Lone Pine Campground
Inyo National Forest

Lone Pine, Inyo National Forest, CA
Lone Pine, Inyo National Forest, CA

Lone Pine Campground
Inyo National Forest


Lone Pine Campground

Lone Pine Campground is tucked in a shallow ravine along the Whitney Portal Road in the Inyo National Forest, 7 miles west of the town of Lone Pine. Many who visit the campground intend to hike to the top of 14,505-foot Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in California. The trailhead at Whitney Portal is another 5 miles up the road. Lone Pine Campground is at an elevation of 5,900 feet, a good start for acclimating to make the hike. The hike to the top of Mt. Whitney requires a permit and planning. See Hiking up Mt. Whitney below for more details and links to Forest Service information.

Others who stay at Lone Pine Campground do so because they find it a convenient base from which to visit Manzanar and other points of interest in the area. The campground offers wonderful panoramic views of Mt. Whitney and neighboring peaks.

Lone Pine Campground has 43 campsites along Lone Pine Creek. Most of the sites are exposed in fields of sage with only a few trees for shade. Three of the campsites are walk-in tent sites. The rest can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. About two-thirds of the campsites can be reserved ahead of time; the rest of the sites are available for first-come, first served campers.

Lone Pine Campground includes 1 tents-only Group Campsite.

Shop Amazon for: Camping Essentials



Lone Pine Campground Basics
Lone Pine Campground Location: Whitney Portal Road, 7 miles west of Lone Pine on Highway 395
Elevation: 5,900 feet
Mileage from major cities: 216 miles north of Los Angeles
From Bakersfield - 176 miles
Number of Campsites: 43
Camping Season: Full service: late April through mid-October
Upper portion is open in winter - free, no water, and no trash service after 10/31 (approximate date).
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 vehicles, 2nd vehicle $7 per night
Maximum Length of Stay: 14 days
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Recreation Resource Management for Inyo National Forest
Information: Eastern Sierra Interpretive Center
(2 miles south of Lone Pine)
(760) 876-6200 or 876-62222

Lone Pine Campground Reservations
Reservations available Reseervations are available from late April through October. At other times when the campground is open, sites are first-come, first-served.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 30 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated, but some sites are accessible
Fees: $29 - $33 per night
Reservations: Lone Pine Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Lone Pine Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: 5 miles away at Whitney Portal Store ($7)
Dump station: No
Attractions near Lone Pine Campground
  • The Whitney Portal National Recreation Trails connects Lone Pine Campground with Whitney Portal.
  • Drive five miles to Whitney Portal, trailhead for Mt. Whitney and John Muir Trail.
  • Visit the Whitney Portal Store and restaurant, with a shower ($7).
  • Enjoy mountaineering, cycling, and fishing.
  • Tour Manzanar War Relocation Center and drive to Death Valley.

Shop Amazon for
Trout Fishing Favorites
More Information: Inyo National Forest - Mt. Whitney Trail Information



Hiking up Mt. Whitney

The 22-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney from Whitney Portal is a major undertaking. The trail climbs over 6,000 feet. Just the uphill climb to the summit can take 7 or 8 hours. Many hikers set out well before sun-up and often don't return to their cars until dusk.

Recommended Essentials

  • A permit to hike up Mt. Whitney is required. (See link below.)
  • Layered clothing. It can be hot on the ascent and windy and cold on the summit.
  • Water bottles and filter. Plan to refill bottles at the last water at Trail Camp.
  • Trekking poles - for safety on uneven terrain and to ease the strain on knees on descent.
  • A good map - people have wandered off the trail.
  • Emergency contingency plans - tell someone when you will be back, carry rain gear, consider carrying a Spot GPS Messenger, or similar rescue device.

Hiking up Mt. Whitney should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Train for the hike, read books and websites about the hike. Plan on spending a couple of nights at a nearby campground to acclimatize before your hike.

Forest Service Links

Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits

Inyo National Forest -Mt. Whitney Trail Information



Whitney Portal store, Inyo National Forest, CA

Whitney Portal Store and Cafe


Lone Pine Group Campground

Lone Pine Group Campground is adjacent to the main campground. Reservations for a single, tents-only site for up to 15 people and 1 vehicle can be made. Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 2:00 PM. Reservations can be made from 4 days up to 12 months in advance of arrival date. (More attractive group sites can be found at nearby Whitney Portal Campground.)
Fee: $78 per night
Reservations: Lone Pine Group Campground Reservations

Lone Pine Campground, Inyo National Forest, CA

Lone Pine Campground

Southern Eastern Sierra
Attractions and Activities

South of Mammoth Lakes are a number of wonderful camping areas along the Eastern Sierra. Among them are Convict Lake, Rock Creek, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, and Big Pine. Those camped at Lone Pine Campground may enjoy visiting some of these places.

  • Explore the fascinating Alabama Hills.
  • Hike up at least part way on the Mt. Whitney trail.
  • Take a day trip up to Horseshoe Meadow and hike in to Cottonwood Lakes.
  • Drive out and explore the scenic wonders of Death Valley.
  • Find great fishing at Convict Lake, Rock Creek Lake, and Lake Crowley.
  • Enjoy wonderful hiking trails leading into the Sierra Nevada.
  • Take a day hike up the trail into Little Lakes Valley at Rock Creek.
  • Enjoy a day at Rock Creek Lake's beach area, swimming and fishing.
  • Go on a trail ride with Rock Creek Pack Station or near Lake Sabrina and North Lake see Bishop Pack Outfitters.
  • Fish for trout in popular Bishop Creek or nearby Lake Sabrina and South Lake.
  • Hike up Big Pine Creek past waterfalls to actor Lon Chaney's wilderness cabin.

Key Lone Pine Campground Regulations

  1. To avoid problems with bears campers are required to store food and scented items in bear-proof lockers.
  2. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  4. Generators may only be used during non-quiet hours. Only run them a maximum of 3 hours and be in attendance at all times.
  5. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. No more than 2 pets are permitted per campsite.

Check Inyo National Forest - Lone Pine Campground for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

Cottonwood-Horseshoe Meadow Campgrounds


Whitney Portal Area Campgrounds


Inyo County Parks Campgrounds


Onion Valley Campgrounds


Death Valley

Southern Inyo National Forest


Sequoia National Forest Campgrounds



TOP



trail to Mt. Whitney, Inyo National Forest, CA

Lower portion of trail to Mt. Whitney

General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite. Purchase firewood locally to avoid spreading pests.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.