Best Dispersed Camping near Seven Pines, CA
Alabama Hills Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping between Lone Pine and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area has recently limited camping to designated sites only, as noted by visitors: "The only places you can camp are designated now. Everywhere else there are signs for no camping and only day use." Most primitive sites in the Alabama Hills offer no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Sites along Movie Flat Road and Movie Road provide stunning views of Mount Whitney and unique rock formations, with some areas accessible to standard vehicles while others require high clearance.
Several BLM dispersed camping areas exist near Independence, approximately 20 miles north of Alabama Hills. These sites include Independence BLM Dispersed and creek-side camping options, though recent reports indicate some access challenges. According to one visitor, "There are rocks blocking the turn off. If you still proceed the trail is completely washed out." The camping areas near creek beds offer natural features but limited space. Fire restrictions vary seasonally throughout the region, with summer typically bringing fire bans. The standard 14-day camping limit applies to all dispersed sites in the area.
