Janet R.
Traveler
TravelerHorton Creek Campground — Alabama Hills
Beautiful campground
This campground has amazing views, vault toilets, potable water, trash bins, and a friendly camp host! I am still here.
Camping near Seven Pines, CA
231 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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California's Seven Pines area has several camping options spread throughout the eastern Sierra region. Tuttle Creek Campground sits in the Alabama Hills with good views of unique rock formations and the mountains behind them. Watch out for deer mice there - you'll need to keep food locked up tight. Big Pine Creek Campground puts you close to Sierra Nevada hiking trails that are worth checking out. You should make reservations for both places, especially from June through August when they fill quickly. Most sites open their booking windows 3-6 months ahead. During dry seasons, fire bans are common, so check if you can have a campfire before counting on one. Most campgrounds enforce a two-week maximum stay. If you plan to fish, get your license and permits beforehand. The night skies are incredibly dark here - perfect for seeing stars. Many campgrounds lack amenities like running water or showers, so bring everything you need. Some access roads get pretty rough after storms, making high-clearance vehicles helpful. Bears and coyotes roam the area, making proper food storage critical for everyone's safety. Seven Pines camping works well whether you want to hike, fish, or just relax away from crowds.
Best Campgrounds near Seven Pines (231)
1. Alabama Hills Recreation Area
"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. Whitney Portal
"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."
from $34 - $95 / night
Check Availability3. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills
"I loved hearing the creek just 30 feet away from my campsite. The views were fantastic and the CG was near the rock formations and trails. Vault toilets clean, no water."
"Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."
from $10 / night
Check Availability4. Onion Valley
"Onion Valley is a beautiful spot tucked into the eastern Sierra above Independence. It’s a windy but not long drive back down to town. The sites were comfortable."
"There are pull in sites and walk in sites. All pull in sites seem to be surround by low growing shrubs and they have so many mosquitoes. The walk in site are under the conifers and are gorgeous."
from $31 / night
Check Availability5. Grays Meadows
"Very private with large growth around us. We soon realized we were missing the gorgeous valley view and incoming thunder storm so we packed up and moved our RV up the hill to the upper campground."
"The campground has a variety of spots that range from shaded areas near the creek to areas that are little more exposed and more towards the meadows surrounding the campground."
from $34 / night
Check Availability6. Lone Pine
"It is also very close to the town of Lone Pine, which has a little market and several restaurants in case you accidentally forget anything or don’t bring enough food. The views of Mt."
"We camped at one of the walk-in sites. Enough space for the 4 of us, 2 tents, and the family pup. The parking spots are only 50 yds away and next to the restrooms."
from $34 - $81 / night
Check Availability7. Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground
"Beautiful small campground at the foot of the mountains, easily accessed from the small town of Independence and about 45 min drive north to Bishop. "
"Both of which have some sites located right along Independence Creek and beneath the canopy of the riparian corridor. There other sites are located within the sagebrush."
from $25 / night
Check Availability8. Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
"If you’re looking to camp in California, Sequoia National Park should be one of your top destinations. They have cabin and tent camping. I have stayed in both."
"Amazing views all around the campgrounds. If you want to get of away from the city this is the place to be...Love it."
from $32 / night
Check Availability9. Goodale Creek Campground
"Some have water dripping on trees and there were many wasps around them (16,18). Site 12 is primo. The campers at the sites near the entrance were noisy but it was much quieter on the east end."
"Over all such a perfect spot to stay away from a crowded campsite & for a fraction of the cost."
from $5 / night
Check Availability10. Symmes Creek
"Not that busy only had some construction vehicles driving by in the morning they are doing some construction up here currently"
"The dirt road dead ends at a large spot with easy turn around. There are off shoots of the main road to other camp spots, but we didn’t venture down to any of those."
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 9 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 4 hrs 12 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 19 min from Hanford, CA
- 4 hrs 41 min from Fresno, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Seven Pines, CA
373 Photos of 231 Seven Pines Campgrounds
John P.
Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground
Zack R.
Grays Meadows
Cynthia H.
Onion Valley
Spencer
Symmes Creek
Erin M.
Independence Creek Campground
Deb H.
Goodale Creek Campground
Les R.
Mt. Whitney Trail Camp
Gabby G.
Whitney Portal
Mike M.
Whitney Family Campground
Mariana C.
Lone Pine
Michael H.
Taboose Creek Campground
Anna R.
Movie Road/Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping
Recent Reviews near Seven Pines, CA
1054 Reviews of 231 Seven Pines Campgrounds
Kelly C.
GuideSequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground
Awesome stay
Hume Lake Campground was a beautiful place to stay in the Sierra Nevada. The campground is surrounded by tall pines and has a peaceful mountain atmosphere that makes it easy to relax. The lake is just a short walk away and offers great views, especially in the morning and evening.
The campsites were well maintained and felt fairly private thanks to the trees. Temperatures were much cooler than down in the valley, which was a welcome change during the summer. Wildlife was active around the campground, and there were plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding area.
Overall, Hume Lake is a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet mountain campground with easy lake access and beautiful scenery. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay an extra day.
- DDebra P.Guide
Whitney Family Campground
Camped next to stream!
Beautiful campground. Camp Host is super friendly and the grounds are well kept. We camped in Spot 22, maybe 10’ from stream.
- SSibylle S.
ScoutSunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Outdoor /Dry Camping
The Sites are in the woods and there is enough room. Restrooms are far. There is not everywhere potable water available.
- SSibylle S.Scout
Sequoia Resort & RV Park
Good Stay
Friendly staff. Free usage of a gas grill. Free usage of the washing machine.
Beverley G.GuideAlabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
Breathtaking views
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. Thankfully, not too much trash, I picked up a bit of waist tissue and broken bottles, but nothing excessive. Let’s help to keep such beautiful sacred places clean, it’s an absolute blessing to be able to come and camp here for free.
- AAdam H.Guide
Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
Amazing views friendly crew
I cant say enuf about our stay. After choosing a perfect spot. We setteled into relax and enjoy to quiet country vibes. Pool. Was great for a cool down. Very great since of community very welcomed by everyone. Matt Tracy and chad made us feel like we were at home The animals were great and friendly. Also The shower was over a granite bolder surrounded with grapevines. We boondocked and had a great time .
- MMary H.Guide
Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
6000 Ft Lower than the Park
This was a nice stay in May, not hot enough to need the AC. I just barely fit into site number 32 with a 23 foot trailer and parked my F150 askew. No hook ups, but there are bathrooms and dishwashing station. Across the Generals Hwy from the park is the dump station and freshwater fill, neither of which have a metal threaded end that you can connect to your RV. The fresh water is good quality and flows out fast. I filled containers and siphoned into my trailer. Stayed 4 nights, had to run generator once to charge batteries since I was under a shade tree and solar panel is on roof. A few sites are in full sun, but most have shade or partial shade. By 10 AM most campers had checked out or left to tour the park. Campground was silent, except for nature sounds. Wild turkeys walked the campground daily, sometimes gobbling, saw one deer two days. The campground is overrun with ground squirrels. A fat one kept begging at my screen door. Lots of acorn woodpeckers and wild mustard plants with small yellow flowers that the honeybees loved. Twice hummingbirds came to my red tail lights thinking they were feeders. Beautiful hikes along the Kaweah river in both directions. If you hike from site number 14, you will see a path to Marble Falls. Be aware it is a very narrow trail and you will get poison oak on your clothes, or skin if in shorts, that you will need to wash off. Lots of small flies and gnats fly around your head, but they don’t bite, just annoying. Didn’t see mosquitoes or get bites. Next time, I will stay in a campground on the north end. Driving from the CG to the Sequoia Trees, are countless tight hairpin turns and a gain in elevation of 6000 feet. After two days of going up and back down, with little cars riding my bumper and pulling over to let them by, it was tiring. Around one turn, a buck in velvet was standing in the road, no place to go except the side, which went straight up and the other side straight down. I was going 15 mph, the speed limit, and had to drive in the middle to avoid him. I did that drive every day to see the sequoias, which are magnificent! Pictures do not capture how awesome they are.
Ben C.TravelerAlabama Hills Recreation Area
A piece of Heaven
Lone Pine Campground is just below Whitney Portal and Mt Whitney. It has a creek full of trout running along side it. Small sites, with vault toilets, but beautiful and full of wildlife.
Guide to Seven Pines
Seven Pines camping areas sit at elevations between 6,500-9,000 feet in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months, with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees common between day and night. This high desert region receives minimal rainfall during camping season, creating particularly dry conditions from July through September.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: From Onion Valley Campground, several day hikes lead to stunning high-altitude lakes. "The campground is nestled in an idyllic eastern Sierra cañon with excellent star gazing," notes Justice F., who stayed at Onion Valley before a John Muir Trail trip.
Explore rock formations: The Alabama Hills Recreation Area offers unique geological features perfect for climbing and photography. "There are a ton of sites so drive around 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 neighbors," recommends Megan S. who visited Alabama Hills Recreation Area.
Photograph night skies: The region offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "The stars and the Milky Way are insane! So many constellations and shooting stars and satellites," reports Rachel W. about her Alabama Hills experience. Some campsites provide unobstructed views of the entire night sky.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds feature running water nearby. At Grays Meadow Campground, "Upper Section is covered by oak trees with willow lined trout filled Independence Creek right through campground," notes Randall G., making it perfect for anglers.
Varied terrain options: The region offers sites from high alpine to desert. "The terrain is a little different it was a nice change up from the desert, sandy, rock... There were more trees, a little snow on the ground, and more wooded areas that brought a new look to our campsite," explains Alejandro L. about Lone Pine Campground.
Established facilities: Some campgrounds provide more amenities than others. At Goodale Creek Campground, "The campground is located fairly conveniently off the highway, though far enough away that you don't hear traffic. Self check-in was easy arriving late. $5 cash or check. There are plenty of spots- each is numbered and had their own picnic bench and fire pit," according to Margaret M.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential. At Tuttle Creek Campground, camper Deb H. warns, "We were invaded by deer mice. They got in our campervan. We killed more than 10 of them... There was a poster on the vault toilets warning about hantavirus in the area."
Seasonal resource limitations: Services vary throughout the year. "In winter operation mode. No water, no host, no firewood, and no fees," explains Laura M. about Grays Meadow in March, adding "There are toilets but they are closed at this time and there are porta potties instead."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. Laura mentions, "Cell service is very iffy, especially for Verizon and T-Mobile. AT&T mostly had 1-2 bars of 4G. However, just a few miles down the road on the way to Independence there is excellent service from all carriers."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shaded sites: "If you have kids, definitely choose lower campground with shade, larger sites and creek close by," advises Val R. about Grays Meadow Campground, noting the temperature differences between upper and lower sections.
Look for natural play features: Some sites offer built-in entertainment. "There are a couple big boulders the kids can climb on and around," shares Mark G. from his experience at Lone Pine Campground, making it ideal for families with active children.
Select beginner-friendly locations: Some campgrounds work well for first-time campers. "An excellent place to go for your first foray into overnight camping or for someone who wants a low maintenance camping trip!" explains Madeline B. about Whitney Portal, citing its convenient facilities.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Many campgrounds have specific length limitations. "Sites are close together and some are directly across from a very busy market... Spot 198 is the best for RV's in my opinion, but it only accommodates up to 22ft," advises Alma L. about staying at Lodgepole Campground.
Consider road conditions: Access can be challenging. Whitney Portal camper Jeff V. notes, "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."
Look for dump stations: Not all campgrounds provide this amenity. At Tuttle Creek Campground, Rick L. points out, "Both water and dump station are closed 80+ sites and all have great views."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Seven Pines, CA?
What camping is available near Seven Pines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Seven Pines, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 231 campgrounds and RV parks near Seven Pines, CA and 61 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Seven Pines, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Seven Pines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Seven Pines, CA is Alabama Hills Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 88 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Seven Pines, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Seven Pines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 61 free dispersed camping spots near Seven Pines, CA.
What parks are near Seven Pines, CA?
What parks are near Seven Pines, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Seven Pines, CA that allow camping, notably Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
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