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Best Campgrounds near Olancha, CA

794 Reviews

Dispersed camping options abound near Olancha, California, along the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The Alabama Hills Recreation Area offers free primitive camping on Bureau of Land Management property west of Lone Pine, with dispersed sites scattered among unique rock formations. The region includes a mix of established campgrounds like Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground with cabins and hookups, as well as Whitney Portal and Boulder Creek RV Resort, which accommodate tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals for those seeking more amenities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles while others are accessible via paved roads. Many campgrounds in higher elevations operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months. As one visitor noted, "We absolutely love Alabama Hills. BLM land so you can camp anywhere. So many beautiful views. You can see Mount Whitney in the distance. 4 wheel drive isn't required but definitely recommend." Cell service can be limited or non-existent in more remote areas, and campers should carry adequate water supplies as many dispersed sites lack drinking water. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall due to wildfire danger.

The camping experience in this region is characterized by dramatic mountain views, desert landscapes, and proximity to natural attractions. Several campgrounds provide access to water features like creeks and lakes, though availability varies seasonally. Campers at Whitney Portal appreciate the nearby trailheads and mountain scenery, with one visitor describing it as "By far the best campground I've been too... Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you." The area attracts both overnight visitors and those establishing base camps for hiking, climbing, and exploring nearby Death Valley National Park. Night skies in this low light pollution area are exceptional for stargazing, particularly at dispersed sites in the Alabama Hills where visitors report excellent views of the Milky Way and celestial events.

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Best Camping Sites Near Olancha, California (172)

    1. Alabama Hills Recreation Area

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

    "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."

    2. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    42 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    21 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."

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

    3. Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley

    5 Reviews
    Olancha, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (442) 364-5290

    $49 / night

    "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."

    4. Boulder Creek RV Resort

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

    $38 - $75 / night

    "It's on the outskirts of downtown Lone Pine, but the views are beautiful of the mountains and the RV park is spacious with plenty of room to get your steps in. "

    "Very close to Owens lake(within view).

    We had a lot of wind that came blowing up the valley from the south. There is very little protection for the tent campsites. Almost killed the tent."

    5. Whitney Portal

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

    $34 - $95 / night

    "Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you."

    "Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls."

    6. Kennedy Meadows Campground

    9 Reviews
    Little Lake, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 379-5646

    "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!"

    7. Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground

    6 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    "Sierras backpacking trip. restrooms and bear lockers are provided. use them as there is a lot of bear activity. cover any odorous items in your vehicle. pretty campground with tons and tons of trees. steps"

    "The trail head camp ground was very nice and well maintained. Vault toilets and fresh water with plenty of access to bear boxes to properly store your food."

    8. Diaz Lake Campground

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

    $14 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "Was able to find spot next to lake in tent only section. Looks like place was full for Labor Day with reservations but was still pretty clean."

    9. Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    5 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 876-6200

    $6 / night

    "Many campgrounds close to each other but not on top. Cast meadow to the west is wonderful for morning walk with coffee. Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes."

    "This is a walk-in campground designed primarily for the backpackers who use this as a jumping off point for trips."

    10. Fossil Falls Campground

    12 Reviews
    Little Lake, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 384-5400

    $6 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Olancha, CA

285 Photos of 172 Olancha Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Olancha, CA

794 Reviews of 172 Olancha Campgrounds

  • french M.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Stine Cove

    I'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.

  • HENRY C.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Minietta Road

    Spacious and ideal stopover point

    In this place you are like lost on an unihabited island, no phone signal, not a single tree. I prepared enough food and stuff to camp in the RV about nearly 2 days. A family of 4 loved the so peaceful night there.

  • Kenneth P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Balch Park Campground

    Fantastic Family Campground

    This is a historic campground. With 1000 year old trees and history of logging. Good fishing and hiking all around the area. Nice hosts and most people are respectful of the area.

  • K L.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    Scenic but misleading

    Labor day weekend and half the campground is closed, water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed. We specifically chose this campground for the convenience of water and dump station. Otherwise, the sites are spread apart and the scenery is beautiful.

  • J M.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Alabama Hills North

    Great views

    Awesome location, easy to reach with a 4X4 Low clearance vehicles may need to be careful

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    Awesome campground

    This campground is a great area for yourself to be immersed into the forest. We arrived on a Sunday and there were first come first serve campgrounds available. We stayed one night but there were plenty of spots to choose from. The roads around the campground are drivable for all type of cars. Due keep in mind you will need a to obtain campfire permit online before you arrive depending if there are fire restrictions or not. There is no service within the campground so make sure you have everything available to you. There are 2 hikes nearby but unfortunately one of the hikes, Freeman Creek Trail, was closed due to restoration work being done at the time. Definitely would recommend if you plan a little trip into Sequoia National Forest.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Django Free Dispersed

    Nicest view of Mt Whitney

    Very nice spot with a nice view of Mt Whitney

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Whitney Portal

    Cool, popular, gorgeous, has lots of bears

    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. 

    The Whitney Portal store is a stroll away with famously good food, run by the same family since before I was a ranger there back in the 1990s.  They have some last minute supplies too, if you discover you forgot anything from rain gear to a stove canister. 

    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.  The National Rec Trail gets overlooked, but showcases the transition from forest at the Portal to desert scrub at the bottom, following the stream, albeit from a neighboring ridge. 

    I'd also consider other campgrounds in the area, as there's a fair bit to do around Lone Pine for such a small town, and the Whitney Portal's position at the end of the road means you'll need to ascend/descend a mile in elevation over 13 steep and twisting curves every time you leave or return. 

    The bears and popularity of the Portal limit my enthusiasm for it a bit, but the positives of a store and restaurant, showers, and great hikes make camping here worth the effort for a few days.  It's certainly a great way to get used to the thinner air if you're then headed for the back country. 

    If one had the luxury of time and the luck/good planning of getting reservations for Cottonwood as well as Whitney Portal, I'd check out both for additional hiking and fishing, as well as the Alabama Hills, which offer free boon docking.  

    The whole Owen's Valley is one great opportunity after another for all sorts of outdoor sports and enjoyment, but Lone Pine has more than its share of nearby attractions and the Whitney Portal is high on that list.

Guide to Olancha

Camping near Olancha, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Alabama Hills Recreation Area: This spot is famous for its incredible rock formations and scenic views. One camper said, "Absolutely love this spot! Very cool rock formations all around you," highlighting the area's natural beauty. Plus, there's a nice short trail nearby that leads to a stream, perfect for a refreshing break.
  • Hike Mount Whitney: If you're up for a challenge, head to the Whitney Portal campground, which is close to the trailhead. A reviewer mentioned, "Great access to Mt Whitney trailhead," making it an ideal base for hikers.
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in this region are perfect for stargazing. One visitor at Tuttle Creek Campground noted, "Great dark skies for stargazing and photography," so don’t forget your telescope or binoculars!

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. A review for Lone Pine Campground states, "The morning view of the Sierra’s was amazing!" This makes it a great spot for those who love to wake up to stunning landscapes.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One camper at Fossil Falls Campground mentioned, "It was very quiet and secluded," which is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Unique Terrain: The diverse landscapes are a hit. A visitor at Tuttle Creek Campground said, "The views were amazing and there were plenty of trails around to go explore the unique terrain!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Alabama Hills Recreation Area, lack basic facilities. A reviewer pointed out, "NO drinking water, NO electric hookups," so be sure to come prepared with your own supplies.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially in summer. One camper noted, "Depending on the time of year, it may be hard to find a spot," so arriving early is wise.
  • Road Conditions: Some roads can be bumpy and challenging. A visitor at Whitney Portal warned, "The road is bumpy and there can be areas that are steep," so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Boulder Creek RV Resort, which offers amenities like a swimming pool and playground. One family said, "Great place to stop," making it a good choice for kids.
  • Plan Activities: Keep the kids entertained with nearby hiking trails and exploration. A reviewer at Tuttle Creek Campground mentioned, "Lots of exploring opportunities!" which can keep the little ones busy.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Bring along snacks and games for downtime. One camper at Diaz Lake Campground noted, "A lovely little lake surrounded by giant oak trees," perfect for a picnic.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. A visitor at Boulder Creek RV Resort mentioned, "Full hookups," which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue in some areas. One RVer at Panamint Springs Resort noted, "The campsite not well marked and difficult to navigate," so be ready for some rough patches.
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Portagee Joe Campground mentioned, "Cell service good enough for streaming," but it’s best to check ahead.

Camping near Olancha, California, offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. With stunning views, diverse activities, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Olancha, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Olancha, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Olancha, CA and 50 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Olancha, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Olancha, CA is Alabama Hills Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 87 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Olancha, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 50 free dispersed camping spots near Olancha, CA.

What parks are near Olancha, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Olancha, CA that allow camping, notably Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

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