Facility Details - WHITNEY PORTAL, CA

Overview

Whitney Portal Campground is in a prime location within the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains - at the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States.

With hiking trails to Mt. Whitney and the John Muir Wilderness less than a mile away, the campground is a popular home base for hikers, as well as family, RV and tent campers who wish to explore the area's activities and enjoy unparalleled scenery.

Natural Features:

The facility is situated in a thick pine forest at an elevation of 8,000 ft. Campers can see striking views of the rugged granite peaks surrounding it.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

Recreation:

Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal recreation area. Nearby trails lead into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

The campground is only 0.5 miles from trailheads to Mt. Whitney, Meysan Lake and other popular destinations. Visitors should be aware that hiking in this area may require a permit.

Visitors can also hike, fish and picnic in the area around the campground. There are numerous lakes, streams and a small pond in the area for trout fishing.

Facilities:

The campground is adjacent to Whitney Creek and just down the road from Trailhead Campground. Numerous campsites are arranged on either side of the creek, including three group camping areas and several tent-only sites. Paved roads, vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Bears frequent the area, and campers are required to use the bear-proof food storage lockers provided in the facility (all supplies must fit; dimensions are 18 inches high, 18 inches deep and 50 inches long). Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and a small convenience store with showers is nearby.

Nearby Attractions:

Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers.

John Muir Wilderness

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Campfire Rings Drinking Water Firewood Fishing	Food Storage Locker Grills Picnic Area Vault Toilets
Less Than 1 Mile
General Store Hiking	Showers Trailheads

Know Before You Go

Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers; fine up to $150 for campers who do not comply; remove all food from area after eating; do not leave food, trash or scented items in car; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals
No RV dump station; no filling of holding tanks from water hydrants
No motor homes, trailers, buses or campers permitted in the parking lot; if you have these vehicles, you must reserve a family unit
Customers must check in with host upon arrival
Maximum 2 vehicles per site; $7 extra vehicle fee collected at the campground
Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis
Click here for more information about Inyo National Forest

Wilderness permits to hike into the Mt. Whitney Zone are separate from campground reservations, CLICK HERE for more information

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
36.58986, -118.22978
36°35'23"N, 118°13'47"W

From U.S. Highway 395 in California, travel to the town of Lone Pine. The campground is 13 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

WHITNEY PORTAL
INYO NATIONAL FOREST
LONE PINE CA

Phone Number:

Information: (760)937-6070

WHITNEY PORTAL, CA