Alabama Hills Camping
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Overview
A brief introduction to Alabama Hills
1/17/2025- Inyo County Public Works has announced that Whitney Portal Road will be open to vehicular traffic starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, January 25. Please note that there may be additional work performed under traffic control, as needed.
9/25/2024 -Starting October 1, camping at designated semi-primitive campsites will require the Alabama Hills free permit. This free permit does not guarantee a campsite, as all sites are still first come first serve. The free permit, which is valid for one year, acknowledges that the visitor knows how and where to camp in the Hills.
The Alabama Hills free camping permit can be found online, at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center in Lone Pine, or issued in person by a BLM park ranger within the Alabama Hills.
Summary
The Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills set at the base of the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Both geologic features were shaped by the same uplifting occurring 100 million years ago.
Visitors enjoy touring film sites, photography, rock climbing, exploring natural arches, and viewing the swaths of wildflowers that bloom every spring. Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities.
Camping permits are now required for designated camping in the Alabama Hills. Permits are free and do not guarantee a campsite. All camping is first come, first serve. This is an acknowledgment that you understand the rules and guidance for designated camping in the Alabama Hills. You may complete this online before your trip or collect a physical permit from the Eastern Sierra Visitor center or either of the information kiosks on Movie Road.
Camping in The Alabama Hills
Campgrounds
The best place to camp when you visit the Alabama Hills is at the nearby campgrounds, all within a few miles of Movie Road. This includes the BLM Tuttle Creek Campground, the Inyo National Forest Lone Pine Campground, and the Inyo County Portuguese Joe Campground. There are bathrooms, picnic tables and big sites for RVs and trailers.
View a map of campsites in the Alabama Hills.
Designated Campsites
Camping outside of a campground in designated campsites requires extra time and preparation to make sure impacts are minimal to this special place. A great source for tips to reduce your impact when dispersed camping is ESSRP.org/camping.
For further information about the Alabama Hills landscape and camping, visit SierraForever.org
FAQ
Where Can I Use the Restroom?
To control human waste, six porta potties have been placed in the Alabama Hills. Please either use these restrooms or pack out your solid human waste using a portable waste system (RV toilet, wag bag, portable toilet, etc.).
The porta potties are located at the Mobius Arch trailhead and across from the Shark Fin parking area.
How Can I Have a Campfire?
Check for current restrictions that may be in place.
California campfire permit are required on BLM managed lands within California. California. Campfire permits are available free online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/ or at all BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.
Use existing fire rings in an existing campsite. Extinguish fires with water, not dirt. Be sure to have shovels, adequate water, and fire extinguishers. Do not build fires next to rock outcrops where the black scars will remain for many years. Do not cut dow
The Alabama Hills are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley, west of Lone Pine in Inyo County, California.
Though geographically separate from the Sierra Nevada, they are part of the same geological formation.
ARE Alabama Hills campsites SOLD OUT?
We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Alabama Hills, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!
Scan for cancellationsContact Alabama Hills
- Recreation.gov
- Booking site: https://www.recreation.gov
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Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
Reviews
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Map
View a map of Alabama Hills
UNABLE TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE?
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