How much does camping cost at Tuttle Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Tuttle Creek Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Tuttle Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tuttle Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tuttle Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Tuttle Creek Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tuttle Creek Campground?

Tuttle Creek Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tuttle Creek Campground?

Tuttle Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Tuttle Creek Campground have?

Tuttle Creek Campground has 83 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Tuttle Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tuttle Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tuttle Creek Campground?

Tuttle Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Tuttle Creek Campground

3.47

274 reviews

null

Top 2%Fall

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Bishop Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Bishop Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Tuttle Creek Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tuttle Creek Campground: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-872-5000null

I manage this campground

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Tuttle Creek Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

null

Tuttle Creek Campground

null

Nearby places

Lone Pine (5 miles northeast)

Bishop (approximately 40 miles north)

Mammoth Lakes (approximately 60 miles north).

Weather at Tuttle Creek Campground

Current alert: fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. | fire restrictions or call the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000.

Best Time to Camp at Tuttle Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, crisp daytime hiking weather and dramatically reduced crowds, making it the best time to experience Mount Whitney views and the sculpted Alabama Hills. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–75°F (10–24°C) and cool nights 25–40°F (-4–4°C); low humidity and golden light make photography, hiking, and stargazing ideal. Fishing and wildlife viewing remain productive while summer heat and mid-winter storms are behind you, though you should watch for local hunting seasons and, Peak months: October, September, November, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in US

Described as best season: mild days (50–75°F), cool nights, golden photography light, clear skies.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Tuttle Creek Campground

Tuttle Creek Campground sits at the base of the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, offering direct access to Mount Whitney views and sculpted granite formations. Managed by the BLM Bishop Field Office, this large campground accommodates tent, RV, primitive, and group camping with basic amenities including vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors hike the Alabama Hills trails, photograph the Sierra Nevada backdrop, and stargaze under some of California's darkest skies.

Tuttle Creek Campground offers standard RV/tent sites, a group camping area, and equestrian accommodations. The campground is primarily first-come, first-served, using a 'scan and pay' system.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, crisp daytime hiking weather and dramatically reduced crowds, making it the best time to experience Mount Whitney views and the sculpted Alabama Hills. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–75°F (10–24°C) and cool nights 25–40°F (-4–4°C); low humidity and golden light make photography, hiking, and stargazing ideal. Fishing and wildlife viewing remain productive while summer heat and mid-winter storms are behind you, though you should watch for local hunting seasons and, Peak months: October, September, November, May

Elevation5000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies high desert terrain framed by weathered granite formations and the highest peak in the contiguous United States. A creek runs through the property, attracting wildlife and providing constant background sound. Sparse vegetation leaves sight lines wide open to the Sierra Nevada's granite walls and the sculpted rock formations of Alabama Hills. Winter and spring bring snow to the surrounding peaks. Summer sunsets turn the sky orange and purple against the ancient stone.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge is available; the campground offers only RV/tent camping, primitive group sites, and horse corral accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days per visit, not exceeding 28 days per calendar year across all Bishop Field Office campgrounds.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tent camping group site accommodates up to 15 people. Standard campsites accommodate typical occupancy limits typical to BLM campgrounds.

Groups

The group site can comfortably accommodate up to 15 people and is equipped with six picnic tables and four fire pits. RV/trailer space within the group site is limited to four, and adjacent sites can be rented for additional space.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsPayments are made on-site via Scan & Pay or with Recreation.gov mobile app.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed in official sources or user reviews.

Site SizeStandard sites with some larger options; RVs up to 30 feet are supported, and the group site accommodates up to four RVs or trailers.

PrivacySites offer a mix of privacy levels; some are closer together while others, especially creek-side, provide more seclusion. Users report that sites vary in spaciousness.

Total Campsites83 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose even-numbered sites (1-28) for proximity to creek. Avoid sites without shade during summer. Larger rigs should opt for pull-through sites.

Best CampsitesSite 38 gets mentioned for views and bathroom proximity. Creekside sites like Site 8 are quieter and offer better seclusion with the sound of running water. Sites vary in spaciousness, and some sit closer together than others.

Amenities available

Potable water is available seasonally. Dump station fee is $10.00, no passes accepted, closed in winter.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and access to a creek for fishing. Nearby attractions include the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney. Seasonal conditions influence activity enjoyment, with some trails becoming inaccessible due to weather. Star-gazing is a popular night-time activity.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault-style toilets are provided, which users describe as clean and well-maintained.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.5

274 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Tuttle Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Tuttle Creek Campground is praised for its affordability, scenic views of the Sierra Nevada, and spacious sites. Visitors appreciate the clean restrooms and the creek running through the campground. Complaints include strong winds, moth infestations, and limited shade.

Review Summaries

Based on 274 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 274 reviews.

Site 8Loved
Specific reviews praise sites near the creek (e.g., Site 8) for their tranquility.
Site 38Mentioned
Site 38 is noted as 'magical' for its convenience and views.
Site 19Mentioned
Site 19 is described as offering 'million-dollar views.'

What Campers Love

Affordability at $10 per night; clean vault toilets; beautiful mountain views; spacious sites; proximity to attractions like Mount Whitney and the Alabama Hills; quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Based on 274 reviews

Common Concerns

Strong winds in certain seasons; moth infestations during warmer months; limited shade; occasional generator noise disrupting the quiet; uneven and sloping sites.

Based on 274 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Stake down tents due to windy conditions; bring layers for cold nights; check site markers for availability before parking; use nearby Lone Pine for supplies and showers; choose creek-side sites for...

Based on 274 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter: Low occupancy, no potable water, and dump station closures; cold but excellent star-gazing. Spring/Fall: Ideal for mild weather and scenic views; group site usage increases. Summer: Hot and...

Based on 274 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spectacular views all times of day, incredible stars." - Scott Keck. "The views of Mount Whitney were incredible especially capped in snow." - Roxane McCosh. "The stars were worth it!" - Scottimus...

Based on 274 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific information on accessibility features or user experiences is provided.

Based on 274 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is noted as dog-friendly. Visitors recommend bringing leashes and ensuring pets are comfortable with the campground's dry, open terrain.

Based on 274 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want affordable base camp for hiking, photography, and stargazing near iconic Sierra Nevada scenery.

Skip if

You need guaranteed site reservations or want to avoid generator noise and seasonal moth activity.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.0

(76)

Portuguese Joe Campground

1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States

Portuguese Joe Campground sits along a year-round creek at 4,334 feet, offering 20 sites between the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Fees run $14 per night. Some sites are reservable, others first-come, first-served. The creek and cottonwood shade create a pleasant basecamp, though campers note that sites can feel close together.