Lone Pine Campground

For Californians with a love for the majestic outdoors, Lone Pine Campground stands as an iconic and highly recommended destination in the heart of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers a truly immersive nature experience, set against the dramatic backdrop of towering peaks, including the formidable Mount Whitney. Known for its "beautiful scenery and hikes," Lone Pine Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to some of California's most spectacular wilderness areas. Whether you're an avid hiker preparing for a Mount Whitney ascent, a nature photographer captivated by the unique landscapes of the Alabama Hills, or simply a family looking for a cozy and scenic spot to reconnect with nature, this campground provides an ideal setting. Its blend of rugged beauty and essential amenities makes it a beloved choice for locals seeking an authentic Sierra adventure.

Lone Pine Campground is perfectly situated on Whitney Portal Road, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA. This location is paramount to its appeal for Californians. From U.S. Highway 395 in Lone Pine, the main highway traversing the Owens Valley, you turn west at the single stoplight onto Whitney Portal Road. The campground is located approximately 12.5 to 13 miles up this scenic, winding road, nestled within the Inyo National Forest. While the road to Whitney Portal can be steep and winding, it is generally accessible for most vehicles, though larger RVs and trailers should exercise caution. Its elevation at around 8,100 feet means cooler temperatures, a welcome relief during California's hot summers. The campground's strategic position makes it an exceptional basecamp, being just 6 miles from the town of Lone Pine for convenient access to supplies and services, and a mere 7 miles from the Mount Whitney trailhead. This accessibility to both town amenities and premier wilderness access is a significant advantage for local users planning their Sierra adventures.

Lone Pine Campground, as a U.S. Forest Service facility, provides essential services focused on facilitating a comfortable and responsible outdoor experience. While it maintains a rustic feel, it includes key amenities that are highly valued by campers.

• Campsites: The campground features 43 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, including one pull-through site (#18). There are also tent-only (walk-to) sites (#38-42), providing options for different camping styles.
• Restrooms (Vault Toilets): Clean vault toilets are available throughout the campground for camper convenience. Reviews confirm these are well-maintained.
• Potable Water: Water spigots are located at various points throughout the campground, providing access to potable water for drinking and cooking (available seasonally, typically May through November, depending on snow conditions).
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, allowing for enjoyable outdoor cooking and campfires when allowed by fire restrictions.
• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): Crucially for this bear country, each campsite comes with a bear-resistant food storage locker. All food and scented items must be stored in these lockers to protect both campers and wildlife.
• Trash Collection: Trash receptacles are available, though during the winter season (November through March), trash collection and toilets may not be available, requiring campers to pack out their waste.
• Campground Host: A campground host is typically on-site to assist campers and ensure regulations are followed, contributing to a well-managed experience.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is often available for purchase at the campground, making it convenient for campers to enjoy campfires without bringing wood from outside the area (which helps prevent the spread of tree-killing pests).
• Cell Service: While some areas in the Eastern Sierra lack signal, cell service is reported as "good in the area" of Lone Pine Campground, which can be a relief for those who need to stay connected.
• Reservations: Approximately 28 campsites are reservable up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov, while others operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. This mix allows for both planned trips and spontaneous adventures.

Lone Pine Campground is celebrated for a multitude of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Californians passionate about mountain recreation and scenic beauty.

• Incredible Views: The most frequently praised feature is the "beautiful scenery" and the "incredible views of the Sierras," with the campground nestled directly beneath Mount Whitney. This offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for any camping trip.
• Proximity to Mount Whitney Trailhead: For serious hikers, its location just 7 miles from the Mount Whitney trailhead is invaluable, making it a prime spot for acclimatization and an early start for summit attempts (permit required for Whitney ascent).
• Gateway to Alabama Hills: The campground is also very "nearby to Alabama Hills," a unique geological formation famous for its rounded rock formations and as a popular filming location. This provides additional opportunities for hiking, bouldering, and photography.
• Access to Nearby Hikes: Beyond Mount Whitney, there's an "abundance of fishing and hiking opportunities nearby," including trails into the John Muir Wilderness.
• Cozy Campsites: Campers often describe the sites as "cozy," offering a sense of intimacy and connection with nature. Most sites provide some shade, which is beneficial during warmer periods.
• Babbling Creek: The campground is located next to a "babbling creek" (Lone Pine Creek), providing a soothing natural soundtrack and contributing to the serene atmosphere.
• Relatively Quiet: Reviews suggest it's "way quieter than the Whitney Portal campground located further up the road," offering a more peaceful experience while still being close to the action.
• Convenience to Lone Pine Town: Its proximity to the town of Lone Pine means easy access to restaurants, stores, and the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center for additional information and permits.
• Year-Round Openings (with seasonal services): While some services close in winter, the campground itself is generally open year-round, catering to hardy winter campers and those seeking off-season tranquility.

For those planning their trip to Lone Pine Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Whitney Portal Rd, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA

Phone for Inyo National Forest (which manages the campground): (760) 876-6200

For reservations, visit Recreation.gov.

Lone Pine Campground is exceptionally suitable for California locals due to its unparalleled location and the diverse range of outdoor experiences it offers right in our backyard. For Californians, it provides direct access to the crown jewel of the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, making it an ideal staging point for serious adventurers. Yet, it also caters to casual campers and families with its "cozy campsites" and proximity to the unique landscapes of the Alabama Hills for less strenuous but equally rewarding exploration. The blend of stunning scenery, ample hiking opportunities, and essential amenities like potable water and bear-proof lockers ensures a comfortable and safe outdoor experience. Its accessibility from Highway 395 and proximity to the town of Lone Pine strike a perfect balance between remote wilderness immersion and convenient access to supplies. For anyone in California seeking a genuine Sierra Nevada camping experience, whether for a challenging summit bid or a peaceful retreat amidst breathtaking views, Lone Pine Campground offers an affordable, beautiful, and highly recommended option that truly embodies the spirit of our state's incredible natural heritage.

Lone Pine Campground

Whitney Portal Rd, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA