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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Alabama Hills
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
a
abhi
2 weeks ago
21 ft campervan
Nacho left very clear instructions for us and it was easy to find the campground. We didn't spend a lot of time at the campsite, but it's right next to the lake and could make for a relaxing picnic plan! Campground also had a public restroom (well maintained). Location is convenient with an easy and scenic ride out to Death Valley!
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Chris
2 weeks ago
24 ft travel trailer
With pets
We stayed at olancha over christmas weekend we arrived late however our spot was waiting for us when we arrived hook up were well marked and easily accessible. Camp ground was clean lake was clean and nacho was great at maintaining bathrooms and roads during the heavy rain. Views were simply amazing and nights so quiet
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Michael
2 weeks ago
Tent
Brewster made us feel very welcomed. He greeted us when we arrived and explained the layout of the site. We forgot our tent stakes when we left and we are so glad that they messaged us to let us know they found our stakes so we had the chance to pick them up.
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Laura
2 weeks ago
3 nights at OrangeRay~Three Rivers
Wendi’s place is magical! She is such a lovely and thoughtful host and wonderful person. The land is gorgeous and the river roaring! The animals throughout add to the magic. Her place is conveniently located right by Sequoia. The airstream is cozy and has everything you need.
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Andrea
2 weeks ago
With pets
We loved our stay at Cabin Grimm! Gabby provided regular updates on the road closures and everything that might be impacting the trip.
I loved the esthetic of the cabin and it was truly an amazing experience staying there. I will definitely come back!
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Kezia
2 weeks ago
With pets
The RV was so comfortable and have everything we needed. Samir was so hospitable and accommodating in our stay. We enjoy our stay and will be coming back in the near future.
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Carly
3 weeks ago
1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
A lovely set of cabins in the hills, with really cute communal areas (we loved the bonfire area!)
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Meg
3 weeks ago
1 night at 3R Ranch Retreat
Loved spending the night here with a couple friends! It’s a perfect, cozy spot to spend a night or two while exploring the national parks and local mountains. If you’re looking for something easier than camping or setting up your own campsite, but still has the feel of being outdoors, this is it! The heater works great, water gets hot (wifi does not reach the trailer however, and cell reception ranges from decent to absolutely nonexistent- but if you really need to use a phone, the wifi works great closer to the house). The coffee was such a perk in the morning! Thanks so much!
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Angelica
December 2025
Tent
Group trip
The lake view was amazing. Nacho responds fast to messages and makes sure everything it’s okay. Thank you so much. It was my first time camping and it went smoothly.
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skanda
December 2025
16 ft car
Amazing views, Nacho was very helpful and let us change sites at the last minute. Restroom and shower clean and well maintained!
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Sandy
December 2025
1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
My girlfriend and I really enjoyed staying at the Cottonwood cabin! It was a nice cozy space and the scenery was sooo beautiful! I got to enjoy my breakfast on a big rock by the river and it was the perfect way to start my day. The restrooms were really nice and well kept! Overall it was a super comfortable lodging experience.
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Taelor
December 2025
Tent
This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was very good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 and it had a great view of the lake and mountains along with a picnic table, fire pit and electrical stations on for sides of the tent for charging. It was practically snowing late at night but we were able to plug in our heater so our tent was nice and cozy when we were in there. It was so enjoyable in fact, we originally only booked 2 nights but ended up staying a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one public restroom but to our surprise we never had to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot there was a heater and the toilet paper was always stocked. For the price you really cannot beat the experience and I would definitely recommend to stay here if you’re considering it!
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Taelor
November 2025
Tent
This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was extremely good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 which has a lake/Mountain View, picnic table, fire pit and two electric stations for charging on both sides of the tent. Even though it was borderline snowing late at night, we were able to use our heater so our tent was very warm and cozy the whole trip. So much so, we originally only booked two nights but ended up booking a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one shared restroom but surprisingly we never had an issue with having to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot and the toilet paper was always stocked. This was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it if you’re considering staying here!
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Alexis
November 2025
Tent
This is a great spot. Very quiet and private. The host was very friendly and showed us around. Would be best enjoyed in the hot summer months when you can make use of the amenities but a great place to rest!
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Adam
November 2025
Tent
Great location with easy access to Death Valley and Mt Whitney! Beautiful in the morning. Limited restrooms (only 1) and tent sites are a bit small but otherwise great place to crash for a couple nights. Firewood for $10/bundle cash only but there’s a gas station 2 mins away with firewood + bathroom if needed.
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A
Asin
November 2025
Tent
We loved camping here! The space and views were beautiful, and the host was so kind. Only 8-10 minutes to park entrance. Highly recommend this hipcamp.
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E
Edgar
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Really enjoyed our stay at this campsite. It was our first camping trip ever so we only stayed the one night but definitely going back. Clean area, organized sites, clean bathroom, great views, and very easy to get to.
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Grace
November 2025
Tent
We loved it here! There was a bathroom with running water a short walk away and the views with the lake and mountains were beautiful.
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Lily
November 2025
Tent
I loved camping at Nacho's land. Very welcoming host, gorgeous views, and great location. The pond had fun activities to do when we returned to the campground!
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Daniel
November 2025
1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents
It was a great experience coming here! A lot to do around and a good price for what you get. While the two story cabin was just two beds, the best part was the grounds that you get.
See moreThe best camping in Alabama Hills, CA guide
Overview
About
At the base of the Sierra Nevada, the Alabama Hills offer visitors the chance to hike and mountain bike past ancient rock formations while taking in fantastic views of Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48. Dispersed, first-come, first-served camping is the name of the game in the primary Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-run Movie Flat area, though some sites are only accessible by 4WD vehicles. Meanwhile, reservable campsites can be found in the nearby Inyo National Forest and at Inyo County’s Portuguese Joe Campground. The BLM also runs an official first-come, first-served campground, Tuttle Creek Campground, which can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long with a dump station but no hookups.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Camping on BLM land is normally free, although Tuttle Creek campers must pay a small fee.
- Alabama Hills camping is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, though this is one of the most popular dispersed camping spots in California. If you want to guarantee a spot, you may prefer to book a reservable site nearby through Hipcamp or Recreation.gov.
- You are only allowed to camp in parts of this 18,610-acre National Scenic Area marked with a sign bearing a tent symbol.
- You can stay at a campsite for up to seven days in a 28-day period and up to 14 days in a calendar year.
- Free-of-charge dispersed camping permits may be required. If so, they will be available at information kiosks or online. Permits are not considered campsite reservations.
When to go
Alabama Hills campgrounds are open year-round. The best time to visit the Alabama Hills is during the spring, when colorful wildflowers erupt all around. The temperatures this time of year are also generally pleasant, particularly in April and May, though temperatures begin to climb into the 90s in June and stay hot well into September. Fall is also a good time for a visit, particularly after Labor Day weekend, when area campgrounds tend to be less crowded.
Know before you go
- You can pick up groceries, fuel, and supplies in the nearby town of Lone Pine.
- There are six porta-potties in the Alabama Hills, located at the Mobius Arch trailhead and opposite the Shark Fin parking area.
- Movie Road is the area’s most iconic spot—seen in many movies and Instagram posts. Most Alabama Hills camping is set off this road.
- Campfire permits are required, but are free of charge. These can be obtained online or at BLM, Forest Service, and Cal Fire offices.
- Fires must be contained in existing fire rings. Burn bans are common, especially during the summer forest fire season, so check ahead before burning.
- The Alabama Hills are pet-friendly, but dogs must be leashed at all times.
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