Alabama Hills - Free Campsites for You
The best part about visiting the Alabama Hills is that you can camp there for free without needing campground reservations!
It's so amazing to have access to a place like Alabama Hills that we can visit on a whim, because that's what being outdoors means – escaping the city and getting off the grid (stress-free) for a few days.
Camping in Alabama Hills - There are some amazing campgrounds in Alabama Hills along Movie Flat Road.
It is managed and operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
This location allows dispersed camping – meaning you can set up camp in nature.
This location allows dispersed camping – meaning you can set up camp in nature.
When choosing a campground, stay in flat, established areas, away from growing vegetation or restoration projects.
You'll find many campgrounds along the smaller back roads.
You don't need a reservation to camp in Alabama Hills.
You don't need a reservation to camp in Alabama Hills.
Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can camp on BLM land for up to 2 weeks. And, it's free!
There are no restrooms, showers, water, electrical connections, or other amenities for camping in Alabama Hills.
If you're looking for an established campground, check out BLM's Tuttle Creek Campground nearby.
This campground costs $5 in the winter and $8 in the summer and comes with a campfire, picnic tables, and restrooms (but no connections).
It's also first-come, first-served, so you don't need a reservation to camp there.
There are no trash cans in Alabama Hills, and each visitor is responsible for taking their trash with them.
There are no trash cans in Alabama Hills, and each visitor is responsible for taking their trash with them.
Be sure to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles for minimal impact while camping in nature. Alabama Hills is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend for a fun outdoor adventure!
The Alabama Hills are a series of rock formations scattered across the eastern side of central California.
These low-range rocks have rounded edges and are contrasted by the sharp peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the west.
The Alabama Hills, California, is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) territory, leaving it open to the public for free hiking, climbing, mountain biking, ATVs, and camping throughout the area. This is a playground for adventure travelers with limited restrictions and spectacular scenery.
The Alabama Hills, California, is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) territory, leaving it open to the public for free hiking, climbing, mountain biking, ATVs, and camping throughout the area. This is a playground for adventure travelers with limited restrictions and spectacular scenery.
The Alabama Hills - How to Get There
Located west of Lone Pine, CA, the Alabama Hills sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is 3.5 hours from Los Angeles or 4 hours from Las Vegas.
There are no roads leading directly from the west side, so you need to come from the north, south, or Death Valley in the east.
Surrounding the Alabama Hills are a variety of popular national parks, including Death Valley, Sequoia, and King's Canyon.
Surrounding the Alabama Hills are a variety of popular national parks, including Death Valley, Sequoia, and King's Canyon.
To get to the Alabama Hills from Los Angeles:
Drive on US-345 N to Lone Pine, California. Turn left onto Whitney Portal Rd. Drive about 5 miles to the Alabama Hills.
To get to Alabama Hills from Las Vegas:
Follow US-95 N. Take NV-374 S to CA-190 W. Continue through Death Valley National Park to CA-136 W. Turn right onto US-395 N. Turn left onto Whitney Portal Rd. Drive about 5 miles to Alabama Hills.
Once you enter Alabama Hills, all roads are dirt. They are well maintained, suitable for RVs and 5-wheel travel trailers. You will not find any amenities in the hills. The nearest gas station and services are in Lone Pine, about 8 km away.
What to Do in Alabama Hills
When it comes to activities in Alabama Hills, the possibilities are endless. Hiking, photography, and rock climbing are among some of the most popular activities.
Mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4-wheeling are other things to do.
On this stretch of dirt BLM resting beneath Mount Whitney, your imagination is the limit.
There is no potable water, amenities, or other services. You can walk across the rocky mesa and explore the area on your own.
Hiking to the Arches
Hundreds of rocky arches dot the landscape, making it a fun place to search for arches or take photos with the stars above. The most famous rock formation is the Mobius Arch.
It's a short 0.25-mile hike from the Y-end of Movie Road.
The arch is over 2.5 meters high and frames Mount Whitney behind it.
Besides Mobius, there are at least 18 named arches and dozens of unmarked and hidden arches.
Besides Mobius, there are at least 18 named arches and dozens of unmarked and hidden arches.
The Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine can provide more detailed information on specific arches to look for before entering.
Movie Sets
The desolate location and unique features of Alabama Hills have made it the star of many popular Hollywood movie sets.
At the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, you can pick up a map of the filming locations and
At the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, you can pick up a map of the filming locations and
At the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, you can pick up a map of the film set locations and take a walk or drive past the filming locations on Movie Road.
Over 50 Hollywood movies have been filmed there, including Iron Man (2008), Gladiator (2000), Django Unchained (2012), Firefly (2002-2003), Man of Steel (2013), A Star Is Born (1937), Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941), and countless others.
Gladiator (2000)
Climbing and Bouldering
The ease of access and friendly routes make it a popular spot for climbers. There are over 300 sport climbing routes, many of which are easy to moderate, making it a good place for beginners and traditional climbers alike.
The climbing routes are short hikes off the main roads. Many climbers consider this area a popular alternative to Joshua Tree National Park.
The climbing routes are short hikes off the main roads. Many climbers consider this area a popular alternative to Joshua Tree National Park.
Mountain Biking
While you can mountain bike anywhere, there are fun downhill and loop trails covering the area.
The trails in the Alabama hills can get sandy, making some routes technical, but there are also many easy paths to ride.
There are certainly a number of sights and rock formations to enjoy along the way. The distance between these would be more difficult to reach on foot.
There are certainly a number of sights and rock formations to enjoy along the way. The distance between these would be more difficult to reach on foot.
Horseback Riding
Follow in the footsteps of John Wayne and explore the Alabama hills on horseback.
In the National Recreation Area, you can bring your own horse or join one of the many horseback riding tours in Lone Pine.
Trail rides can take you beyond the rocky hills to the forest trails and streams to the west.
Trail rides can take you beyond the rocky hills to the forest trails and streams to the west.
Large boulders make the Alabama hills a popular off-road destination. Some of the most beautiful campgrounds are off the main roads, further west, towards the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
You may pass through abandoned mines and unknown caves to get there.
Photography
The best time to take photos in the hills is, of course, during the golden hour.
This is the time right after sunrise or just before sunset.
Also, the night sky in this area of California gets very dark, so you're likely to see many stars.
If you're looking for Instagram photos, drive north on the movie road past the Eye of Alabama Hills Arch.
If you're looking for Instagram photos, drive north on the movie road past the Eye of Alabama Hills Arch.
The road will curve to the left, then dip sharply down.
This is a popular spot for photographers to show the depth of the mountains beyond the road.
Free Camping in the Alabama Hills
Camping in the Alabama Hills is completely free. Located on BLM grounds, there are no huts, drinking water, or trash cans. The entire area is a 'pack-pack' location.
If you're looking for something with more amenities, nearby campgrounds have restrooms and, in some cases, electricity.
There are several "ring of fire" campgrounds scattered throughout the hills, and it is recommended that you use these primitive campgrounds for overnight stays to preserve the environment.
Restrictions
Pets are allowed throughout the area.
The city only asks that you pick up all your trash, travel on existing roads, and preserve the vegetation.
Campgrounds Near Alabama Hills
The Bureau of Land Management operates three campgrounds near Alabama Hills: Lone Pine, Tuttle Creek, and Portagee Joe. All of them are dry campgrounds (no water/or electricity). While there are some amenities, none of them have showers. Showers are available at the Portal Store in Lone Pine.
Lone Pine Campground
Lone Pine is the most popular campground for RV travelers.
It is located 6 miles west of Lone Pine, California.
There are electric and non-electric campgrounds, and it is closed in the winter.
There are only a few tent sites in Lone Pine.
RV sites occupy most of the campground.
Reservations are accepted, but there are also visitation sites available.
Tuttle Creek Campground
You'll find most of the campgrounds at Tuttle Creek Campground.
They have 83 sites open year-round, although the water taps are shut off from October to March.
This is the campground with your standard dry camping amenities:
vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables and lantern holders.
vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables and lantern holders.
Portagee Joe Campground
Portagee Joe is the smallest campground in the area with only 20 sites.
They are friendly to RVs under 30 feet and have a mix of camping spots for RVs and tents.
Like the others, there are vault toilets, water taps, fire rings, and picnic tables.
They accept reservations up to 9 months in advance, but they don't have electric campgrounds.
They accept reservations up to 9 months in advance, but they don't have electric campgrounds.
Camping and boating: Diaz Lake Campground
This campground is located 4 miles south of Lone Pine on Diaz Lake.
They have electric and non-electric sites, as well as a swimming area, a dock to take your boat for fishing, and water connections.
This is a dry campground, with no showers and domed toilets.
It is closed in the winter and reservations are accepted through Reserve America.
Alabama Hills Weather and Crowds
Temperatures can reach 35 degrees Celsius in the heat of July and drop to around 17 degrees Celsius in the winter.
The area gets crowded on weekends, making hiking difficult, especially in the summer months.
If you want to have the place to yourself, we recommend visiting in the winter or going early in the day.
The Surrounding Area
Visiting the Alabama Hills is a day trip in itself.
But if you're on a longer trip, there's plenty to see in the surrounding areas.
Death Valley National Park is just an hour away.
Mammoth Lakes is less than 2 hours north.
And if you want to hike part of Mt. Whitney, one of the main trails starts just 10 miles west of the hills.
This article is also available in Portuguese: Alabama Hills EUA
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