Payahuunadü, the Owens Valley, has long been home to the Paiute and Shoshone peoples, including the modern-day Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. Visitors exploring the Eastern Sierra are encouraged to recreate respectfully and help protect the cultural and natural landscapes that continue to shape the region today.
Lone Pine offers access to a variety of campground experiences ranging from developed Sierra Nevada campgrounds to lakeside camping and high-elevation forest sites near Mount Whitney and the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area.
Whitney Portal Campground
Located near Whitney Portal beneath Mount Whitney, Whitney Portal Campground is one of the most popular camping areas in the Eastern Sierra. The campground sits among pine trees and granite peaks at higher elevation and provides direct access to the Mount Whitney Trail and surrounding Sierra Nevada recreation areas. Sites are limited and reservations are strongly recommended during peak season.
Lone Pine Campground
Lone Pine Campground is located along Lone Pine Creek west of town and offers developed campsites with Sierra Nevada views, creek access, picnic tables, and convenient access to hiking and climbing areas.
The campground is centrally located for visitors exploring both the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney region.
Tuttle Creek Campground
Tuttle Creek Campground sits west of Lone Pine near the base of the Sierra Nevada and offers developed camping with dramatic mountain views and nearby climbing access.
The area is popular for photography, stargazing, and access to nearby recreation areas throughout the Owens Valley.
Diaz Lake Campground
Diaz Lake Campground offers lakeside camping south of Lone Pine with views of both the Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley.
The campground includes RV and tent camping areas and provides easy access to fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and Highway 395 travel routes.
Horseshoe Meadow Campgrounds
Located above Lone Pine at over 10,000 feet elevation, the Horseshoe Meadow area offers several campgrounds surrounded by alpine meadows, pine forest, and high-elevation Sierra scenery.
The area is popular for hiking, backpacking, fishing, and acclimatization before Mount Whitney trips.
Portuguese Joe Campground
Portuguese Joe Campground is a smaller campground located along the Horseshoe Meadow Road corridor.
The campground provides quieter camping access to the Sierra Nevada and surrounding recreation areas above Lone Pine.
Camping Regulations & Fire Restrictions
Visitors should always follow current campground regulations, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions while camping near Lone Pine and throughout the Eastern Sierra.
Campfires may be restricted during periods of high fire danger. Visitors should only use fires where permitted, never leave fires unattended, and ensure all fires are fully extinguished before leaving camp.
While dispersed camping exists on some public lands surrounding Lone Pine, visitors are encouraged to use established campgrounds and designated camping areas whenever possible to help protect natural resources and reduce impacts on the landscape.
Leave No Trace
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles while camping near Lone Pine and throughout the Eastern Sierra. Use designated campsites where required, pack out all trash, respect wildlife and cultural sites, minimize campfire impacts, and help protect the fragile desert and alpine environments surrounding the Owens Valley.
Know Before You Go
Camping conditions near Lone Pine can vary significantly depending on elevation, season, weather, and fire restrictions. Visitors should carry adequate water, food, layers, sun protection, and camping supplies before heading into the mountains or desert. Weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the Eastern Sierra, especially at higher elevations.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered professional outdoor, medical, or safety advice.
