The rumble of film equipment woke me at 5 AM. I unzipped my tent to find a full movie crew setting up elaborate lighting just 200 yards from our campsite. We’d unknowingly picked the exact spot where they were filming a Western that morning—complete with horses, period costumes, and enough equipment to power a small town.
That surreal wake-up call in Alabama Hills perfectly captured why this place is so special. You’re not just camping in beautiful desert scenery—you’re sleeping in one of Hollywood’s most famous outdoor studios. Over 400 movies have used these dramatic rock formations and Sierra Nevada backdrop, from classic Westerns to modern blockbusters like Iron Man.
But Alabama Hills offers far more than movie magic. The contrast between massive granite boulders and snow-capped peaks creates some of California’s most stunning scenery, while dark skies make it a premier stargazing destination. Unfortunately, increased popularity has led to significant changes in how you can camp here.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about camping in Alabama Hills, including the new permit requirements that took effect in 2024 and strategies for securing one of the limited designated campsites.
Understanding Alabama Hills Camping Changes
Everything changed in 2019 when Alabama Hills received National Scenic Area designation. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) implemented strict camping regulations to protect this fragile desert ecosystem from increasing visitor impact.
From Unlimited to Limited Camping
Before 2019, you could camp almost anywhere among the rocks along Movie Road. The BLM has since restricted camping to only 47 designated sites marked with brown signs featuring tent symbols. This dramatic reduction protects vegetation and prevents the proliferation of informal campsites that were damaging the landscape.
Camping is only allowed on the east side of Movie Road. The west side is now day-use only, even if you see old fire rings or areas that look suitable for camping.
New Permit Requirements (October 2024)
As of October 1, 2024, all campers must obtain a free camping permit valid for one full year. While the permit doesn’t guarantee a campsite, it ensures you understand the rules and helps the BLM track visitor usage.
The permit is easy to obtain online through the BLM website and serves primarily as an educational tool. Rangers do patrol the area, so having your permit readily available is important.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Camp
Designated Dispersed Campsites
The 47 remaining campsites are scattered throughout Alabama Hills, but about half are located within the first 1.5 miles of Movie Road from Whitney Portal Road. These fill up fastest due to their accessibility.
Movie Flat Area contains 16 of the most accessible sites, making it the first area to check for availability. However, don’t give up if these are full—more remote sites often remain available.
Lone Ranger Canyon offers some of the most scenic sites with expansive views of Mount Whitney and the Sierra Nevada range. The sunrise views from these elevated positions are absolutely spectacular.
4WD vs. 2WD Access
Twenty of the 47 sites require 4WD vehicles to access safely. These sites often remain available when 2WD-accessible sites are full, making a capable vehicle a significant advantage during busy periods.
If you have 4WD capability, you’ll find more secluded sites tucked deeper among the rock formations. However, scout these locations carefully—some have tight turning areas that challenge even experienced off-road drivers.
Where You Cannot Camp
Look for signs with crossed-out tent symbols—these mark former camping areas now designated as day-use only. Never camp where you don’t see the official tent symbol sign, even if the area looks perfect for camping.
The BLM has made enforcement a priority. Rangers regularly patrol Alabama Hills and will ask campers without permits to relocate to designated sites or leave the area entirely.
Alabama Hills Camping Rules and Permits
Required Permits
Free Camping Permit: Valid for one year, required as of October 2024. Obtain online through the BLM website before your trip.
Free Campfire Permit: Required for any open flame, including campfires, outdoor grills, and camp stoves used outside vehicles. Valid throughout California.
Length of Stay Limitations
You can camp a maximum of 7 days in any 28-day period and cannot exceed 14 days total per calendar year within the Bishop Field Office boundaries, which includes Alabama Hills.
This regulation prevents long-term occupation of sites while ensuring fair access for all visitors.
Additional Rules
Dogs must remain on leash at all times. The desert environment contains wildlife that can be disturbed by free-roaming pets.
Camp only on bare ground—never on vegetation. Desert plants grow slowly and take years to recover from damage.
Collecting firewood is prohibited. Purchase firewood in Lone Pine or bring your own from outside the area.
Finding and Securing a Campsite
Timing Strategies
Arrive early in the day for the best chance of finding available sites. During peak seasons (spring and fall), arriving before noon significantly improves your odds.
Weekdays offer better availability than weekends, particularly during shoulder seasons when casual visitors are fewer.
Winter camping provides the most reliable site availability but requires appropriate cold-weather gear. Daytime temperatures hover in the 50s-60s, but nights can drop into the 20s.
Site Scouting Tips
Download offline maps before arriving. Cell service is spotty, and having navigation available helps you explore side roads where many campsites are located.
Budget time for exploration. Finding the right site often takes 1-2 hours of driving the various dirt roads and checking available spots.
Look for wind protection. Alabama Hills experiences strong Eastern Sierra winds that can make camping miserable without natural windbreaks. The massive boulders provide excellent protection when you position your camp thoughtfully.
What Makes a Good Site
Morning sun exposure for warmth and spectacular sunrise views of the Sierra Nevada range.
Rock windbreaks to protect against the area’s notorious winds.
Level ground that doesn’t require extensive site preparation.
Reasonable access for your vehicle type without requiring risky navigation.
Our guide to primitive camping provides additional tips for camping in undeveloped areas like Alabama Hills.
Established Campground Alternatives
If you can’t secure a dispersed site, several developed campgrounds offer excellent alternatives with Alabama Hills access.
Tuttle Creek Campground
Cost: $10 per night
Sites: 83 first-come, first-served sites
Amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, seasonal water
This BLM campground sits just 3.6 miles from Alabama Hills and accommodates RVs up to 30 feet. The dump station costs an additional $10, and sites fill quickly during peak seasons.
Portuguese Joe Campground
Cost: $14 per night
Sites: 20 sites (some reservable)
Distance: 7 miles from Alabama Hills
This campground offers the security of reservations during busy periods, though sites book months in advance for peak seasons.
Lone Pine Campground
Cost: $37 per night
Sites: 42 first-come, first-served sites
Note: Currently closed due to Whitney Portal Road construction
Located along Whitney Portal Road, this campground accommodates larger RVs but offers no water or hookups.
For those seeking more camping options in the area, the National Park Service website provides information about reservation systems and additional campgrounds throughout the region.
What to Expect and Pack
Primitive Campsite Conditions
Alabama Hills campsites are completely undeveloped. You’ll find no picnic tables, fire rings, or any amenities. Some sites have rock fire rings built by previous campers, but don’t count on finding them.
Sites vary dramatically in size and accessibility. Some are tucked intimately between boulders, while others occupy more open spaces. Most work best for smaller vehicles, though a few accommodate larger RVs.
Essential Gear
Portable toilet setup is crucial. Only six porta potties serve the entire area, located at major trailheads. Most campers use:
- Compact camping toilet
- Privacy shelter/changing tent
- Waste bags with solidifying gel
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Water storage for all your needs—no potable water exists in the camping areas. Plan for drinking, cooking, and cleanup water.
Sturdy tent and guy lines to handle strong desert winds that can appear suddenly.
Weather Preparation
Wind protection is your top priority. Sudden gusts can destroy poorly secured gear and make outdoor cooking dangerous.
Temperature swings require layered clothing systems. Desert days can reach 80°F while nights drop into the 40s, even during mild seasons.
Sun protection including hat, sunscreen, and shade structures. The high desert sun intensity surprises many visitors.
Things to Do While Camping
Movie Location Exploration
Movie Road itself offers countless filming locations from over 400 productions. Django Unchained, Iron Man, and classic Westerns all used Alabama Hills’ dramatic backdrops.
The Film History Museum in nearby Lone Pine provides fascinating context about Hollywood’s relationship with this landscape.
Hiking and Photography
Mobius Arch Trail (0.6 miles) leads to Alabama Hills’ most famous rock formation. The arch frames Mount Whitney perfectly for sunrise photography.
Heart Arch sits along the same trail system and offers a more intimate rock formation experience.
Rock scrambling provides endless exploration opportunities. The granite formations create natural corridors and climbing challenges for all skill levels.
Stargazing
Alabama Hills’ dark skies make it exceptional for astronomy. The area’s elevation and distance from light pollution create ideal viewing conditions.
Mobius Arch serves as a popular foreground for Milky Way photography during summer months.
For comprehensive outdoor recreation guidance, the Leave No Trace Center provides essential principles for responsible camping that apply directly to Alabama Hills’ fragile desert environment.
Looking to explore more unique camping destinations? Our overland camping guide covers similar remote camping strategies.
Photography Opportunities
Sunrise on Mount Whitney creates spectacular alpenglow that photographers travel thousands of miles to capture.
Golden hour lighting transforms the granite boulders into warm, glowing sculptures.
Movie Road perspectives offer classic Western landscape compositions that have appeared in countless films.
Alabama Hills represents a unique camping experience that combines Hollywood history, dramatic desert landscapes, and genuine wilderness solitude. The new regulations ensure this special place remains accessible while protecting its fragile ecosystem.
Planning requires more effort than in the past, but the rewards justify the preparation. Few places offer such a compelling combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and dark sky stargazing opportunities.
Success requires flexibility and patience. Arrive with realistic expectations about site availability and be prepared to adapt your plans based on conditions. The most memorable Alabama Hills experiences often come from embracing the unexpected—whether that’s discovering a hidden canyon, witnessing a spectacular sunrise, or yes, even stumbling onto an active movie set.
Remember that you’re camping in a landscape that has inspired filmmakers, photographers, and adventurers for generations. Respect the regulations, practice Leave No Trace principles, and help preserve this remarkable place for future visitors to discover and enjoy.
For more camping strategies that work in challenging environments, check out our guide to camping in the snow which covers similar preparation techniques for extreme conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to camp in Alabama Hills?
Yes, as of October 2024, all campers need a free camping permit valid for one year. You also need a free campfire permit for any open flames. Both are available online through the BLM website.
How hard is it to find a campsite in Alabama Hills?
Difficulty varies by season and day of the week. During peak times (spring/fall weekends), sites fill by early afternoon. Weekdays and winter offer better availability. Arriving early and being flexible about specific locations helps significantly.
Can RVs camp in Alabama Hills?
Yes, but options are limited. Most dispersed sites work better for smaller vehicles, though some accommodate larger RVs. Tuttle Creek Campground offers the most RV-friendly option with sites handling rigs up to 30 feet.
What’s the best time to visit Alabama Hills?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather but also the highest visitor numbers. Winter provides excellent availability with mild days but cold nights. Summer can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 100°F.
Are there any facilities in Alabama Hills?
Very limited. Six porta potties are located at major trailheads. No water, trash collection, or other amenities exist in the camping areas. You must bring everything you need and pack out all waste.