Alabama Hills and surrounding areas offer rustic camping options near Seven Pines, California, located in the Eastern Sierra region. The terrain consists of unique granite formations at approximately 4,500 feet elevation with dramatic temperature swings between seasons. Recent changes to camping regulations have significantly altered the dispersed camping landscape, with most sites now limited to designated areas only.
What to do
Bouldering and rock climbing: Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite provides excellent access to climbing opportunities. One visitor notes, "Do you like rock climbing? Do you like beautiful views? This is the place where you can camp, wake up in the morning drink coffee, walk less than 100 yards and go climbing."
Film location exploration: Several movies were filmed throughout the area. At Alabama Hills Side Trail, a camper mentioned, "Very nice view. Some clips of the film Ironman and Star Wars took place." The unusual rock formations create a distinctive landscape recognized in many productions.
Stargazing after dark: The clear, dark skies provide exceptional astronomical viewing. The area becomes particularly striking at night when camping at Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road, where one camper found 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."
What campers like
Mountain views: The panoramic Sierra Nevada backdrop creates a striking setting for primitive camping. At Alabama Hills North, visitors appreciate the "amazing views" with one noting it offers "awesome location, easy to reach with a 4X4. Low clearance vehicles may need to be careful."
Creek access: Some sites provide water features not found in the drier Alabama Hills. A camper at Creek Side Independence Dispersed 2 described it as "breathtaking peace" with a "mountain side relatively flat dirt area to park. Has a sizable fire ring for the cold nights! Absolutely magical to sit next to the creek listening to the roaring waters!"
Privacy between sites: Unlike developed campgrounds, many dispersed sites offer significant separation from other campers. At Alabama Hills North, campers report finding solitude even during peak seasons, with one mentioning they "rolled in after midnight and no one else was around."
What you should know
Limited designated sites: Many areas previously open for dispersed camping now prohibit overnight stays. According to a recent visitor at Alabama Hills Dispersed Site, "This site is on Horseshoe Meadow Road about 1/2 mile north of the Tuttle Creek site. There are 3 legal spots with camping signs."
Road conditions vary: Access roads range from passenger car accessible to high-clearance only. At Independence BLM, some roads have deteriorated, with one camper reporting the area is "super rough except a couple space you can squeeze in. Very rough and totally unmaintained."
No amenities available: Pack in all supplies including water, waste disposal bags, and toilet paper. Most sites provide no facilities whatsoever. When camping at Alabama Hills Side Trail, expect a "mars looking panorama" that "feels like outer space" but with no infrastructure.
Tips for camping with families
Temperature preparation: Bring appropriate clothing for extreme temperature shifts. A visitor to Alabama Hills Side Trail warned, "Very cold around March." Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F while winter nights often drop below freezing.
Arrival timing: Secure camping spots early, especially during peak seasons. At Hogback Creekside Camp, a camper observed, "This place was pretty easy to find, right off Hogback road. There are a couple of sites here, we picked the first one. After an hour or so two vans showed up and parked on the other side of the creek."
Backup plans: Always have alternative camping locations identified. A visitor to Alabama Hills Side Trail reported, "We drove to this location and arrived around 9pm on a Sunday. The road we needed to take was closed and gated off. There was another potential road to the left, but it was also gated off."
Tips from RVers
Level sites limited: Many spots require leveling equipment. At Alabama Hills Dispersed Site, a camper noted, "There are 3 legal spots with camping signs. First two are level. Third will need leveling blocks."
Road access challenges: Some roads to dispersed camping areas are deteriorating or blocked. A recent visitor to Independence Creek Dispersed BLM Site warned, "This road leads to a sewer treatment plant and road is gated. Unpassable gravel road."
Site selection strategy: Drive through available areas before committing to a spot. At Alabama Hills Dispersed Site, a camper advised, "The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue. The second and third have better views. But the first can offer wind protection from the north."
