Tuttle Creek Campground

3.49

274 reviews

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Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Bishop Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Bishop Field Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Tuttle Creek Campground

$10.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard campsites are $10 per night; group site costs $30 per night; horse corrals are $10 per night. Dump station fee is $10 (no discounts), and...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-872-5000null

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What Campers Say

3.49

Mixed Reviews

Based on 274 reviews

254 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

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Tuttle Creek Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Highway 395, drive 3.5 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road, then 1.5 miles south on Horseshow Meadow Road, follow signs to the campground.

The road is paved but becomes narrow and challenging for larger vehicles. Some reviews recommended avoiding certain routes such as Whitney Portal with large rigs due to twists and dips.

Nearby places

Lone Pine (5 miles northeast)

Bishop (approximately 40 miles north)

Mammoth Lakes (approximately 60 miles north).

Nearby supplies

The nearest amenities are 5 miles northeast in Lone Pine, including grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies. Showers are available in Lone Pine.

Best Time to Camp at Tuttle Creek Campground

Experience the dramatic dance of desert seasons at Tuttle Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter nights whisper with temperatures dipping into the low 20s, creating crystalline mornings perfect for hot coffee by the fire. Summer arrives with intensity, bringing scorching days that make early morning hikes and evening stargazing the activities of choice. Spring transforms the campground into a photographer's paradise, with snow-capped peaks creating stunning backdrops against wildflower-dotted terrain. Fall offers the sweet spot for camping, with gentle temperatures and golden light that bathes the desert in warm hues.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer popular but can be hot, with moth infestations and limited shade reducing comfort for some campers.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Spring/Fall are described as ideal with mild weather and great scenic enjoyment; group use rises seasonally.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring listed as ideal for mild weather and scenic views; many activities accessible and pleasant conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; cold nights, limited services (no potable water sometimes) but excellent star-gazing and occasional snow.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season mentioned, but summer months are popular for camping.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Seasonal closures of water spigots and dump station starting October 31. Fire restrictions during high-risk periods.

About Tuttle Creek Campground

Perched at the gateway to the Eastern Sierra, Tuttle Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences without breaking the bank. This hidden gem features 83 thoughtfully spaced campsites nestled among desert terrain, including 10 convenient pull-through spots perfect for RVs and a spacious group site ideal for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Each site comes equipped with sturdy concrete picnic tables and fire pits where stories are shared under star-filled skies. While embracing a rustic camping experience with vault toilets, the campground provides seasonal potable water for your convenience. A dump station is available for $10 during operating seasons, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of campers.

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.

Historical SignificanceStep into the silver screen legacy of the American West at Tuttle Creek, where the nearby Alabama Hills have served as nature's movie set for countless Hollywood westerns and blockbusters. This storied landscape has witnessed the galloping horses of classic westerns and the thundering action of modern films, making every sunrise feel like a cinematic moment. The nearby town of Lone Pine adds layers of cultural richness, offering a glimpse into the region's mining heritage and serving as a basecamp for generations of mountaineers pursuing their Mount Whitney dreams.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of desert seasons at Tuttle Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter nights whisper with temperatures dipping into the low 20s, creating crystalline mornings perfect for hot coffee by the fire. Summer arrives with intensity, bringing scorching days that make early morning hikes and evening stargazing the activities of choice. Spring transforms the campground into a photographer's paradise, with snow-capped peaks creating stunning backdrops against wildflower-dotted terrain. Fall offers the sweet spot for camping, with gentle temperatures and golden light that bathes the desert in warm hues.

ElevationAt 5,000 feet above sea level, Tuttle Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot in the high desert ecosystem, where crisp mountain air mingles with the warmth of the desert sun. This elevation gifts campers with noticeably cooler temperatures than the valley floor below, offering respite from summer heat while maintaining the stark beauty of desert landscapes. The altitude creates perfect conditions for spectacular stargazing and provides just enough elevation to catch cooling mountain breezes without the challenges of higher altitude camping.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic views that stretch from the towering granite walls of the Sierra Nevada to the sculpted formations of ancient desert terrain. A melodic creek winds through the campground, providing a soothing soundtrack and attracting local wildlife to its banks. Seasonal transformations create an ever-changing canvas: winter and spring crown the surrounding peaks with pristine snow, while summer sunsets paint the sky in impossible shades of orange and purple. The sparse desert vegetation frames unobstructed views, allowing the raw beauty of this transitional landscape to take center stage.

Geological RegionTuttle Creek sits at the dramatic intersection where the Mojave Desert meets the Sierra Nevada, creating a geological wonderland of contrasts. This rugged high desert terrain showcases millions of years of Earth's history, from the weathered granite formations to the alluvial fans spreading from mountain canyons. The campground offers front-row seats to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, while the otherworldly rock formations of Alabama Hills provide an accessible playground for exploration. Sparse vegetation punctuates the landscape, allowing the raw geological features to dominate the scenery with their ancient stories written in stone.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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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

Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops with 83 sites, including 10 pull-through spots. Sites are well-spaced for privacy.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Visitors pick a site and pay using drop box or app. Campground tends to fill up more on weekends.

Cancellation PolicyNo refunds or modifications are allowed due to Scan & Pay system. Payments are made via dropbox or Recreation.gov app and are non-refundable.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingHiking trails are available, including a 10-mile round trip hike to a historic ashram. Difficulty levels vary; the ashram hike involves significant elevation gain.

FishingFishing is permitted in the creek running through the campground, with some reviews mentioning trout. Fishing success may vary by season.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is noted as a highlight, with reviews mentioning the scenic surroundings and occasional sightings of local fauna.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWind gusts of up to 50 mph during certain seasons. Moth infestations reported in warmer months. Lack of shade in most campsites increases sun exposure risks.

Active Alertsfire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. | fire restrictions or call the Bishop Field Office at (760) 872-5000. | Seasonal closures of water spigots and dump station starting October 31. Fire restrictions during high-risk periods.

Fire PolicyFires allowed within established rings. Seasonal restrictions may apply during high fire risk periods.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesInyo County Sheriff (760-873-7887); Mono County Sheriff (760-932-7549); Call 911 for emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available near the entrance of the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesTuttle Creek flows through the campground, providing limited access to cool mountain water during warmer months.

Camp HostHosts are reportedly helpful and friendly, although not consistently present. Seasonal host changes noted.

Weather at Tuttle Creek Campground

Reviews

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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