Lone Pine

4.52

471 reviews

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

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

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

Opens Recreation Resource Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

Opens Recreation Resource Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Lone Pine

$34.00 - $81.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $34/night for standard non-electric, tent-only, and walk-to campsites to $81/night for group tent-only sites during peak season....

Standard Site Fee$34.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$34.00

Group Site Fee$81.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-937-6070

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 471 reviews

220 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA

Lone Pine

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA

Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 395 in California, travel to the town of Lone Pine. The campground is 6 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road.

The road leading to the campground is paved and accessible via Whitney Portal Road. However, some user reviews mention steep and windy sections as one approaches Mt. Whitney. Large trailers may face challenges due to crumbling asphalt in campsite parking pads.

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).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, camping supplies, and restaurants are available in Lone Pine, approximately 6 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Lone Pine

Experience the magic of four distinct seasons in this high-altitude paradise. Spring transforms the landscape into a painter's palette of vibrant wildflowers against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, with temperatures that invite comfortable hiking and exploration. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for adventure, followed by crisp mountain evenings that call for cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. As autumn arrives, the crowds thin out, revealing a peaceful sanctuary beneath impossibly clear skies that showcase brilliant stars. The campground closes for winter, when heavy snows blanket the Sierra Nevada in pristine white.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open and popular in summer; hot days and high winds but cooler evenings and strong trail access.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in CA

Pleasant weather and excellent hiking conditions; reviewers note fall as a great time to visit.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring brings wildflowers and snow-capped peaks; pleasant conditions after April 15 opening.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 21–Apr 14; limited winter access reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 21.. 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.
Current Alerts: None currently reported.

About Lone Pine

Perched high in the Sierra Nevada foothills at 6,000 feet, Lone Pine Campground serves as your gateway to adventure beneath the towering presence of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States. This thoughtfully designed single-loop campground provides everything you need for a comfortable mountain retreat: secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, sturdy picnic tables for memorable outdoor meals, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Each site comes equipped with convenient vault toilets, while the campground's strategic location makes it the ideal basecamp for exploring the legendary Whitney Portal and following the melodic path of Lone Pine Creek.

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.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in both natural wonder and human history. Your campground serves as the threshold to the legendary Mt. Whitney trailhead, where countless adventurers have begun their journey to conquer the highest summit in the Lower 48. The surrounding John Muir Wilderness honors the legacy of America's most beloved naturalist, offering pristine backcountry that remains largely unchanged since his explorations. Just a short drive away, the otherworldly Alabama Hills have served as the backdrop for hundreds of Western films, while the poignant Manzanar Historic Site tells the story of Japanese American internment during World War II, adding layers of cultural significance to your mountain escape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons in this high-altitude paradise. Spring transforms the landscape into a painter's palette of vibrant wildflowers against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, with temperatures that invite comfortable hiking and exploration. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for adventure, followed by crisp mountain evenings that call for cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. As autumn arrives, the crowds thin out, revealing a peaceful sanctuary beneath impossibly clear skies that showcase brilliant stars. The campground closes for winter, when heavy snows blanket the Sierra Nevada in pristine white.

ElevationAt 6,000 feet above sea level, Lone Pine Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides welcome relief from the desert heat of the valley floor below. This significant elevation gain from the town of Lone Pine creates a natural air conditioning effect, where temperatures can be 15-20 degrees cooler than in the valley, making summer camping comfortable and autumn visits particularly crisp and invigorating.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where the high desert meets the alpine world, creating a unique tapestry of natural beauty. Aromatic sagebrush mingles with hardy mountain vegetation, while dramatic granite peaks pierce the sky in every direction. The gentle murmur of Lone Pine Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, its waters carving through ancient rock as they have for millennia. In spring and early summer, desert wildflowers paint splashes of color across the rugged terrain. Keep your camera ready for wildlife encounters – majestic mule deer often graze near the campground at dawn and dusk, while black bears occasionally wander through, reminding visitors to properly secure all food and scented items.

Geological RegionWelcome to the geological wonderland of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where the raw power of Earth's forces is on full display. This dramatic landscape showcases soaring granite peaks carved by ancient glaciers, creating the spectacular valleys and sharp ridgelines that define the region. The unique meeting point of high desert and alpine environments creates fascinating ecological zones, from sagebrush-dotted slopes to pine-covered ridges. Dominating the eastern horizon, Mt. Whitney's massive granite face stands as a testament to the incredible uplift that created these mountains millions of years ago, its 14,505-foot summit beckoning adventurers from around the world.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2 PM.

Check-out

Checkout is by 12 PM.

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

Site layoutA single loop layout with campsites arranged closely together. Tent-only walk-in sites are available.

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

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are held until checkout time (12:00 PM) the day following the reservation start date for walk-up availability.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with potential late penalties such as forfeiting the first night's fees for late cancellations (individual campsites: within 1 day of arrival; group sites: within 14 days of arrival). Modifications to reservations cost $10 unless extending or shortening the stay within the original booking dates.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

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.

HikingThe campground provides access to multiple hiking trails, including the National Recreation Trail that connects to Whitney Portal. Hikers can explore trails leading to the John Muir Wilderness and Mt. Whitney. Trails vary in difficulty, with one camper describing a trail that ascends 2,700 feet over 4 miles.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing is a popular activity in Lone Pine Creek and the nearby pond. Anglers have reported catching trout, including rainbow, brook, and brown trout. One reviewer recommended catching grasshoppers for bait early in the morning.

BikingThe campground's location allows for biking excursions into the surrounding areas, including Alabama Hills. However, the terrain may be challenging, and trail maps are recommended.

Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, with sightings of black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and a variety of bird species. The campground is noted for being prone to bear activity, so appropriate precautions should be taken.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh bear activity requires vigilance. Flash floods and wildfires have previously led to evacuations. The terrain is steep and may pose challenges to large vehicles.

Active AlertsNone currently reported.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed except when fire bans are in effect. Firewood is available for purchase at $8 per bundle.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 6 AM, although enforcement is reportedly inconsistent.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services in Lone Pine include a hospital (Southern Inyo Hospital) and a police station. The nearest ranger station is likely within the Inyo National Forest boundaries.

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

Water FeaturesLone Pine Creek runs through the campground, providing fishing and scenic relaxation.

Camp HostPositive reviews highlight the camp host's diligence in keeping bathrooms clean and offering helpful advice.

Weather at Lone Pine

Reviews

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

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

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