The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Lone Pine, CA

175 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates
    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping near Lone Pine spans free, primitive sites in the Alabama Hills to full-hookup RV facilities on the outskirts of town, offering options for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin accommodations. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land offers numerous free, primitive campsites along Movie Road and Movie Flat Road with expansive views of Mount Whitney. Options include Whitney Portal Campground, located at 8,600 feet elevation with tent and RV sites, and Tuttle Creek Campground, which provides basic amenities in a scenic setting. For those seeking full hookups, Boulder Creek RV Resort sits on the outskirts of town with cabin accommodations and RV facilities.

    The Eastern Sierra region experiences dramatic seasonal changes that affect camping conditions and availability. Whitney Portal Road closes in winter, while lower elevation sites remain accessible year-round. "Drive around, hike, climb! This place is amazing, there is something for everyone. You can find a secluded space or find space for a big group," noted one visitor about the Alabama Hills area. Most dispersed camping requires self-sufficiency as no services are provided, though Lone Pine town is nearby for supplies. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the primitive sites in Alabama Hills, especially those beyond the main dirt roads. Bear-resistant food storage is mandatory at higher elevation campgrounds, particularly at Whitney Portal where bear activity is common.

    Campers consistently highlight the otherworldly rock formations and mountain views as standout features of the area. Several visitors mentioned the stargazing opportunities in Alabama Hills due to minimal light pollution and clear desert air. The proximity to hiking trails, including access to Mount Whitney, makes the area popular with those seeking both relaxed camping and serious summits. Reviews indicate that sites at Tuttle Creek Campground are well-spaced, providing privacy despite being in an open landscape. A camper described the Alabama Hills as having an "otherworldly panoramic view of Mt Whitney and the surrounding Sierras," making it a memorable destination. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds—Whitney Portal sites feature a creek running through the campground, while dispersed campsites in Alabama Hills have no water sources and require visitors to bring all supplies.

    Connectivity Maps

    Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
    Map showing cell service coverage and campground pins
    Try Connectivity Maps

    Best Campgrounds near Lone Pine (175)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

      4.7(87)2mi from Lone Pine

      "Pull off the road right up the hill from Lone Pine. Great place to camp at the end of a long drive. Wake up to breakfast in Lone Pine at the Alabama Hills Cafe (yum!)"

      "Travel west on Whitney Portal Rd from Lone Pine, then turn right onto Movie Rd. Dispersed campsites are plentiful and easily accessible along Movie Rd. Hardest challenge is choosing a spot!"

      Check Availability

      2. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

      4.6(47)3mi from Lone Pine83 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Right in the middle of many trails and sites to see, not to mention a quick skip away from Lone Pine."

      "No service here, no store or place to buy firewood at the campground but you’re a stones throw away from Lone Pine a Western town nearby for fishing, food and any other camping needs."

      from $10 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Whitney Portal

      4.8(31)8mi from Lone Pine47 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We parked our rig and looked around and were speechless. Whitney Creek runs through the campground, and the Sierra Nevada mountains rise up all around it."

      "I'd camp here to hike Meysan Lakes and the start of the Whitney trail to Lone Pine Lake, neither of which require permits for day hikes.  It's a great camp for acclimatization. "

      from $34 - $95 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Boulder Creek RV Resort

      4.2(17)3mi from Lone Pine125 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Awesome RV park and amenities if you're going to be in Lone Pine for a while."

      "Just thought this might be useful information for those coming out of the BLM areas close to Lone Pine. Other than that we drove through the park and it looked really nice."

      from $38 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Lone Pine

      4.6(16)6mi from Lone Pine28 sitesRVs, Tents

      "While visiting Alabama Hills Recreation Area (AHRA) we made Lone Pine on our next stop for our second campsite and to relax for my 44th birthday 🎂 Since the terrain is a little different it was a nice"

      "I took a chance and drove to the Lone Pine Campground just below Mt. Whitney on Memorial Day weekend of 2017."

      from $34 - $81 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Diaz Lake Campground

      3.6(15)2mi from Lone Pine119 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "This is a small lake and they limit the number of motorboats to 25, which is about 20 too many in my estimation.  "

      "This is a great driving reprieve from traveling along the 395! A lovely little lake surrounded by giant oak trees that offer lots of nice shade to spend time resting."

      from $14 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Portuguese Joe Campground

      3.8(13)1mi from Lone Pine20 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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!"

      "Road is extremely easy to drive in on. 2 min away from Lone Pine but it's very peaceful and no city lights to effect the stars at night. They also have fire rings and picnic tables at every site."

      from $14 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite

      4.0(6)0mi from Lone Pine

      "Take Hwy 395 to Lone Pine. Turn west at the stoplight onto Whitney Portal Road, drive 2.5 miles to Movie Road, turn right."

      "walk less than 100 yards and go climbing."

      9. Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

      5.0(4)2mi from Lone PineRVs, Tents

      "This is my third or fourth time camping in the Alabama Hills area, this time I had no cell reception at my campsite, but could walk to get some of the road."

      10. Whitney Family Campground

      4.8(5)8mi from Lone PineRVs, Tents

      "Great location with toilets and running water mixed in with cabins which made it interesting love the creek that runs through the campground"

    View all 175 campgrounds

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Lone Pine, CA

    329 Photos of 175 Lone Pine Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Lone Pine, CA

    907 Reviews of 175 Lone Pine Campgrounds

    • April H.
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Lone Pine

      Nice Little Campground!!

      This 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.

    • Carla S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 2, 2026

      Sequoia RV Ranch

      Visiting sequoia

      Our camp spot was great exactly as pictured, quiet and peaceful. Bathhouse and laundry room filthy and you had to pay to take a shower like a car wash. Just saying if you’re going to charge people to take a shower you could at least clean it. As much as they charge per night shouldn’t be charging anyways . But the spot was nice.

    • Roland L.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 31, 2026

      Whitney Family Campground

      One stay to get cool and a half day hike

      Stopped 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.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 27, 2026

      Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley

      Awesome stay

      Staying 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!!!

    • Lee D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 17, 2026

      Portuguese Joe Campground

      This place is adorable and beautiful!!

      What 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.

    • Les R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 1, 2026

      Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground

      shaded spots for summer heat

      We had to leave our backpacking trip early, and were afraid we wouldn’t find a campground last minute on a Saturday. We saw some spots listed first come first serve in the morning on Recreation.gov, so took the gamble to drive over. There were multiple spots to choose from, many of them in the shade. It’s so hot in the surrounding area in summer, I was pleasantly surprised by how cool the combo of the shade and stream kept us. We lucked out again because it was a new moon, so we got beautiful view of the milky way!

    • Les R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 1, 2026

      Kearsarge Lakes backcountry camping

      Gorgeous camp for backpacking

      We hiked in with our gear through Kearsarge pass, and it was a pretty manageable hike. No steep elevation at any point. There are plenty of our campers around the lake, as many of them are also coming from the Raes lake loop. This backcountry site does have one near box, but you absolutely need to bring your own beer canister with you. See the photo with the info from one of the rangers about recent bears in the area. In July, there was some light showers that came and went, but it stayed warm. You will need to get an overnight permit either through Inyo National Forest or Kings Canyon NP, depending on which way you will be entering.

    • PThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 23, 2026

      Lone Pine

      Lone Pine Campground

      Great 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.

    Guide to Lone Pine

    Dispersed camping sites are highly regulated near Lone Pine, California, with most currently limited to designated areas within the Alabama Hills Recreation Area. The area sits at the intersection of the Sierra Nevada range and Great Basin Desert at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,600 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between seasons and times of day. Recent management changes have significantly reduced the number of available dispersed camping locations, with many former sites now restricted to day use only.

    What to do

    Hike to alpine lakes: Whitney Portal Campground provides access to several alpine lakes that don't require permits for day hiking. "I'd camp here to hike Meysan Lakes and the start of the Whitney trail to Lone Pine Lake, neither of which require permits for day hikes. It's a great camp for acclimatization," notes a Whitney Portal Campground visitor.

    Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access. At Portagee Joe Campground, visitors appreciate the convenient location and creek. "There was a nice stream you could fish with some trout," reports one camper about the nearby waters.

    Explore rock formations: The unique geology creates opportunities for climbing and exploration. "Drive around the area until you find one you like. Lots of premade fire pits to use. Sites are pretty spread out so you won't really see/hear your neighbors," mentions a visitor at Alabama Hills Recreation Area.

    What campers like

    Wildlife viewing with caution: Local wildlife adds to the experience but requires proper preparation. "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions. So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service," warns a Whitney Portal camper.

    Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the site layout at Tuttle Creek Campground. "Good spacing between most sites. Packed dirt roads around campsites in good condition. Picnic tables have pole to hang lantern," notes a visitor. This campground offers $5/night camping with a Senior Pass.

    Night sky visibility: The area's minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. At night in Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road, a camper describes the experience: "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."

    What you should know

    Changing regulations: Recent management changes affect where camping is permitted. "The only places you can camp are designated now. Tuttle creek. Everywhere else there are signs for no camping and only day use," explains a 2025 visitor to Alabama Hills Recreation Area.

    Weather extremes: Summer temperatures can reach dangerous levels. "Free campground. Plenty of random dirt roads leading to private sites nestled among giant rocks... Downside. Really really really hot in summer. Like. Insanely hot," warns an Alabama Hills Recreation Area camper.

    Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack basic facilities. At Diaz Lake Campground, "Only $14 a night, right by a lake! super pretty. mountain view's as well. the only bad part is i think this is a local hot spot, and there was loud trucks coming in and out in the late hours blasting music."

    Tips for camping with families

    Choose campgrounds with water access: Families appreciate cooling options during hot weather. At Lone Pine Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The campground was nice, quiet. There was a nice stream you could fish with some trout. There are a couple big boulders the kids can climb on and around."

    Consider wildlife encounters: Some campgrounds have persistent small wildlife issues. At Tuttle Creek Campground, a camper warned, "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."

    Seek shade in summer: The intense desert sun makes shade valuable. One Boulder Creek RV Resort visitor noted, "This is a simple campground with big pull thru sites but small areas to hang out around your camp. Summers are hot here and winters are cold."

    Tips from RVers

    Campground closures happen regularly: Check facility status before arriving. A Boulder Creek visitor noted, "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'."

    Be prepared for variable access: Some roads require higher clearance vehicles. At Alabama Hills Dispersed Site, "The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue. The second and third have better views."

    Level sites can be limited: Many sites require equipment for leveling. "Most sites are very close to level. Packed dirt roads around campsites in good condition," reports a Tuttle Creek Campground visitor, though at other locations like Alabama Hills Dispersed Site, some spots "will need leveling blocks."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What campgrounds are available in Lone Pine, California?

    Lone Pine offers several excellent camping options. Portuguese Joe Campground is located just 1 mile from town on Mt. Wilson Portal Road with about 20 sites and costs $14 per night plus $5 for extra vehicles. Tuttle Creek Campground provides spacious first-come, first-served sites for $8 per night with breathtaking mountain views. Other options include dispersed camping in Alabama Hills Recreation Area, Whitney Portal Campground at the base of Mt. Whitney, and Diaz Lake Campground. Most campgrounds in the area feature vault toilets and limited amenities but offer stunning Sierra Nevada mountain views. These campgrounds are ideal for travelers exploring Mt. Whitney or using Lone Pine as a base for Eastern Sierra adventures.

    Are there RV parks or RV-friendly camping options near Lone Pine, CA?

    Boulder Creek RV Resort is an excellent option on the outskirts of Lone Pine with spacious sites and beautiful mountain views. The resort offers complimentary muffins and coffee from 7-9am daily and full amenities for RVers. For a more rustic experience, Alabama Hills Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with sites accessible to most two-wheel drive vehicles along Movie Road. Many sites can accommodate RVs and offer incredible panoramic views of Mt. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada range. The area is free to camp and provides a unique desert landscape with large boulder formations. Access is via Whitney Portal Road from Lone Pine, then right onto Movie Road.

    Can I camp at Lone Pine Lake and what amenities are available there?

    Yes, overnight camping is allowed at Lone Pine Lake - Inyo Wilderness, but requires a wilderness permit obtained from the ranger station in Lone Pine. You'll also need to pick up a bear canister, as proper food storage is mandatory. To reach the lake, drive to the end of Whitney Portal Road, park (displaying your permit copy), and hike approximately 2.5 miles up the Mt. Whitney trail. Whitney Portal serves as the starting point for this hike and offers its own camping with Whitney Creek running through the grounds. Lone Pine Lake camping is primitive with no facilities - pack out all waste, filter water from the lake, and follow Leave No Trace principles. The area offers stunning alpine scenery and a more secluded experience than roadside campgrounds.

    Keep Exploring

    4. View all California cities for camping