Lone Pine
4.55212 reviewsINYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA 93545, USA
Quick Facts
6,000 ftPrice
$34 - $81/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
43 campsites
Season
Open season: April 1...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
6,000 ftPrice
$34 - $81/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
43 campsites
Season
Open season: April 1...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsLone 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....
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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
Total Campsite Fees$149.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-937-6070
What Campers Say
4.55
Top-Rated
Based on 212 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."
Fees & Passes at Lone Pine
$34 - $81/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Cancellations are allowed before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along w...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Recreation Resource Management website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityInformation on accessibility features is limited; however, most campsites appear to have relatively easy access with some sites specifically accommodating large vehicles and trailers.
Sites SizeCampsites are diverse, including tent-only and RV sites. Some sites are large and can accommodate up to 15 people for group camping.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the open desert landscape. However, some sites have trees or vegetation providing partial shade.
Total Campsites43 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites along Lone Pine Creek for direct water access, shade, and cooler temperatures. Avoid sites near vault toilets if sensitive to odors.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA single loop layout with campsites arranged closely together. Tent-only walk-in sites are available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: April 15 to October 21 (reservable dates from June 24 to October 21). Closed season: October 21 to April 14.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
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.
Hiking
The 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.Climbing
Climbing 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Biking
The 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 viewing
The 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
Winter activities are not detailed, but the campground's proximity to Mt. Whitney suggests potential for winter hiking.Water Sports
While boating is not available, Lone Pine Creek provides opportunities for wading and fishing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed except when fire bans are in effect. Firewood is available for purchase at $8 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are observed from 10 PM to 6 AM, although enforcement is reportedly inconsistent.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh 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.
Weather at Lone Pine
50
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 to October 21.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are conveniently placed throughout the campground, but recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLone Pine Creek runs through the campground, providing fishing and scenic relaxation.
Common complaintsIssues include crumbling asphalt at campsites, limited shade, proximity of sites to each other, and noise complaints due to lack of enforcement of quiet hours.
HostPositive reviews highlight the camp host's diligence in keeping bathrooms clean and offering helpful advice.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
212 reviews
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 212 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 212 reviewsShow more
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 212 reviewsPro 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 212 reviewsShow more
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 212 reviewsCamper 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 212 reviewsShow more
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 212 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited information is available, but some sites are noted for their proximity to facilities and level terrain.
Based on 212 reviewsPet-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 212 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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