Camping In The Alabama Hills

Tucked in a quiet section of Owens Valley you’ll find the Alabama Hills. Although close to the mighty Sierra to the west this locale doesn’t share any resemblance of the tall peaks. Instead, you’ll find a landscape with arches, rounded rocks, and eroded hills that looks otherworldly. It’s no wonder they’ve been featured in hundreds of films over the years.

Hollywood’s Back Back Lot

From Tremors to Iron Man and even classics like Hopalong Cassidy featuring John Wayne. A good place to start is Movie Road which is a popular spot to get that iconic Instagram shot of the Alabama Hills Recreation Area. You can access Movie Flats Road from Lone Pine. From US 395, turn west on Whitney Portal Road, and once you reach the sign for the Alabama Hills Recreation Area, make a right onto Movie Road.

Camping Restrictions In Alabama Hills

To really take in the jaw dropping scenery especially at sunrise or sunset you need to spend more than a day. Due to the increasing love of it the Bureau of Land Management has implemented new camping regulations. Desert flora and fauna takes a LONG time to grow and to ensure that future generations can enjoy it they’re enacting new camping regulations. Any area with a no camping sign, as well as the west side of Movie Road in the Movie Flat area, will be restricted to day use only. 

Permits And More

In addition, if you do decide to camp in the recreation area you are required to get a FREE permit. Eventually, camping will be limited as shown in this map. As there will be upcoming changes, please check the BLM’s official Alabama Hills page for recent updates if you are planning to visit and/or camp in the area.

Better Bet For Camping

Instead of risking destruction of the wildflowers and natural splendor we ask you to be a recreate responsible and pitch your tent in the nearby campgrounds:

• BLM Tuttle Creek Campground:

• $8 per night, no reservations, open year-round, 83 RV/tent sites, 5 miles NE of Lone Pine

• The Inyo National Forest Lone Pine Campground:

• $26 per night, may be first come first serve, open year-round, 42 single campsites with 1 double site and 1 walk-in group site, 6 miles W of Lone Pine

• The Inyo County Portuguese Joe Campground:
• $14 per vehicle per night, 20 camp spaces, 6 people per site

All of these are within a few miles of the legendary Movie Road. Since you made it to this page and care about Alabama Hill’s camping regulations that you care about keeping our lands accessible and protecting them so your great grandkids can enjoy. Thank you! We ask you to join us and take the pledge.