy B.Scout
Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
Perfect.
This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.
Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.
- CCharlie W.Scout
Lone Pine
Lone Pine is beautiful
Beautiful views!
KateGuideEmigrant Campground — Death Valley National Park
free, quiet campground
no one else was there when we arrived later in the evening though we only camped for one night at the end of summer. no one else ever showed up either. just a few cars drove by every now and then. we were exhausted so we just opened a couple windows to the car rather than set up our tent. toilets were within walking distance/next to the parking lot but closed due to bees. port-a-potties were available instead. at night, the stars were absolutely beautiful. it was pretty hot but by opening the car windows and using some battery powered fans, we managed!
Lisa D.Traveler
Boulder Creek RV Resort
An Oasis on the 395
This park is in the middle of nowhere but a fabulous view of the Sierra Nevada's. I had a problem when I pulled into my site getting shore power from the electrical hook up. But I went to the office and I was moved immediately to a better site with a good hook up! Quiet, clean and well landscaped for the desert surroundings
Ian F.Guide
Sentinel Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon NP - 9/24
Great spot and so much less crowded than Yosemite. Bathrooms are not so great
Megan E.Ranger
Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills
Quick stay
Camped here before hiking Mount Whitney the following day. Think we got one of the only sites with a “tree,” but the grounds were well maintained and area was quite. Enjoyed camping here.
- Andrew P.Guide
Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
Quiet, remote, beautiful
I pulled in here looking for a campsite on my way up to mammoth. I was able to find a pretty dope spot surrounded by rocks, and nowhere near any other campers. I was legit, alone.
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.
- EElke S.Scout
Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
Great spot to be off
Great campground as base for hikes or just to chill and enjoy the river. We had no cell reception - good to be really off for a little while. Only the restrooms where a little disgusting - experienced that differently in other NPs.
Cameron L.GuideCamping area No. 3 (dispersed)
Great Spot tucked off the road
We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!
Leslie R.
Legend
Mt. Whitney Trail Camp
beautiful setting, but overcrowded and uncomfortable
I think the coordinates for this campground are off, it's located closer to 36.563093,-118.279422
We hiked Mt Whitney from the portal campground in two-days, with one overnight at trail camp. Even with the permit system, the campground was packed, it was hard to find a spot for our tents. We arrived to the campground around 4pm, so I would suggest starting the hike earlier (we started at 10am) if you want a better spot. Another downside of how many people go through the campground, was that it smelled like pee in a few areas, and I was very disappointed to see people had left trash and even wagbags.
The 360 view around the campground is magnificent, and it is breath-taking to see the sunset and sunrise. Don't expect to sleep much in-between though, because you're sleeping on rocks, and hikers start/finish at all hours on the trail that's a few yards away from many of the tent spots.
- Leslie R.Legend
Panamint Springs Resort
Great amenities, decent cabin
We stayed one night in Cabin #17. Because we visited off-season, we were one of only three cars parked in the cabin/camping area. The beds were comfortable and the air-conditioner kept the cabin cool while we slept. There were a LOT of bugs that got inside the cabin, which was somewhat unavoidable every time we openned the door.
The night we stayed was a new moon, so the dark sky views were INCREDIBLE. We saw the milky way with our bare eyes sitting on the porch of our cabin.
We arrived around 10pm at night, so the check-in desk was already closed. Fortunately, I had received the email with the late check-in instructions, and finding our cabin assignment was easy. I do wish getting some information in advance had been easier. I tried to call the front desk on our drive to the park, but no one answered. It wasn't entirely clear what amenities/facilties were open. For example, the website said breakfast available in one place, but in another place it said the only open was getting a breakfast burritio in their gas station. So we didn't know if we should pack extra food.
It did turn out that the restaraunt was still open, despite being off-season. It was pricey (totally fair, you're in the middle of a desert) but delicious, and friendly service. The staffer in the general store/gas station was also really friendly and gave great advice for which parts of the park to visit, and how to drive responsibily in the summer heat.
Finally, I think it goes without saying, but coming in July will be HOT. Plan to do activities like hiking early in the morning, and find some place by noon to stay in the air conditioning until evening.
Erik R.ScoutAlabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
Dennis H. Jackson
Exploring Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road is like stepping onto a film set straight out of a Western movie. This iconic location in California has been the backdrop for countless films, thanks to its stunning rock formations and dramatic landscapes. If you're planning a visit, make sure to check out Castle app for an interactive and personalized travel guide that enhances your experience with custom itineraries and insights tailored to your interests. Whether you're a film buff or an outdoor enthusiast, the combination of real-world exploration and digital tools can make your adventure in the Alabama Hills truly unforgettable.
Mike W.Scout
Portagee Joe Campground
Convenient Spot
Last minute decision to camp near Lone Pine. The site has a machine that takes cards now - super convenient. The breeze helped cool the temperature quickly, and the creek sounds great! Mostly quiet tonight, maybe a third full.
- JJulie G.Guide
Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
Confusing layout lacking signage
It’s confusing to find the campsite. No signs directing you where to go. You have to drive behind the sites and pull through. Sites are small and you’re basically packed together. power and water are on the right instead of left. Bathroom ok, shower curtain looks dirty.
- Eric A.Traveler
Fish Creek Campground
Tranquil Camping
Campsite 32 was beautiful, overlooking the creek, every morning here was blissful. Fairly remote (about 25-30 min from the general store with wifi) this place feels like another world
Barrie M.ScoutLake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
Tranquility
A lovely site, both scenic and peaceful. Was very quiet when we stayed. The small lake was ideal for a bit of casual kayaking and nature watching - mostly birds and dragonflies. Charming and spacious, the informality of the site was a refreshing change. Owing to it being quiet, we spent most of our time there in one of the riverside overlooks that provided seating, a table & a grill (as well as being a vantage point for watching nature and launching the kayaks.
The only slight negative was that it was the only one of 10 we used on this trip that offered full hook-ups but no WiFi (5G service was adequate though). Would also benefit with the addition of more than just the single shower/toilet unit (which contrary to another review was of more than adequate size)
- LLinda L.Guide
Hogback Creekside Camp
Nice spot by a swift running creek.
This place was pretty easy to find, right off Hogback road. There are a couple of sites here, we picked the first one. After an hour or so two vans showed up and parked on the other side of the creek. This site is so close to the road, we could see them make the turn off Hogback road. No trees, just bushes. It's okay. Pretty basic. Great views of the backside of Mount Whitney.
Deb H.Ranger
Whitney Portal
Pretty
The campground is beautiful. The sites are a bit close together and many have little privacy, but it was very quiet and enjoyable. The vault toilets needed to be emptied and they were very stinky. It seemed a little early in the season (early June) for them to be so full. Nice hiking trails accessible from the campground. Saw fresh bear scat near our site, but never saw any bears.
Guide to Keeler
Nestled near Keeler, California, tent camping offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy diverse amenities and activities.
Local Attractions for Tent Campers
- Experience breathtaking views and outdoor adventures at Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground, where the well-maintained sites are perfect for families and groups.
- The picturesque Horseshoe Meadow Campground serves as a great base for exploring nearby hiking trails and enjoying the serene meadows.
- For those looking to explore the iconic Mt. Whitney, Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground provides easy access to the trailhead and stunning alpine scenery.
Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities
- Portagee Joe Campground offers essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a convenient spot for a relaxing stay.
- At Whitney Family Campground, campers can enjoy the soothing sounds of a creek while benefiting from toilets and trash disposal facilities.
- The Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry Campsite features a pristine environment with no trash or water hookups, perfect for those seeking a more remote experience.
Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Hiking enthusiasts will love the proximity of Lone Pine Lake - Inyo Wilderness, which requires a scenic hike to reach its beautiful alpine lake.
- Fishing is a popular activity at Cottonwood Lakes Backcountry Campsite, where anglers can catch Golden Trout in a stunning natural setting.
- For a unique experience, the Homestake Primitive Campground in Death Valley National Park offers a chance to stargaze under some of the clearest night skies in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Keeler, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Keeler, CA is Portagee Joe Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Keeler, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Keeler, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.