180 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Little Lake, California range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The area includes Fossil Falls Campground, which offers tent and RV sites with picnic tables and vault toilets, and the nearby Fossil Falls dry lake bed for more primitive camping. Alabama Hills Recreation Area, approximately 40 miles north, provides free dispersed camping with stunning mountain views. Kennedy Meadows Campground, situated in higher elevation terrain, features tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with basic amenities including drinking water and firewood availability.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this high desert region. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer brings intense heat while winter nights can drop below freezing. Many dispersed areas require high-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved roads, particularly after rain. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited or no service in remote areas. Water availability is restricted primarily to developed campgrounds, with no potable water at most dispersed sites. "It's a very out of the way place to plant yourself if you are looking for space. There isn't however, potable water or shade unless you bring your own," noted one visitor about the nearby Trona Pinnacles area.
Campers consistently highlight the dramatic landscapes and stargazing opportunities as major draws to the region. The stark desert terrain contrasts with snow-capped mountain views, creating memorable camping backdrops. Little Lake's campgrounds offer access to unique desert landscapes that attract campers seeking solitude and natural beauty. Several visitors mentioned the solitude available at dispersed sites, with one noting that "it's easy to social distance when you need binoculars to see most of the fellow campers in the area." Proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities enhances the camping experience, with hiking trails, rock formations, and off-road vehicle areas accessible from many campsites. Developed campgrounds tend to fill quickly during spring and fall weekends when temperatures are most moderate, while summer camping requires careful planning for shade and water. Winter camping remains possible but requires preparation for cold overnight temperatures.
"A very cool and Very unique spot in Southern California. Places to walk around places to climb around. If you plan on doing any rock climbing then you’re planning on doing this in the morning."
"Just off the highway and easy to get to. The volcano in the distance is beautiful and fossil falls is so unique…lots of room to explore the lava flows."
from $6 / night
Check Availability"Overnight stay driving through. Easy access. Level parking areas. I stopped close to 395 & had no noise from road. Slept well with strong night winds."
"We landed here and drove thru the FF campground, which we knew was closed but wanted to check it out, and pulled out onto the dry lake bed area to spend the night. "
"Great family vacation to get away from everything. Cabins are rustic but have everything you need. Plenty of tent camping in the campgrounds before the lodge."
"Adventure Awaits folks get outside!"
"If you like to stay off the beaten path and away from crowds. The this is a spot to check out. Stayed memorial weekend. We were one out of about 5 campers in the area."
"are open (at least 1, maybe 2) water appears to have been turned off. on plus side many sites have nice shade, but bugs are a problem in summer because of small creek. overall a great place to get away from"
"There's some great fishing near by too."
"You put your fees (cash or check) in an envelope at the entrance and tear off a flap to clip at your site while you are there, as well as a hang tag for your vehicle."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"We tent camped and our site was close to the rv hook up sites. The rv sites have two different sizes and hookups. Tent sites had access to running water."
"We loved this river spot even though we were next to one of the smaller parts rather than the main river. If you can try and get one near the main river as it is more picturesque. "
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability"You can see Mount Whitney in the distance. 4 wheel drive isn’t required but definitely recommend. No bathrooms or water around. A lot of old movies were filmed in the hills."
"Alabama Hills California presents a varied landscape. From the picture above you can plainly see the desert floor to MT. Whitney, snow capped in March of 2018."
"Just off the highway, there are two designated vehicle campsites, however, there are several places to park your car and walk a short distance into a tent site."
"This is a stop along the Pacific Crest Trail. The scenery is an amazing mix of Joshua Trees, pines, chaparral, mountains and large rocks, some snow on the peaks facing north."
"No laundry or café on-site, but the restrooms were clean and the location felt safe. The wind can pick up in the evenings, so secure your awning."
"Its hot but the lake and amenities offered make you totally forget the temperature! Kids had a blast with the peddleboat, peddle boards and kayaks."
from $49 - $69 / night
Check Availability"**Troy Meadows is not as well-known as the campgrounds around Mt."
GuideHeavy winds for most of the day, but less in the evening. Beautiful views of the mountains. Well spaced spots, clean restrooms and plenty of availability even when arriving Saturday around noon of labour day weekend
RangerThis is an older campground with fantastic views of Mt. Whitney. When I say older, I refer to narrow driveways and sites close to one another. The narrow driveways mean that if you have a camper or RV, you will not have a lot of room immediately out of the door. Maybe that's important to you, maybe not-just an FYI. Every site appears to have a tree capable of providing shade. There is a host on site. It has the standard amenities-table, fire ring w/grill, water & restrooms. The North Fork of the Lone Pine Creek runs along the north side of the campground and sites are available along side it. Most of these are tent sites. Site 39 sits right at a nice little pool in the creek & I saw trout in this pool. (it is a tent site) People in the campground were fishing. It wasn't crowded and most folks seemed to spend just one night.
TravelerStopped by here on a last minute late afternoon to get out of the heat, sit by a campfire in the cool weather and wake up to a brisk warning. Did a half day hike before heading out in the afternoon.
ScoutStaying for 2 nights at the end of August. Its hot but the lake and amenities offered make you totally forget the temperature! Kids had a blast with the peddleboat, peddle boards and kayaks. The docks are a fun spot to hang out and have dinner. Amazing views!!!
GuideWhat a nice surprise it’s a really small campground, but located in front of the beautiful Mountain views of Whitney and Lone Pine Peak with a Brick running through it. It’s stunning. We will definitely stay here again.
ScoutThis is a nice camp ground in. Camp parking , right on the Mighty Kern River, beautiful landscapes and mountains, friendly people , and great trout fishing, and kayaking. All in all 100% one of my all time favorites.
GuideWe came late afternoon on a Saturday and there was heaps of space left. Some spaces any car can drive, some require higher clearance and some are 100% 4x4 access only. But there was plenty.
The pit toilet is off to the right of the site, although, it can be messy inside, we cleaned it twice in our 1 day stay.
The river is clean, flowing and not freezing cold which was great. Plenty of places to have a dip or a swim. Plenty of places to get chairs under trees for a break from the sun. Absolutely no flies or mosquitoes, it's hands down the best camping spot we've found in the USA so far. Huge bins on the way in to accommodate rubbish.
2 bars 4G Verizon signal, tarmac road until entry and then abit lumpy down to main site.
TravelerGreat little spot just before Mt. Whitney portal. Clean bathrooms. One side of the campsite has good shaded campsites. Some sites are on the smaller end but over all will be coming back again.
GuidePlan to stay the max 14 days if you can, this site is def worth it.
Little Lake sits at the junction of the Mojave Desert and Eastern Sierra regions, with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet across nearby camping areas. Temperature swings of 40-50 degrees between day and night are common throughout the year, making layered clothing essential regardless of season. Many camping options feature volcanic landscapes from ancient lava flows that shaped the distinctive terrain.
Explore volcanic formations: At Fossil Falls Campground, hikers can access unique lava rock formations. "Lava rocks!! A very cool and Very unique spot in Southern California. Places to walk around places to climb around," notes George B., who recommends timing your exploration carefully as "the face of the sun kissing the rocks expect them to get extremely hot!"
Fishing in alpine streams: Camping near Fish Creek Campground provides access to high-country fishing. "There's some great fishing near by too," confirms Nicholas G., who enjoyed the well-spaced sites. Many campers make day trips to creeks and small lakes throughout the region, especially between late spring and early fall when waters are accessible.
Stargazing without light pollution: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. After arriving at night at Fossil Falls dry lake bed, one camper reported "the stars were amazing and the sunrise was on point too. Neighbors near by but very quiet." The area's dark skies and limited development make it ideal for stargazing year-round.
Natural water features: Despite the desert setting, water access points are highly valued. At Fish Creek, Whitney notes: "There's a trail that leads down to the creek right from the site, which we used each day to cool down in the water." Many campers seek out these water-adjacent sites during hot summer months.
Off-grid solitude: The remote nature of camping spots near Little Lake provides a true escape. At Troy Meadow Campground, one visitor found "We had the campground A Loop to ourselves. Really nice to be out of the Valley heat." The area remains significantly less crowded than more popular Sierra destinations.
Wildlife encounters: Desert wildlife viewing opportunities enhance camping experiences. "Saw 3 rattlesnakes," reports one camper at Long Valley Campground, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness. Jackrabbits, lizards, and birds of prey are commonly spotted, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Accessibility challenges: Road conditions vary dramatically by location and season. At Chimney Creek Campground, Kevin M. warns: "They have primitive bathrooms. No potable water. So bring water." Many sites require advance preparation for basic needs.
Extreme temperature variations: Nighttime temperatures drop significantly year-round. At Fossil Falls dry lake bed, a winter visitor experienced "very windy with 50+mph gusts which calmed after the sun went down." Seasonal conditions can change rapidly, particularly during spring and fall.
Limited services: Most camping areas near Little Lake offer minimal amenities. Philip D. notes about Fossil Falls: "It was surprisingly rocky upon entering the park and made pulling our camper through there a bit more of a mission." Campers should prepare to be self-sufficient with all essentials.
New regulations: Some previously accessible areas now have restrictions. Emily D. reports about Alabama Hills: "The only places you can camp are designated now. Tuttle creek. Everywhere else there are signs for no camping and only day use." Always check current regulations before arrival.
Plan around bug seasons: Insect activity varies significantly by season. At Walker Pass Campground, you'll find good access to pit toilets but should prepare for bugs during warmer months. Whitney warns: "It was extremely buggy; even with multiple types of bug spray and a Thermacell, we got bit by mosquitos and various flies all throughout the day."
Seek shaded sites: Protection from sun is essential during peak summer heat. One camper recommends at Chimney Creek: "Look for spots with shade cause it gets hot." Most campsites have limited natural shade, so portable shade structures are recommended for summer camping with children.
Allow extra travel time: Access to many camping spots near Little Lake requires navigating unpaved roads. "The dirt road to get there was totally doable in our Transit Van," notes Tommy B. about Chimney Creek Campground, but many other areas require slower travel with children.
Site selection considerations: Level sites for larger RVs are limited. At Rivernook Campground, Mike N. advises: "The prime reason is they have campsites directly on the Kern River. Also while camping there you will maintain cell reception, there is WiFi, restrooms available 24/7, and FREE hot showers between 7am to 8pm." This is one of the few developed options within an hour's drive.
Road condition verification: Access roads to many camping spots require advance planning. "It was surprisingly rocky upon entering the park and made pulling our camper through there a bit more of a mission," notes Philip D. about Fossil Falls, adding that "They did have pit toilets and supposedly had a well but the well pump barely pumped any water at all."
Water management: Very few camping areas near Little Lake provide reliable water sources. Laura M. confirms about Walker Pass: "There is a donation based drop box for camping fee so pay what you want or what you can afford," but notes there is no water service. Most RVers need to bring all water supplies or plan resupply trips to nearby towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Little Lake camping area?
Little Lake camping area offers basic amenities for wilderness camping. Based on nearby campgrounds, you can expect limited facilities. At Fossil Falls Campground, you'll find vault toilets but no running water. Most camping in this region is primitive, so pack accordingly. For more developed options, Diaz Lake Campground near Lone Pine provides shade from oak trees and lakeside camping with more amenities. Remember to bring your own drinking water, food supplies, and camping equipment as services are limited in this remote area.
Do I need reservations for camping at Little Lake?
Most camping in the Little Lake area is first-come, first-served. Nearby Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park operates without reservations and can fill up on weekends and holidays. If you're looking for reservation options in the general region, Whitney Portal campground does offer reservable sites. For Little Lake specifically, it's best to arrive early, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall), to secure a spot. Always have a backup plan in case your desired camping area is full.
Where is Little Lake campground located?
Little Lake is located in the Eastern Sierra region of California, situated along Highway 395 between Ridgecrest and Lone Pine. This area sits at the southern edge of the Owens Valley, with the Sierra Nevada mountains to the west and desert landscapes to the east. For reference, it's approximately 30 miles south of Alabama Hills Recreation Area and north of Trona Pinnacles. The surrounding area features volcanic landscapes, desert terrain, and is relatively close to Death Valley National Park, making it a strategic stopover for travelers exploring California's diverse eastern regions.
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