Camping in Lone Pine, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

United States
—
California
—
Lone Pine

96% (1422 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lone Pine

Available this weekend

Top camping destinations

Sequoia National Forest

Yosemite National Park

676 campgrounds

New Cuyama

70 campgrounds

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, located right in the centre of the Park!

Death Valley National Park

339 campgrounds

Star Hosts in Lone Pine

100%

(365)

Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers

2 sites · Tents2 acres · Three Rivers, CA

This is essentially a private campsite with a million dollar view! We are no longer opening the bunkhouse campsite; so that spot is now another area for your group to hang out. We are animal friendly and don't charge extra for you to bring your dog(s) to camp. Please LET US KNOW YOU ARE BRINGING DOG(S), when you request to book. Our dog Ruby, is a Black Mouth Cur, and our boy Chance is a Husky Doberman mix. Both are friendly with other dogs large and small. They look forward to meeting you and yours! Although we welcome dogs, the park only allows them into the park BUT NOT ON ANY TRAILS!! Only the national forests allow dogs on trails, not national parks. We can be available to dog sit your dog(s) while you explore in the park for $7/hour. Please contact us ahead of time, if possible, so we can arrange to be available to dog sit on your chosen day(s). Three rivers, California is the lower gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks; and has some unique restaurants, shops & even our own brewery! Our hillside property has great mountain views on 2.25 serene stepped acres. Our driveway turns directly off of Sierra drive, four miles past the town center (3R post office) and just 2 miles from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entrance - so it's conveniently located and easy to find! Five Fours Camp is up a private driveway, leaving the roadway below. You can't see it; but you can still hear the tranqual sound of the Kaweah River flowing across the street. Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. I know! We were heartbroken too when we found out we couldn't just cross the street and swim! You CAN go to Slick Rock and swim, boat, fish and more - about 8 miles away. My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and building here ever since! Our beloved older dog Ruby was rescued shortly after we bought. Our boy Chance was rescued during the beginning of the pandemic. They chase all the fun wildlife off of their property! In addition to deer, we have seen fox, bob cats, an Ocelot, too many coyotes, wild turkeys and bear crossing an animal highway along our upper hillside property line. Hawks, hummingbirds, quail, blue birds, woodpeckers and Sime yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here all over as well. Owls have been heard; but not seen. We love our mountain views and look forward to sharing them with you!

99%

(180)

OrangeRay~Three Rivers

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Three Rivers, CA

OrangeRay, home of Pixie's Place Animal Sanctuary & Hospice was founded in 2007, when I left L.A. for the forest by the river to create, and to expand my shamanic pursuits. Being that Three Rivers was home to the socialist Kaweah Colony in the 1800's; which helped in the founding of Sequoia National Park; the area is rich in history. Poet John Muir was enchanted and inspired by this area; Walt Disney fell under her spell as well when he envisioned a "Swiss Chalet" style resort which never came to fruition. The water wars of California began right here; gold rush...right here! "Kaweah" is the name given by the Indians for the sound the Crow makes. Three Rivers literally sits on slabs of quartz crystal, making rock hunting superb! As an energy practitioner, the quartz heightens the healing process; as well as creating an energy vortex. My property sits on an area that was once an Indian village, and then the school house for the children of the pioneers. There was a huge Hare Krishna Colony up here in the 60-70's. As a photographer and filmmaker, the lighting up here is amazing! The night skies literally pulsate with their celestial canopy. A great spot to sky watch as well! The property is not kid-friendly, and is not really here for children as much as it is offered for the inner child in adults. WE ARE 420 friendly which is in opposition to most "family" landscapes....so please note this is not personal but I prefer no children xo Also, I prefer no pets, as it disrupts the balance here with the animal residents :)

rio vista

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Welcome to 12 acres beautiful mountain and river views! minutes away from sequoia national park entrance and mountain bike trails, swimming, hiking, Kaweah Lake, white water rafting, bird watching, and simply just relaxing. These are all activities that are nearby but there is a lot of hiking on the property. Check in anytime after 1pm and no later than 8pm.

98%

(581)

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

100%

(97)

Moro Rock View

1 site · Lodging17 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Stop and stay night in our Upstairs Bed and Bath Studio with toilet and shower. We also have a day camp for use upon request. Our 17-Acre property has a great view of Moro Rock. We are right off Sierra Dr. (Hwy-198) and just 4 miles from the Sequoia National Park. We have parking for car, truck and trailer or boat & RV's. Our Studio B and B has a queen bed and sofa bed, kitchenette, bathroom and shower. Our Day Camp has a picnic table, umbrella, chairs and BBQ.

12 top campgrounds near Lone Pine

100%

(365)

Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers

2 sites · Tents2 acres · Three Rivers, CA

This is essentially a private campsite with a million dollar view! We are no longer opening the bunkhouse campsite; so that spot is now another area for your group to hang out. We are animal friendly and don't charge extra for you to bring your dog(s) to camp. Please LET US KNOW YOU ARE BRINGING DOG(S), when you request to book. Our dog Ruby, is a Black Mouth Cur, and our boy Chance is a Husky Doberman mix. Both are friendly with other dogs large and small. They look forward to meeting you and yours! Although we welcome dogs, the park only allows them into the park BUT NOT ON ANY TRAILS!! Only the national forests allow dogs on trails, not national parks. We can be available to dog sit your dog(s) while you explore in the park for $7/hour. Please contact us ahead of time, if possible, so we can arrange to be available to dog sit on your chosen day(s). Three rivers, California is the lower gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks; and has some unique restaurants, shops & even our own brewery! Our hillside property has great mountain views on 2.25 serene stepped acres. Our driveway turns directly off of Sierra drive, four miles past the town center (3R post office) and just 2 miles from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entrance - so it's conveniently located and easy to find! Five Fours Camp is up a private driveway, leaving the roadway below. You can't see it; but you can still hear the tranqual sound of the Kaweah River flowing across the street. Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. I know! We were heartbroken too when we found out we couldn't just cross the street and swim! You CAN go to Slick Rock and swim, boat, fish and more - about 8 miles away. My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and building here ever since! Our beloved older dog Ruby was rescued shortly after we bought. Our boy Chance was rescued during the beginning of the pandemic. They chase all the fun wildlife off of their property! In addition to deer, we have seen fox, bob cats, an Ocelot, too many coyotes, wild turkeys and bear crossing an animal highway along our upper hillside property line. Hawks, hummingbirds, quail, blue birds, woodpeckers and Sime yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here all over as well. Owls have been heard; but not seen. We love our mountain views and look forward to sharing them with you!

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

92%

(587)

Kings Canyon Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Wilsonia, CA

This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access

Aberdeen Resort

15 sites · RVs10 acres · Independence, CA

Learn more about this land: Relax at Aberdeen Resort! Enjoy Goodale Creek at camp and the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We have 10 Overnight Sites with the rest of the park being long term. Explore the many OHV trails, hike from the Park or head up to the many trailheads in the area. Fish Goodale Creek or head across the 395 to the gorgeous Owens River. Unspoiled and wild, the Owens Valley is spectacular and serene.

rio vista

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Welcome to 12 acres beautiful mountain and river views! minutes away from sequoia national park entrance and mountain bike trails, swimming, hiking, Kaweah Lake, white water rafting, bird watching, and simply just relaxing. These are all activities that are nearby but there is a lot of hiking on the property. Check in anytime after 1pm and no later than 8pm.

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

Sequoia Secluded Escape

3 sites · Lodging100 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Relax and unwind at this stunning cabin. This cabin was built with wood floors, high beam ceilings and charming details for a quaint and cozy feeling. This cabin is completely off grid; solar energy and fresh spring water! Enjoy the view of the mountains, stars and wildlife from the spacious deck. The cabin is located 8 miles outside the Sequoia National Park Entrance and 3 miles from the Mineral King Recreation Area of Sequoia National Park. If you’re looking for a quiet place to escape from the hustle and bustle of life, this is the place for you!

Moro Rock View

1 site · Lodging17 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Stop and stay night in our Upstairs Bed and Bath Studio with toilet and shower. We also have a day camp for use upon request. Our 17-Acre property has a great view of Moro Rock. We are right off Sierra Dr. (Hwy-198) and just 4 miles from the Sequoia National Park. We have parking for car, truck and trailer or boat & RV's. Our Studio B and B has a queen bed and sofa bed, kitchenette, bathroom and shower. Our Day Camp has a picnic table, umbrella, chairs and BBQ.

94%

(9)

River of Dreams

3 sites · Tents1 acre · Three Rivers, CA

Welcome to the North Fork River. There are six little water slides at the swimming spot. Peaceful and quiet. Listen to the river all day and night. There is shade to stay out of the sun, sand trails to the river. Plenty of places to hang a hammock and relax. 9.2 miles drive to the entrance of Sequoia National Park.

OrangeRay~Three Rivers

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Three Rivers, CA

OrangeRay, home of Pixie's Place Animal Sanctuary & Hospice was founded in 2007, when I left L.A. for the forest by the river to create, and to expand my shamanic pursuits. Being that Three Rivers was home to the socialist Kaweah Colony in the 1800's; which helped in the founding of Sequoia National Park; the area is rich in history. Poet John Muir was enchanted and inspired by this area; Walt Disney fell under her spell as well when he envisioned a "Swiss Chalet" style resort which never came to fruition. The water wars of California began right here; gold rush...right here! "Kaweah" is the name given by the Indians for the sound the Crow makes. Three Rivers literally sits on slabs of quartz crystal, making rock hunting superb! As an energy practitioner, the quartz heightens the healing process; as well as creating an energy vortex. My property sits on an area that was once an Indian village, and then the school house for the children of the pioneers. There was a huge Hare Krishna Colony up here in the 60-70's. As a photographer and filmmaker, the lighting up here is amazing! The night skies literally pulsate with their celestial canopy. A great spot to sky watch as well! The property is not kid-friendly, and is not really here for children as much as it is offered for the inner child in adults. WE ARE 420 friendly which is in opposition to most "family" landscapes....so please note this is not personal but I prefer no children xo Also, I prefer no pets, as it disrupts the balance here with the animal residents :)

75%

(8)

Cartago Springs

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Cartago, CA

Cartago Springs is right off of the 395 HWY, with beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra mountains with bright twinkling open skies at night. Just minutes from cotton wood creek and a short drive to the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Open land to park your trailer or RV. Star gaze and eat under the stars. Cartago wildlife area is a five minute walk down the road from the property. The Cartago Wildlife area is a protected wet land that homes many different birds and wild life, there are walking trails and a small pond to enjoy. The property sits near what was once the old Cartago dump. You can find beautiful colored glass, porcelains, neat items like silverware, car parts, old lighters, a pickers paradise. feel free to take any treasures you find home with you! If you like to ride, Olancha dunes is just down the road. Cactus Flats Road in Olancha will take you into the Coso Mountains where the trails are endless, the views are beautiful and the peace is surreal. Cartago Springs is a few miles north of the Mobile gas station, where they serve hot food a perfect convince for the traveler. Hope to see you soon!

100%

(1)

Private Sanctuary on the Tule River

8 sites · Tents12 acres · Springville, CA

Located at the foothills of the Sequoia National Monument, this private property is stewarded by our Indigenous elder Xico with permission from the Yukot peoples (Tule River Tribe), the original stewards of Springville. The land is bordered by the Tule River, accessible by a short walk. It offers palpable energy and breathtaking stargazing and is perfect for ceremonial experiences. Amenities include an outdoor shower and porta-potties within walking distance. Please leave no trace and pack out all garbage and plastics. Avoid synthetic fragrances or chemical toiletries, as everything returns to the land. Treat this extraordinary and sacred space carefully to keep it beautiful for everyone.

Under $50

98%

(23)

rio vista

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Welcome to 12 acres beautiful mountain and river views! minutes away from sequoia national park entrance and mountain bike trails, swimming, hiking, Kaweah Lake, white water rafting, bird watching, and simply just relaxing. These are all activities that are nearby but there is a lot of hiking on the property. Check in anytime after 1pm and no later than 8pm.

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

Kings Canyon Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Wilsonia, CA

This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access

Aberdeen Resort

15 sites · RVs10 acres · Independence, CA

Learn more about this land: Relax at Aberdeen Resort! Enjoy Goodale Creek at camp and the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We have 10 Overnight Sites with the rest of the park being long term. Explore the many OHV trails, hike from the Park or head up to the many trailheads in the area. Fish Goodale Creek or head across the 395 to the gorgeous Owens River. Unspoiled and wild, the Owens Valley is spectacular and serene.

Dog-friendly getaways

98%

(23)

rio vista

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Welcome to 12 acres beautiful mountain and river views! minutes away from sequoia national park entrance and mountain bike trails, swimming, hiking, Kaweah Lake, white water rafting, bird watching, and simply just relaxing. These are all activities that are nearby but there is a lot of hiking on the property. Check in anytime after 1pm and no later than 8pm.

Aberdeen Resort

15 sites · RVs10 acres · Independence, CA

Learn more about this land: Relax at Aberdeen Resort! Enjoy Goodale Creek at camp and the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We have 10 Overnight Sites with the rest of the park being long term. Explore the many OHV trails, hike from the Park or head up to the many trailheads in the area. Fish Goodale Creek or head across the 395 to the gorgeous Owens River. Unspoiled and wild, the Owens Valley is spectacular and serene.

95%

(150)

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

100%

(365)

Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers

2 sites · Tents2 acres · Three Rivers, CA

This is essentially a private campsite with a million dollar view! We are no longer opening the bunkhouse campsite; so that spot is now another area for your group to hang out. We are animal friendly and don't charge extra for you to bring your dog(s) to camp. Please LET US KNOW YOU ARE BRINGING DOG(S), when you request to book. Our dog Ruby, is a Black Mouth Cur, and our boy Chance is a Husky Doberman mix. Both are friendly with other dogs large and small. They look forward to meeting you and yours! Although we welcome dogs, the park only allows them into the park BUT NOT ON ANY TRAILS!! Only the national forests allow dogs on trails, not national parks. We can be available to dog sit your dog(s) while you explore in the park for $7/hour. Please contact us ahead of time, if possible, so we can arrange to be available to dog sit on your chosen day(s). Three rivers, California is the lower gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks; and has some unique restaurants, shops & even our own brewery! Our hillside property has great mountain views on 2.25 serene stepped acres. Our driveway turns directly off of Sierra drive, four miles past the town center (3R post office) and just 2 miles from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entrance - so it's conveniently located and easy to find! Five Fours Camp is up a private driveway, leaving the roadway below. You can't see it; but you can still hear the tranqual sound of the Kaweah River flowing across the street. Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. I know! We were heartbroken too when we found out we couldn't just cross the street and swim! You CAN go to Slick Rock and swim, boat, fish and more - about 8 miles away. My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and building here ever since! Our beloved older dog Ruby was rescued shortly after we bought. Our boy Chance was rescued during the beginning of the pandemic. They chase all the fun wildlife off of their property! In addition to deer, we have seen fox, bob cats, an Ocelot, too many coyotes, wild turkeys and bear crossing an animal highway along our upper hillside property line. Hawks, hummingbirds, quail, blue birds, woodpeckers and Sime yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here all over as well. Owls have been heard; but not seen. We love our mountain views and look forward to sharing them with you!

Kings Canyon Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Wilsonia, CA

This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Friends, dark chocolate, and a few bottles of wine. The climb up to the top of Moro is SOOO worth it. (Jump the railing and head due south-west for this hang out spot!)

99%

(167)

Sequoia National Park

Silver City, California

96%

(465)

Inyo National Forest

Lone Pine, California

98%

(146)

Kings Canyon National Park

Independence, California

98%

(262)

Sequoia National Forest

Ponderosa, California

93%

(198)

Death Valley National Park

Furnace Creek, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Lone Pine guide

Overview

In the heart of the Owens Valley, between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo mountain ranges, the town of Lone Pine is a great base for outdoor adventures and trout fishing. Other highlights include the scenic boulder fields of the Alabama Hills, a backdrop to so many Western movies, the Lone Pine Museum of Western Film, and the Manzanar National Historic Site. Campgrounds can be found around town, near Mount Whitney, along Highway 395, and in nearby national forests and parks.

Where to go

Lone Pine and Whitney Portal

Just outside of town, Inyo National Forest features several campgrounds with sites for tents and RVs, some with hookups. Visitors looking to tackle Mount Whitney or the John Muir Trail to Yosemite flock to the Whitney Portal Campground. The Forest Service Lone Pine Campground and Bureau of Land Management-run Tuttle Creek Campgrounds are good alternate options for Mount Whitney hikers.

Inyo County, Inyo National Forest, and Sequoia National Forest

North of Lone Pine, county and Forest Service campgrounds can be found along Independence Creek, while backpackers often head further inland to the high altitude Onion Valley Campground in Inyo National Forest. More options exist further north outside the town of Big Pine, while other campgrounds are set up for backpackers heading into the John Muir Wilderness. Bishop offers amenities and several campgrounds, but plenty more can be found at higher elevations along Bishop Creek and Lake Sabrina. South of Lone Pine, find more than a dozen campgrounds around Lake Isabella and along the North Fork of the Kern River.

Death Valley National Park

Lone Pine acts as a gateway to Death Valley National Park, the largest in the continental US, and also its lowest, hottest, and driest point, with a dramatic landscape that varies from rolling sand dunes and massive salt flats to winding canyons and snow-capped mountains. The park offers nine established campgrounds at varying elevations with differing opening dates. The year-round Furnace Creek Campground is the most centrally located.

When to go

Visitors flock here in early March, when trout season kicks off, around two months earlier than elsewhere in the Eastern Sierras. Summer is also a popular time for visitors looking to summit Mount Whitney, as the Mount Whitney Portal area is closed from mid-October to early May. Motorized boats are permitted on Diaz Lake from mid-May to mid October. Visit in spring and fall for bird watching on Owens Lake.

Know before you go

Permits are required to hike Mount Whitney. The lottery for permits opens on February 1 each year and closes on March 15. Day hiking and overnight permits are available.
There’s a one-night limit for walk-in campsites at Whitney Portal.
Permits are also required to backpack the John Muir Wilderness and the Golden Trout Wilderness.
Be bear aware. Do not store any scented items in your tent or vehicle, and use bear-proof containers instead.
Anglers 16 and older must have a fishing license. Be aware of different regulations for various rivers.