Visit one of the least known, but most beautiful areas to visit in California! Learn all about camping in the Alabama Hills situated in the Sierra mountains. Most people outside of the state have never even heard of this area! We have camped in hundreds of locations around the country and this was one of our all time favorites.
Western films and movie makers have come here for many years to shoot some of the most iconic scenes in history. We stumbled upon this wonderful location when we were planning out our year in the campervan. We spent a whole week here amongst the imposing mountains and wild rocky landscape.
So, now I’ve written this comprehensive guide to camping in the Alabama Hills below! You’ll find out about all of the rules and learn how to camp for free in this amazing destination.
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Ultimate Alabama Hills Camping Guide
What are the Alabama Hills?
The Alabama Hills is a large area next to the Sierra Nevada Mountains with a wonderful view of Mount Whitney. These hills are known for their large rock formations, imposing hill sides, and movie locations.
Most people come to the Hills to camp amongst the wild landscape and get off-grid for a little. But, movie buffs also love to visit here to see an iconic film location. There are plenty of great spots to camp in this wild natural setting.
Things to Know About Camping in the Alabama Hills
🏕️ There are free dispersed primitive camp sites within the park. You may only camp at these locations.
🎟️ You must get a free online camping permit for the Alabama Hills before you plan on camping there. Once you have acquired one, then you can camp at one of the designated dispersed camping spots.
🗑️ You must pack in and pack out everything that you bring. There are no trash cans around the dispersed camping area, but there are some porta potties in the area.
🔥 If you want to have a campfire in California, then you will need to apply for a campfire permit. You will need to use an existing fire ring. Permits are free The max stay is 7 days within a 28 day period.
🍃 Always remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles when camping, clean up after yourself, and continue to keep the Alabama Hills beautiful!
Camping Spots in the Alabama Hills
Alabama Hills camping was some of our favorite moments in the van so far. Most of the park is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. Because it’s such a popular area, there are now designated spots to camp at within the area.
After getting a permit, you are allowed to camp at one of the designated spots for free camping. You cannot park wherever you want, you must park within one of these locations.
However, there is also first-come, first-served campsites at the Tuttle Creek Campground. There are 83 sites there with lanterns, fire pits, and picnic tables.
Best Time to Camp
You can visit the Alabama Hills year round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall. In the spring, you can experience warmer temperatures during the day and be able to see the snow-capped mountains. The fall also has a temperate climate, but you won’t be able to see the snow on the mountains just yet.
The winter and summer can see extreme temperatures in either direction. However, we visited in the winter and we enjoyed the peace and quiet in the park, but we were also there during a wind advisory. At night, I thought our van would just topple over and we ran our diesel heater every night to stay warm!
How to Get to the Alabama Hills
Many people visit the Alabama Hills as part of a larger road trip and the only way to get there is to drive. The hills are 3 hours from Los Angeles and are situated off of US Route 395.
From 395, take a turn onto Whitney Portal Road and continue on for a couple of miles to reach the hills. Inyo National Forest is just above the hills, so you can easily add that to your trip as well.
Things to Do in the Alabama Hills
There are so many great things to do within the Alabama Hills. Adventurers come from all around the country to explore this amazing landscape and do various outdoor activities. Below are some of the best things to do!
Alabama Hills Activities:
- Motorbike or drive through the landscape
- Hike the one Arch loop trail to Mobius and Heart Arch
- Search for the more than 70 arches
- Drive down Movie Road to see filming locations
- Visit the Museum of Western Film History
Final Tips for Camping in the Alabama Hills
You will fall in love with the Alabama Hills when you are there. Just make sure to read all of the rules and regulations before you go. If you plan on going during peak season on a weekend, make sure to have an alternative camping spot in mind!
I highly recommend spending a weekend trying the Alabama Hills camping spots and seeing what this beautiful destination has to offer. You will see why this area has captured the hearts of many movie makers in the past!
Let me know if you found this guide helpful in the comments!
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