Camping in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, California, offers a unique experience where you can immerse yourself in the landscape with a stunning array of rounded rock formations and eroded hills, providing a dramatic contrast to the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

This area, designated as a National Scenic Area in 2021, is a popular spot for photographers, hikers, campers, and film enthusiasts alike. With its unique landscape, Alabama Hills has served as the backdrop of countless movies and TV shows, adding to its allure.

This guide will cover everything you need to know to make your camping trip enjoyable and safe.

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Where are the Alabama Hills?

The Alabama Hills are located in the Eastern Sierra region of California just two miles from Lone Pine at the junction of U.S. 395 and State Route 136.

How to get to the Alabama Hills

By Car: From Los Angeles, take I-5 North to CA-14 North, then US-395 North to Lone Pine. The drive is about 3.5 hours. From Reno, Nevada, take US-395 South directly to Lone Pine, approximately a 4-hour drive. Once in Lone Pine, head west on Whitney Portal Road for about 2.5 miles, then turn right on Movie Road to enter the heart of Alabama Hills.

Why Camp in Alabama Hills?

Camping in Alabama Hills offers the perfect opportunity to wake up to breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The best times to enjoy and photograph the stunning scenery are during sunrise and sunset, as well as under the star-filled night sky.

To fully appreciate this magnificent location, staying for more than a day is essential, and camping is the ideal way to immerse yourself in its beauty.

Camping in the Alabama Hills – Options

Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping – (Boondocking) – Free

When visiting Alabama Hills dispersed camping sites are free, however, that comes with responsibility and being a good steward of the land.

Dispersed Camping Guidelines:

First, read Camp Like a Pro in the Eastern Sierra and follow any updated guidelines from the Bureau of Land Management. This area is becoming increasingly popular, so there are some new changes, and I am sure more are to come.

Where Dispersed Camping is Allowed:

See the most current map from BLM (still in planning stages)

• East Side of Movie Flat Road – Dirt roads to the east of Movie Flat Road where there are established dispersed campsites.
• 4×4 high clearance vehicles have an advantage and more camping options as some of the roads are quite rugged and to get to those campsites this type of vehicle is required.

Where Dispersed Camping is Not Allowed:

Any areas that state clearly “no camping” or “day use only” as well as the west side of Movie Flat Road. Do not choose an undisturbed area where you can damage the sensitive environment.

Things to Know:

• Dispersed Camping Permits (coming soon) – Mandatory free camping permits are coming soon. The permit will acknowledge that you understand the rules of dispersed camping and will be required. It will be found online or at informational kiosks. Make sure you check the BLM website for the most updated information.
• Campfire Permits – Get your mandatory California Campfire permit at California Wildfire Permits. Always check local fire restrictions.
• Stay Limit – Maximum of 7 days in 28 days, not to exceed 14 days in a calendar year
• Restroom Facilities and Disposing of Waste: There are six porta-potties in the Alabama Hill area. You need to use these to pack out all solid waste (pet and human) using a portable toilet or wag bag.

Alabama Hills Designated Campgrounds

Campgrounds recommended nearby with bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings can be found a few miles+ from Movie Road.

• BLM Tuttle Creek Campground
  • Fee Site: Currently $10.00
  • Reservations: No
  • Open: Year Round
  • Capacity: 83 RV/Tent Sites
  • Sites Include: Fire Ring, Picnic Table, and Lantern Holder
  • Restroom: Yes
• Lone Pine Campground
  • Fee Site: Currently $29 – $32
  • Reservations: Yes/No at recreation.gov or there are designated first-served sites available.
  • Open: Mid-April to End of October
  • Capacity: 43 RV/Tent sites
  • Sites include: Fire Ring, Picnic Table, and Food Storage Locker.
  • Restroom: Yes

What to Bring

• Camping Gear: Tent (unless sleeping in the car), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, and cooking utensils.
• Clothing: Layered clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Essentials: Plenty of water, food, high-energy snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and first-aid kit.
• Campfire: Wood, Shovel, and 5 gallons of water per night to ensure the fire is completely out (cold enough to stick your hand in ashes).
• Navigation: GPS device, cell service can be spotty, so don’t rely solely on your phone. If hiking, make sure you download the trail map.
• Entertainment: Deck of Cards and Monopoly Go is always in my gear for the evenings.

For my favorite camping gear, check out my GEAR GUIDE or visit my AMAZON STOREFRONT. (These are affiliate links that allow you to easily find gear, and see reviews, and if you so purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Win/win – you get great gear at no extra cost, and I get support for this blog!)

Activities

• Hiking: Explore Mobius Arch Loop Trail, Movie Road Trail, and other nearby trails.
• Photography: Capture the stunning rock formations and the Sierra Nevada, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Movie Road is best shot at sunrise. Night Photography is also popular due to the minimal light pollution.
• Stargazing: Alabama Hills is an excellent spot for stargazing.

Safety Tips and Regulations

• Stay on Trails: Stick to established trails to protect the fragile ecosystem.
• Fire Safety: Always check local fire restrictions. Make sure you have your permit as discussed above, and the equipment to fully extinguish the fire (water and shovel).
• Camp Set Up: Camp only in designated areas.
• Be Kind: Be kind to other campers. Give everyone their space.
• Human & Pet Waste: Use wag bags or portable toilets for waste – carry it out!
• Weather: Be prepared for weather conditions
• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and waste, avoid damaging vegetation, and respect the natural environment.

Camping in Alabama Hills is a unique and rewarding experience that offers stunning natural beauty. By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, leaving nothing but footprints and taking only memories.

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