How much does camping cost at Lone Pine?

Camping fees at Lone Pine range from $34-$81/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lone Pine first-come first-served or reservation?

Lone Pine accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lone Pine before I book?

Yes! Lone Pine has 10 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 Lone Pine?

Lone Pine is open April 17 to October 23. 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 Lone Pine?

Lone Pine does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Lone Pine?

Cell phone service at Lone Pine is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lone Pine have?

Lone Pine has 43 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lone Pine?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lone Pine. 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 Lone Pine?

Lone Pine offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lone Pine

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lone Pine?

Fire policies at Lone Pine: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.50

471 reviews

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Sequoia National Park#3 Mountain Camping California Hiking Camping California +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$34 - $81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$34 - $81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Lone Pine

$34.00 - $81.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $81.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $34.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $34.00; WALK TO: $34.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$34.00

Group Site Fee$81.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-937-6070

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lone Pine

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Campground Map

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA

Lone Pine

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA

Nearby places

Lone Pine (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes drive)

Bishop (approximately 60 miles, 1-hour drive)

Mammoth Lakes (approximately 100 miles, 1-hour 50-minute drive).

Weather at Lone Pine

Current alerts(9)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating; do not leave food in car; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals
Click here for more info about the John Muir Wilderness
Click here for more information about Inyo National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Best Time to Camp at Lone Pine

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, cooler days and spectacular late-season colors at this 6,000 ft transition zone — prime for hiking and photography with Mt. Whitney framed against crisp air. Expect daytime highs in September/early October around 55–75°F and nights dropping to near-freezing by mid-October, making for comfortable daytime exploration and pleasantly cool evenings at camp. Trails are typically dry, crowds thin after Labor Day, and fishing often improves as streams and lakes cool; just Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall is the 'sweet spot': clear skies, milder temps, nights cooling and fewer crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 15 to October 21 (reservable dates from June 24 to October 21). Closed season: October 21 to April 14.

About Lone Pine

Lone Pine sits at 6,000 feet in Inyo National Forest with direct views of Mt. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada range. Recreation Resource Management operates this mid-sized campground with tent, RV, and group sites spread across a transition zone where desert meets alpine forest. Visitors hike nearby trails, fish local waters, and photograph the dramatic eastern Sierra backdrop during the clearest months of the year.

Lone Pine Campground offers a range of camping options, including standard nonelectric sites, tent-only sites, and a group tent area. RV camping is particularly popular, though the campground lacks full hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, cooler days and spectacular late-season colors at this 6,000 ft transition zone — prime for hiking and photography with Mt. Whitney framed against crisp air. Expect daytime highs in September/early October around 55–75°F and nights dropping to near-freezing by mid-October, making for comfortable daytime exploration and pleasantly cool evenings at camp. Trails are typically dry, crowds thin after Labor Day, and fishing often improves as streams and lakes cool; just Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where high desert meets alpine forest. Sagebrush and scattered pines provide partial shade at some sites, while the open landscape frames views of Mt. Whitney and the surrounding granite peaks. Lone Pine Creek runs through the area. Audible enough that some campers recommend earplugs. And mule deer graze near sites at dawn and dusk. Black bears pass through regularly, hence the bear lockers at every site. Spring brings desert wildflowers; summer and fall deliver clear views of the Sierra ridgeline.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not include hotel-style accommodations or cabins. It is primarily focused on tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are mentioned for the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 6 people per standard campsite
group sites allow up to 15 guests.

Groups

The group tent site can accommodate up to 15 people and is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via app, or through the contact center.

AccessibilityInformation on accessibility features is limited; however, most campsites appear to have relatively easy access with some sites specifically accommodating large vehicles and trailers.

Site SizeCampsites are diverse, including tent-only and RV sites. Some sites are large and can accommodate up to 15 people for group camping.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the open desert landscape. However, some sites have trees or vegetation providing partial shade.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites along Lone Pine Creek for direct water access, shade, and cooler temperatures. Avoid sites near vault toilets if sensitive to odors.

Best CampsitesSite 38 sits by the creek. Site 43 handles groups up to 15 people and offers wide views of Mt. Whitney. Reviewers recommend reserving sites with partial shade or creek access, though proximity to the water means you'll hear it all night.

Need help booking Lone Pine?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Lone Pine Campground provides essential amenities suitable for a comfortable stay. The campground includes vault toilets, potable water spigots, fire rings, picnic tables, and food storage lockers at each site. While firewood can be purchased on-site, shower facilities are not available at the campground but can be accessed at the Whitney Portal Store, located 8 miles away. Cell phone reception is limited, and there is no Wi-Fi or dump station available. Campers frequently comment on the cleanliness of the facilities, highlighting the host's efforts to maintain a high standard.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Lone Pine Campground can engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping. The area's proximity to Mt. Whitney and the Whitney Portal offers access to some of the most challenging and scenic trails in the region.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets on-site; only vault toilets are available.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site, accommodating medium-sized coolers and personal items.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are conveniently placed throughout the campground, but recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is limited, with some users noting weak signals even with boosters. For example, one camper mentioned having only one bar of service.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.5

471 reviews

Top-Rated

Lone Pine is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Lone Pine Campground has received high praise for its stunning location at the base of Mt. Whitney, clean facilities, and friendly camp host. Visitors frequently comment on the excellent views, proximity to hiking trails, and the serenity of the setting. However, some have noted challenges with site maintenance and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 471 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained vault toilets - Stunning views of Mt. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada - Friendly and helpful camp host - Proximity to hiking and fishing opportunities - Peaceful and quiet...

Based on 471 reviews

Common Concerns

- Limited cell phone reception - Lack of shade at some campsites - Narrow and uneven access roads - No on-site showers - Sites can feel crowded due to close proximity

Based on 471 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best sites: #39 (spacious and near the creek), #43 (secluded with easy access to trails and views). Worst sites: #8 (crowded and lacks shade), #26 (uneven terrain and unsuitable for RVs).

Based on 471 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring earplugs if sensitive to the sounds of the creek. - Use the Whitney Portal Store, 8 miles away, for showers. - Reserve sites with partial shade or creek access for a better experience. - Be...

Based on 471 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: Hot temperatures and high winds are common, but the evenings are cooler. Spring/Fall: Pleasant weather, with blooming wildflowers in spring. Winter: Limited access and some closures reported.

Based on 471 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms...the pit toilets were amazingly clean. In fact, when I walked in the first time, I was astounded how nice they smelled." "The views of Mt. Whitney are unparalleled, and the sound of...

Based on 471 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited information is available, but some sites are noted for their proximity to facilities and level terrain.

Based on 471 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times. Some visitors found the environment pet-friendly, with shade and creek access.

Based on 471 reviews

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Go if

You want dramatic mountain scenery for hiking and photography with convenient access to eastern Sierra trails.

Skip if

You need shade, site privacy, or guaranteed quiet-hour enforcement.

Nearby Campgrounds

Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine, CA, USA

Whitney Portal sits at the trailhead for Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, thirteen miles west of Lone Pine in Inyo National Forest. Operated by Recreation Resource Management, this high-elevation alpine campground serves hikers tackling the Whitney Trail and visitors exploring the eastern Sierra. Tent and RV sites offer vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and a camp store, with a creek running through the property and ample shade from surrounding pines.