Campground

Lone Pine

Inyo National Forest
Near Lone Pine, California

Facilities

Lone Pine is especially popular for RV camping. There are also a few tent-only sites and one tent-only group site that can accommodate up to 15 guests. Campsites are arranged around a single loop and have little to no shade or privacy due to the desert landscape.

Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and showers are located 8 miles west of the campground at the Portal Store.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled in sagebrush alongside Lone Pine Creek. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, the location offers clear views of surrounding granite peaks. Desert wildflowers add brilliant colors to the landscape in spring.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

Recreation

Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal area. Trails lead to the John Muir Wilderness, including Mt. Whitney, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The Mt. Whitney trailhead is just 7 miles away.

The less challenging National Recreation Trail connects Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal and its picnic area and fishing pond.

The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing, and anglers can access Lone Pine Creek and a nearby pond.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Walk To
  • Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
  • Tent Only Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Picnicking
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Biking

Amenities

  • Vault Toilets
  • Food Storage Locker

Nearby Attractions

Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers.

Getting Here

Latitude
36° 35' 51.4000" N
Longitude
118° 11' 5.3002" W
From 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.

Need to Know

  • Hiking Mt. Whitney requires a permit and specific regulations apply; click here for more info

  • No off-road vehicles allowed in the campground
  • 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

  • Two pets per site and leashed at all times.

  • Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground. 

  • 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. 

  • Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

  • 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.

  • Click here for more info about the John Muir Wilderness

  • Click here for more information about Inyo National Forest

    • Contact Information

    INYO NATIONAL FOREST
    LONE PINE, CA 93545

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    Additional Information