Portuguese Joe Campground

4.05

76 reviews

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

Stargazing

Quick Facts

4,334 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Inyo County site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,334 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Inyo County site

Official Website

Get Directions

Portuguese Joe Campground

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $14 per night per site, payable through a solar-powered machine using cash or card. A receipt is issued to display on site...

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 76 reviews

85 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwell-maintained

"Mixed reviews with some highlighting the scenic creek, clean facilities, and proximity to key attractions, while others criticize the lack of spaciousness between campsites and the condition of amenities like fire pits and tables."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Portuguese Joe Campground

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

Driving directionsVia U.S. 395, turn west in Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road, 1-mile to Tuttle Creek Road, turn south to campground entrance.

The campground is accessed via paved roads in Lone Pine, making it easily reachable for most vehicles. However, some sites have large trees overhanging them, which might make it difficult for larger rigs to utilize.

Nearby places

Lone Pine (1 mile, approximately 5 minutes), Independence (16 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Bishop (42 miles, approximately 50 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found in Lone Pine, just 1 mile away, which offers grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Portuguese Joe Campground

Four distinct seasons paint Portuguese Joe in different colors throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, crystalline days averaging 48°F, with nights that dip to a refreshing 33°F—perfect for campfire gatherings. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures soar above 90°F, making the creek's cool waters especially inviting. Spring and fall emerge as the sweet spots for camping, offering goldilocks conditions with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. While rain and snow make only rare appearances, each season brings its own magic to this high desert oasis.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is popular for nearby trails and attractions, though it can be busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Four distinct seasons noted; fall likely pleasant and scenic with fewer crowds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers flowing creek and wildlife; open year-round and pleasant conditions likely.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winter offers crisp days (~48°F) and quiet nights, but cold evenings.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Portuguese Joe Campground

Tucked away on the banks of a gurgling stream, Portuguese Joe Campground offers an authentic slice of California's outdoor heritage. This intimate retreat features just 20 sites, creating a peaceful atmosphere where campers can truly disconnect from the crowds. As your gateway to the legendary Alabama Hills and the towering presence of Mt. Whitney, this hidden gem delivers spectacular adventures at budget-friendly prices. Here, the simple pleasures of camping—morning coffee by the creek, evening stargazing, and the sound of water over rocks—take center stage.

Portuguese Joe Campground offers only standard non-electric campsites. The sites are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options.

Historical SignificanceThe spirit of the Old West lives on at Portuguese Joe Campground, named in honor of a cherished Lone Pine resident whose legacy continues to welcome visitors today. This storied ground serves as your basecamp for exploring layers of American history—from the golden age of Western films celebrated at the nearby Lone Pine Museum of Western Film to the profound stories preserved at Manzanar National Historic Site. Every corner of this region whispers tales of pioneers, filmmakers, and the enduring human spirit.

Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint Portuguese Joe in different colors throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, crystalline days averaging 48°F, with nights that dip to a refreshing 33°F—perfect for campfire gatherings. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures soar above 90°F, making the creek's cool waters especially inviting. Spring and fall emerge as the sweet spots for camping, offering goldilocks conditions with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. While rain and snow make only rare appearances, each season brings its own magic to this high desert oasis.

ElevationPerched in the dramatic Sierra foothills, Portuguese Joe occupies that perfect sweet spot where desert meets mountain. This moderate elevation provides the best of both worlds—accessible year-round camping without the extreme conditions of higher altitudes, yet close enough to the peaks to feel their majestic presence and enjoy cooler temperatures than the valley floor below.

Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry surrounds you at Portuguese Joe, where a melodic creek fed by Los Angeles Aqueduct waters creates a ribbon of life through the landscape. Mature cottonwoods and willows spread their generous canopy overhead, offering dappled shade that dances across your campsite. The babbling brook provides a natural soundtrack while dramatic mountain vistas frame every view. Keep your camera ready—deer, rabbits, and countless bird species regularly grace the campground with their presence, turning ordinary moments into wildlife encounters.

Geological RegionPortuguese Joe sits at the crossroads of geological wonders, where the weathered granite spires of the Alabama Hills meet the soaring Sierra Nevada range. This remarkable landscape showcases millions of years of Earth's sculptural work—from the ancient, rounded boulders that have served as backdrops for countless Western films to the sharp, glacially-carved peaks of Mt. Whitney, standing proud as the highest point in the contiguous United States. The controlled waters of the Los Angeles Aqueduct have transformed this high desert terrain into an unexpected oasis, where mountain streams flow year-round through a land of extremes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specified check-in time.

Check-out

No specified check-out time.

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit defined.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site.

Groups

No group sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out with 20 sites, some of which are first-come, first-served, while others can be reserved.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at the campground's solar-powered payment machine on-site, but not reliably online according to user reviews.

Walk-in AvailabilityHalf a dozen sites (1, 2, 17, 18, 19, and 20) are held for first-come, first-served use, as mentioned in user reviews. Sites may fill quickly during holidays.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy details provided.

Site SizeThe campsites are standard size, with maximum equipment lengths varying between 30 to 40 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across the sites. Some sites, like the high-numbered walk-in sites, are more spacious and private, while the reservable sites are closer together.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesFor a quieter experience with better spacing, choose higher-numbered walk-in sites. Sites near the creek, like 16 and 17, provide the relaxing sound of running water.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Portuguese Joe Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and ATV riding. The creek that runs through the campground provides a serene ambiance, although it is noted to be shallow and not popular for fishing.

HikingHiking opportunities are less than a mile from the campground, with trails leading to scenic views and outdoor adventures.

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.

FishingAlthough fishing is listed as an activity, the shallow creek running through the campground does not appear to support abundant fish populations, as mentioned in user reviews.

BikingBiking opportunities are available, with trails less than a mile from the campground.

Wildlife viewingThe area is frequented by wildlife, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts. Visitors are advised to store food safely to avoid attracting animals.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include ants, local stray dogs, and shallow water in the creek, which limits fishing opportunities. Some sites have large trees, making them challenging for larger rigs. Users have reported occasional issues with payment machines.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, but campers must buy firewood locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No defined quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital: Southern Inyo Hospital in Lone Pine (approximately 1 mile away). Police station and ranger station also located nearby in Lone Pine.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and bottle-and-can recycling are available on-site.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to a small stream with controlled runoff.

Camp HostNo specific mention of hosts.

Weather at Portuguese Joe Campground

Reviews

4.1

76 reviews

Satisfactory

Portuguese Joe Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed reviews with some highlighting the scenic creek, clean facilities, and proximity to key attractions, while others criticize the lack of spaciousness between campsites and the condition of amenities like fire pits and tables.

Review Summaries

Based on 76 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, clean and well-maintained bathrooms, proximity to attractions like Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney, and the relaxing ambiance of the creek.

Based on 76 reviews

Common Concerns

Campsites are close together, limited amenities, shallow creek, and some users reported issues like ants and stray dogs.

Based on 76 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose high-numbered walk-in sites for more privacy and spacing. Be prepared for basic facilities as there are no showers or hookups available.

Based on 76 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular but can be busy, and occasional issues with campsite overbooking were reported. Winter visitors appreciated the quiet atmosphere.

Based on 76 reviews

Camper Quotes

“The stream running through the middle was very relaxing.” - John Graham; “Very nice campground…clean bathrooms and can’t beat the incredible view!” - Angela Sandhu; “You pay at a machine here…” -...

Based on 76 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 16 and 17 are noted for their strong creek noise and extra amenities. Site 18 lacks a fire pit or BBQ but has extra picnic tables. High-numbered walk-in sites are more spacious and private.

Based on 76 reviews