234 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
TravelerGreat little spot just before Mt. Whitney portal. Clean bathrooms. One side of the campsite has good shaded campsites. Some sites are on the smaller end but over all will be coming back again.
ScoutGreat location in Bishop California. Very secluded area and beautiful sunset… Port-o-Johns were very clean. We were passing through Bishop California and needed a spot that was fairly close to the main road, and there wasn’t very busy.
GuidePlan to stay the max 14 days if you can, this site is def worth it.
TravelerWe stayed in the lower campground, site 51 fit our 21' trailer and truck (Tundra crew cab). Most of the sites are shaded with old growth oak and pine trees. Independence Creek was flowing really good. Water was cool and there are rainbows. The only bathroom is at the entrance. There are several water spickets, with buckets to use on fire rings. Really enjoyed our stay and would come again. At $34 night wish the FS or ? would spend that on site improvements.
GuideNice campground. Bathrooms are outdated but generally clean. Some spots are not very great- such as 156, but I was able to get my van in sideways.
GuideGreat spot to camp for the night! Private, safe
GuideLodgepole, Site 199. Late June. Nice warm days, cold nights. The river and scenery make this campground special. There are lots of birds and rodents (Squirrels and chipmunks of varying sizes and colors).
If you can get a site near the river, or on the outside if a loop, the views and sounds are wonderful. Great location for Sherman Tree Trails, Moro Rock.
The loop restrooms are old and not well cared for. There are only two small restrooms at the visitors center. So Dirty and too few for too many people. (The situation at Grant Grove VC is much better for restrooms, but no showers or laundry.) I used both showers and laundry. My shower was cold and dirty despite having just been cleaned (I waited 50 minutes). (Lowest Bidder). Laundry was adequate and I was thankful to have it.
GuideSites 100, 33, 41. Late June. A beautiful HILLY campground with dirty to very dirty flush bathrooms and no hosts. NPS does a terrible job with janitor service all over the country in my experience.
Site 100 parking pad has a 4 degree grade. It is a very lovely site for smaller tent camping with view of sunset. In a quiet hilly part of the campground, but I had few neighbors even though the sites showed up as completely booked on rec.gov.
Site 33 has a 3 degree grade and *abuts several sites* and the water spigot. Short pad could accommodate a van, but the pad adjacent is *very* close.
Site 41 is at the top of the hill and has a beautiful view and but little shade.
Big Stump trailhead can be reached by footpath from the campground. (Or you can drive back toward the gate and park there).
Visitor's Center with WiFi and a store and decent flush toilets near the restaurant is almost just across the street.
Beware of tiny chipmunks in the most crowded areas. At site 33 I saw two jump onto people's cars/campers. One was trying to get into an open car door.
GuideRun by concessionaire, this is a hosted campground with some Saturday night events in the amphitheater. Warm days and cold nights(40) refreshing respite from the valley heat. The fragrance of the forest in Sequoia is like no other. Best for tents and small RVs.
Abuts the beautiful Princess Meadow, at the turn off to Hume Lake. Site 90 has Open space behind and on one side. Large site, dirt parking pad. Slight grade. Pit toilet close. (Did not use). Walk to trailhead. 1 mile easy hike partially paved is drop dead gorgeous in the early evening light.
Lively Hume(a youth camp) has a snack shop with fast food and gigantic milkshakes. They also have canoes, rowboats, paddle boards, etc for rent, as well as a gift shop, mini mart, and gas station. The campground is near to Grant Grove and Grant Tree and several trailheads.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Seven Pines, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 234 campgrounds and RV parks near Seven Pines, CA and 61 free dispersed camping spots.
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 87 reviews.
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?
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.
Keep Exploring
