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."
