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Best Campgrounds near Lone Pine, CA

842 Reviews

Dispersed camping options abound in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area near Lone Pine, California, where rocky formations create a dramatic landscape at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. 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. Established 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 outdoor enthusiasts. 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 areas in Alabama Hills have no water sources and require visitors to bring all supplies.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lone Pine, California (165)

    1. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    87 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "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!"

    2. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    42 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    3 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "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."

    3. Whitney Portal

    29 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 937-6070

    $34 - $95 / night

    "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. "

    4. Boulder Creek RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 876-4243

    $38 - $75 / night

    "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."

    5. Diaz Lake Campground

    15 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-5577

    $14 - $35 / night

    "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."

    6. Lone Pine

    14 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 937-6070

    $34 - $81 / night

    "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."

    7. Portuguese Joe Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-5577

    $14 / night

    "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!"

    "Great views close by. Several geocaches locally. Plus a short distance to town."

    8. Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    8 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    2 miles

    "Exploring Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road is like stepping onto a film set straight out of a Western movie."

    "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."

    9. Alabama Hills Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "First site is large and was to turn around a larger trailer or rv. The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue."

    10. Alabama Hills on Movie Road

    4 Reviews
    Lone Pine, CA
    4 miles

    "Hello TheDyrt Community,

    The Alabama Hills on Movie Road, located in California, is a stunning desert landscape famous for its unique rock formations and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains"

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321 Photos of 165 Lone Pine Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lone Pine, CA

842 Reviews of 165 Lone Pine Campgrounds

Guide to Lone Pine

Camping near Lone Pine, California, offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, stargazing, or just soaking in the natural beauty, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around, including those leading to Mount Whitney. One camper mentioned, "Great access to Mt Whitney trailhead. Hiked to Lone Pine Lake with my pup (no permits needed and dogs allowed up to here)" at Whitney Portal.
  • Exploring Alabama Hills: This area is famous for its unique rock formations and scenic views. A visitor said, "Absolutely love this spot! Very cool rock formations all around you" about the Alabama Hills Recreation Area.
  • Stargazing: The dark skies in this region make it perfect for stargazing. One camper noted, "The views were amazing and there were plenty of trails around to go explore the unique terrain!" at Tuttle Creek Campground.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking landscapes. A review for Grandview Campground states, "The night skies and sunsets are beautiful."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper shared, "It was so quiet and folks in other spots were quiet as well" at Grandview Campground.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy seeing local wildlife. A review for Azalea Campground mentions, "Deer pass by your camper in the morning."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds do not have drinking water or showers. A visitor at Tuttle Creek Campground noted, "No showers or drinking water. Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. One camper mentioned, "Depending on the time of year, it may be hard to find a spot" at Alabama Hills Recreation Area.
  • Road Conditions: Some roads can be bumpy and steep. A camper shared, "The road is bumpy and there can be areas that are steep" while reviewing Lodgepole Campground.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like flush toilets. One camper at Lodgepole Campground said, "Restrooms are flushed and they are cleaned daily."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of nearby trails and attractions. A review for Potwisha Campground mentions, "There’s a 6-mile hike starting from the campground that leads to some waterfalls."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keeping kids entertained is key. One camper at Rivernook Campground noted, "Good sites right on the river."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Whitney Portal mentions, "The sites are a bit close together and many have little privacy."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds lack hookups. A camper at Stovepipe Wells Campground said, "The parking lot is first-come-first-served. It serves its purpose as a place to stay near the dunes."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading to remote sites. A visitor at Rivernook Campground noted, "General store was very limited."

Camping near Lone Pine, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with it!

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.

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