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Imagine waking up to golden light cascading over rugged rock formations, with the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada towering in the distance. This is Alabama Hills – a haven for dispersed campers seeking solitude, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Located just outside Lone Pine, California, this BLM-managed land offers free dispersed camping in designated sites, making it one of the best places for off-grid camping in the West. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a basecamp for hiking Mount Whitney, or an epic stargazing spot, Alabama Hills delivers.

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Boondocking Etiquette and Leave No Trace

Unlike traditional campgrounds, dispersed camping means no picnic tables, no restrooms, and no hookups – just you, your rig, and nature. It’s a dream for boondockers who thrive on self-sufficiency and adventure. However, Alabama Hills is a fragile ecosystem, and if visitors don’t respect the land, dispersed camping here may be prohibited in the future. The BLM has already imposed new regulations due to the increasing number of visitors, and further restrictions could follow if campers do not follow Leave No Trace principles.

• Stay in designated sites – Do not create new campsites. Stick to marked areas to protect fragile desert vegetation.
• Pack out everything you bring – Please remove any trash, food scraps, and human waste. If you bring it in, take it with you.
• Use a portable toilet or WAG bags – You are not permitted to dig catholes in Alabama Hills. Keep the area sanitary by using proper waste disposal methods. We use the Trellino portable toilet in our camper and think it is the best diverting toilet in terms of ease of use, cleanability and aesthetics. Alternatively, you can use backpacking WAG bags.
• Respect campfire restrictions – Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings and may be banned entirely during fire season. You will need a fire permit (even if you are only using propane stoves). Always check current restrictions before arriving.
• Keep noise levels low – Alabama Hills is a place of solitude. Be mindful of other campers and enjoy the natural quiet of the area.

We love camping in Alabama Hills and want to keep it open for future campers. Please do your part to protect this incredible landscape.

Permits & Regulations: Know Before You Go

Before setting up camp in Alabama Hills, it’s crucial to understand the regulations that help preserve this beautiful area. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) enforces these rules to ensure sustainable camping and to protect the fragile desert ecosystem in Alabama Hills.

Camping in Alabama Hills is not as easy as just showing up. You may only camp in designated sites, which are marked with a tent symbol. All other areas are designated for day-use only, meaning overnight stays are strictly prohibited outside of approved campsites. To camp in Alabama Hills, you must obtain a free permit, which serves as an acknowledgment of the rules rather than a reservation. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and securing a spot can be challenging, especially during peak seasons. You can obtain your permit online or at designated kiosks.

Please note that there is a stay limit. Camping in Alabama Hills must not exceed 14 days in a calendar year.

When planning to dispersed camp in Alabama Hills, we recommend that you plan to arrive before dark. The rugged dirt roads and unmarked paths can make finding a suitable campsite challenging at night. If you’re arriving late, consider staying at Tuttle Creek Campground, which offers established camping with amenities and is only a short drive away.

Weekends and holidays tend to be extremely busy, with high demand for campsites. If you plan to visit during these times, arriving early or opting for an established campground can ensure a stress-free experience.

Finding the Perfect Campsite: Our Exclusive Alabama Hills Camping Map

With the new BLM regulations in place, campers are now required to stay in one of approximately 50 designated dispersed campsites. To make navigation easier, there is a designated campsites map with mile markers at the Information Kiosk. However, we found locating these quite difficult and there is no clear indication on which sites are suitable for medium or larger rigs.

Because of that we’ve created an exclusive, free Alabama Hills Camping Map with GPS coordinates of 49 official campsites, plus detailed notes on each site’s accessibility, whether it requires 4×4, and if it’s suitable for small, medium, or large rigs.

Many of the campsites are located along Movie Road, offering stunning views and relatively easy access. Some sites are nestled deep within the rock formations, providing more privacy but requiring high-clearance vehicles. If you’re traveling in an RV, van, or trailer, our map will be helpful in finding a suitable spot before you arrive.

Please note that we still recommend that you scout these spots before driving your rig down the dirt roads as you know your rig and your driving skill better than we ever could.

Sign up below to receive our exclusive, free map for camping in Alabama Hills. Once subscribed, you’ll receive a Welcome Email which will include the link to our Alabama Hills Camping Map.

Essential Gear for Dispersed Camping in Alabama Hills

Since Alabama Hills offers no services, you’ll need to bring all necessary supplies to ensure a safe and comfortable stay. Here’s what you should pack for camping in Alabama Hills:

• Water Storage – At least 1-2 gallons per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. The dry climate can dehydrate you quickly.
• Portable Toilet or WAG Bags – Catholes are not allowed, you will have to pack out human waste. Bring a sturdy portable toilet or use WAG bags to minimize impact. We use the Trellino portable toilet in our camper and think it is the best diverting toilet in terms of ease of use, cleanability and aesthetics. Alternatively, you can use the porta potties at the information kiosks.
• Solar Power or Generator – No electrical hookups; solar panels or a quiet generator will keep devices charged.
• Propane Stove or Cooking Gear – Campfires may be restricted, so a gas stove is a must for cooking. A fire permit will be required either way. Traveling in a camper, we luckily have a kitchen set up but on backpacking trips we use this portable isopro stove from MSR. It works very well in windy conditions, which you will likely encounter in Alabama Hills.
• Trash Bags and Containers – Pack out all garbage, including food scraps and used hygiene products. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.
• Warm Clothing and Sleeping Gear – Nights can get very cold, even in warmer months. A good sleeping set up rated for low temperatures is a must. We have heat in our camper but a good warm down blanket goes a long way. We love our Rumpl puffy blankets and you can pick between super cool designs.

Amenities for Campers in Alabama Hills

While Alabama Hills is a remote camping area, a few nearby resources can help make your trip more comfortable:

• Porta Potties – Available at the Information Kiosk in the beginning of Movie Road and close to the Mobius Arch trailhead. We highly recommend bringing your own sanitation setup for camping in Alabama Hills as they are not always reliable.
• Trash Disposal – No trash cans are available along Movie Road or in any of the dispersed campsites. However, dumpsters are available at Tuttle Creek Campground, please use these to properly dispose of waste before leaving the area.
• Water Refills – Available at Tuttle Creek Campground during the warmer months and at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center (jugs and bottles only, no RVs or campers) in winter. Plan ahead and fill up before heading to your site.

Established Campgrounds Near Alabama Hills

If you’re not comfortable with dispersed camping or all designated sites are taken, several established campgrounds near Alabama Hills provide excellent alternatives.

Tuttle Creek Campground is a great option, just 10 minutes from Movie Road. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with 83 RV and tent sites, each equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern holder. The campground has bathrooms, dumpsters, and a fee-based dump station for RVs and trailers. Sites cost $10 per night, while the group campsite is $30 per night for up to 15 people.

Other established campgrounds in the area include Portuguese Joe Campground, which is open year-round and offers water, picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, and dumpsters for $14 per night. Diaz Lake Campground provides 100 tree-covered sites with access to fishing, water-skiing, and swimming, along with a boat ramp and concession stand, for $14 per night. Lone Pine Campground, located in Inyo National Forest, costs $37 per night and includes picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers. Whitney Portal Campground, sitting at 8,000 feet elevation, is ideal for those planning to hike Mount Whitney, with 43 sites available for $32 per night. The last two are subject to seasonal closures, so make sure to check their status online before going.

These campgrounds provide more structured amenities, making them excellent alternatives for those who prefer additional comfort while still enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Alabama Hills area.

Things to Do While Camping in Alabama Hills

Aside from enjoying the stunning landscapes and peaceful solitude, Alabama Hills offers plenty of activities to make your trip even more memorable:

• Hike to Mobius Arch – A short, scenic trail leading to the famous rock arch that perfectly frames Mount Whitney.
• Explore Movie Road – Drive through an area featured in hundreds of Hollywood films, from classic Westerns to modern blockbusters.
• Go Off-Roading – Numerous dirt roads wind through the hills, offering an adventurous way to explore the landscape.
• Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, the night sky here is breathtaking. Bring a telescope or just enjoy the Milky Way with the naked eye.
• Rock Climbing & Bouldering – Great climbing opportunities for beginners and experts alike. Bring your climbing gear and explore the unique rock formations.

One of the most magical aspects of camping in Alabama Hills are the sunrises. We got up early three times just to see the first rays of sunlight illuminate Mount Whitney, and it was absolutely worth it every time. Watching the light slowly creep over the peaks and cast a golden glow over the landscape is a sight you won’t forget. Check out our YouTube Vlog below if you want to see how we spent one of our days while camping in Alabama Hills.

Alabama Hills is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of the beautiful Eastern Sierra area. Read our article: Your Ultimate Summer Guide to Exploring the Eastern Sierra

Best Time to Visit Alabama Hills

The best time for camping in Alabama Hills is spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Summers can be unbearably hot, with daytime temperatures exceeding 100°F, while winters bring cold nights that can drop below freezing.

We visited in January and absolutely loved it! The landscape was peaceful and uncrowded, making for an incredibly serene camping experience. However, nights got very cold, so we recommend bringing a well-insulated sleeping bag and plenty of warm layers. Since we live in a well-insulated off-grid camper with heater, this was not an issue for us.

FAQs About Camping in Alabama Hills

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