Olancha sits at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains with an elevation of 3,650 feet, positioned between Owens Lake and the expansive Death Valley region. Temperature extremes are common, with summer highs often exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. The area's distinctive volcanic landscape includes cinder cones and ancient lava fields that create unique camping environments throughout the region.
What to do
Explore unique geology: Fossil Falls Campground offers access to polished volcanic rock formations created by ancient water flows. "A very cool and very unique spot in Southern California. Places to walk around places to climb around," notes one visitor to Fossil Falls Campground.
Mountain views: The Sierra Nevada backdrop provides spectacular scenery and photography opportunities. At Tuttle Creek Campground, you'll find "stunning views. We were in site 28. Clean pit toilets," though campers should note the warning that "we were invaded by deer mice" so take appropriate precautions.
Fishing access: Creeks and small lakes throughout the region offer fishing opportunities. Lake Olancha features "a small lake was ideal for a bit of casual kayaking and nature watching - mostly birds and dragonflies," making it suitable for anglers seeking a quieter experience.
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: The remote location and minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. "The stars were amazing and the sunrise was on point too," reports a Fossil Falls visitor who "arrived at night so we did not have a lay of the land."
Alpine access: Whitney Portal provides a gateway to higher elevation hikes and Mount Whitney itself. According to one camper at Whitney Portal, it's "a great campground to use as a base camp before you summit Whitney. The staff is friendly and helpful and the portal is just a few minutes away with the store and small restaurant."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Lake Olancha, one visitor enjoyed "watching nature - mostly birds and dragonflies" while appreciating "the informality of the site was a refreshing change."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Rules vary significantly between sites and seasons. At Fossil Falls, fires are permitted in designated rings, but during high fire danger periods, additional restrictions apply. One camper mentioned "Vault toilet and no trash service. Water pump that may have worked I didn't try it."
Temperature extremes: Plan for significant day-to-night temperature swings and seasonal variations. When staying at Boulder Creek RV Resort, campers note "summers are hot here and winters are cold" which affects comfort and required equipment.
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites may present challenges. At Fossil Falls, one camper reported "It was surprisingly rocky upon entering the park and made pulling our camper through there a bit more of a mission," though they still found "a nice site in the back between two hills."
Water availability: Water sources are limited and sometimes unreliable. A visitor to Fossil Falls noted "supposedly had a well but the well pump barely pumped any water at all," highlighting the importance of bringing adequate supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Adventure activities: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly exploration opportunities. Lake Olancha received praise from one visitor who said "Awesome place, can't beat the zip line. Gonna be coming back for sure," providing entertainment for children.
Safer water play: For families with younger children, look for sites with gentler water features. One visitor at KRS RV Resort@Camp James noted "The River was a little low but it was perfect for us with our 5 year old son. We were able to float down the river in our inner tubes safely."
Educational opportunities: Several locations offer natural learning experiences. At Boulder Creek RV Resort, one camper mentioned "Jets from the local military base fly through practicing turns and passes. Cool to see," providing unexpected entertainment and educational opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Overnight stop strategies: Several RV campgrounds near Olancha, California provide economical full-hookup options for travelers passing through. Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park is recommended as "Great for a night or two between longer boondocking stays. The overnighter spots are separate from the permanent resident area, the spaces are level and very clean."
RV dump stations: Plan your waste management carefully as dump services vary. At Bertrand's High Desert Mobile Home & RV Park, there's "a dump station with potable water just outside the overnighter area with a self-pay station for just $10. Fantastic deal."
Space considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between rv campgrounds. Boulder Creek RV Resort features "big pull thru sites but small areas to hang out around your camp," making it better suited for those spending most time away from their vehicles.
