Lone Pine is one of California’s great camping destinations.
Located between the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo Mountains, the community provides access to alpine lakes, desert landscapes, mountain streams, and the tallest peak in the Lower 48. Whether you’re looking for a developed campground beneath towering pines or a campsite surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Eastern Sierra, you’ll find plenty of options nearby.
Whitney Portal Campground
Few campgrounds in California can match the setting of Whitney Portal.
Located at approximately 8,000 feet beneath the granite walls of Mount Whitney, the campground serves as the primary basecamp for hikers attempting Whitney and visitors exploring the high country above Lone Pine.
Cool temperatures, towering pines, and easy access to hiking trails make it one of the most sought-after campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra.
Tuttle Creek Campground
Located west of Lone Pine near the Alabama Hills, Tuttle Creek offers a dramatically different camping experience.
Visitors enjoy easy access to climbing, hiking, photography, and some of the most iconic views in the Owens Valley. The campground’s location beneath the Sierra crest makes it a favorite among climbers and road trippers.
Lone Pine Campground
Located along Lone Pine Creek just west of town, this small campground provides a convenient balance between mountain scenery and access to restaurants, supplies, and services in Lone Pine.
It’s a great option for visitors who want to stay close to town while remaining surrounded by nature.
Portuguese Joe Campground
Situated along Horseshoe Meadow Road, Portuguese Joe Campground offers a quieter setting beneath pines and aspens as the road climbs toward the high country.
The campground provides a pleasant stop for visitors exploring the western edge of the Owens Valley.
Horseshoe Meadow Campgrounds
At nearly 10,000 feet, Horseshoe Meadow offers some of the highest drive-up camping in California.
Several campgrounds serve the area, including Cottonwood Campground and Horseshoe Meadow Equestrian Campground. Visitors enjoy cool summer temperatures, expansive meadows, and immediate access to trails leading into the Golden Trout Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness.
Diaz Lake Campground
Located just south of Lone Pine, Diaz Lake offers lakeside camping with spectacular views of both the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo Mountains.
Fishing, paddling, birdwatching, and easy highway access make it a popular stop for travelers exploring Highway 395.
Best Time to Camp
Spring
Wildflowers begin appearing throughout the Owens Valley while temperatures remain comfortable for camping and outdoor recreation.
Summer
Prime season for Whitney Portal, Horseshoe Meadow, and higher-elevation campgrounds.
Fall
Many visitors consider autumn the best time to camp around Lone Pine thanks to cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall colors in the mountains.
Winter
Lower-elevation campgrounds remain accessible while snow transforms the Sierra Nevada into a dramatic winter landscape.
Last But Not Least #LeaveNoTrace
The campgrounds around Lone Pine sit within some of California’s most spectacular public lands. Help keep them that way.
Pack out all trash, stay on established roads and trails, respect wildlife, and leave campsites better than you found them.
Whenever possible, consider skipping the campfire altogether. Fire restrictions can change quickly throughout the Eastern Sierra, and even permitted campfires carry risks in dry conditions. A camp stove provides a safer alternative and allows everyone to enjoy the same star-filled skies without the smoke.
The best camping trips leave memories behind, not impacts.
