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Calculated Shard: 118 (from laksa110)

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curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa118.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.themandagies.com/alabama-hills-camping/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.themandagies.com/alabama-hills-camping/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/alabama-hills-camping\/","crawl_time":1774659441,"first_indexed_time":1581031308,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,themandagies!www,\/alabama-hills-camping\/ s443","src_root_hash":"7855408665215893318","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Exactly How To Go Camping In Alabama Hills, California For FREE (+ 6 Alabama Hills Camping Tips) - The Mandagies","meta_descriptions":["Curious about Alabama Hills camping? We're sharing everything we know about sustainable camping, what to pack, and more important information right here!"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Post Summary: The Best Places To Go Camping at Alabama Hills, California\nLooking for\nfree camping\nalong your Southern California road trip? We’re on the same page!\nFamously known for\nbeing a popular location for old-school western movies\n, Alabama Hills is actually much more than that! It’s full of beautiful geological features, opportunities to hike, and most importantly, free camping.\nLodging on a road trip can get expensive\n, so that’s why we’re sharing about free camping in Alabama Hills.\nIn this post, we’re sharing\nhow to camp for free in Alabama Hills\n, and what to expect in this unique place in Southern California.\nSo what are you waiting for? Let’s start packing the car and hitting the road for an Alabama Hills camping trip!\nThe Complete Alabama Hills Camping Guide\nWhere is Alabama Hills?\nAlabama Hills is located east of the\nSierra Mountains\nin Southern California. It’s on land owned by the\nBureau of Land Managemen\nt, labeled as a recreation area. It’s surrounded by many well-known national parks, including\nDeath Valley\n, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and\nYosemite\n.\nThis means Alabama Hills is available to the public for free camping, hiking, climbing, and more!\nIf you’re hoping to find an adventurous location to camp in California, look no further!\nDistance from\nLos Angeles\nto Alabama Hills: 3.5-hour drive, 211 miles\nDistance from Las Vegas to Alabama Hills: 4-hour drive, 231 miles\nDistance from San Diego to Alabama Hills: 5-hour drive, 300 miles\n“It’s BLM Land, So I Can Camp Anywhere I Want, Right?”\nNot exactly. Yes, Alabama Hills recreation area is open to the public for FREE for activities such as camping. But\nthis is definitely not, however, space where you can make up your own rules.\nIn order to keep this place available for camping and recreation for years to come, people camping in Alabama Hills MUST adhere to the\nLeave No Trace principles\n. These guidelines are in place for preserving Alabama Hills camping and other dispersed camping areas.\nKeep reading below for successful (and sustainable!) camping in Alabama Hills, California.\nAlabama Hills Camping Tips For A Successful Trip\nWe can’t state enough the importance of\nsustainable camping\n, especially in such a fragile place as Alabama Hills.\nWhy are we sharing about it then?\nWhy even tell people about camping in Alabama Hills?\nWell, because it’s a\npublic space\n, one that we don’t have ownership over, and that our actions can have lasting consequences. Therefore, we decided to carve out this little corner of the internet to chat about responsible camping, what it looks like, and how you can do it, too. This post is for\neducational purposes\nand to get more\npositive information\nout there for all the outdoor lovers just like us!\n1. Brush Up On\nLeave No Trace Principles\nBecause this land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and there are\nno reservations for camping\n, it can feel a little bit like a free-for-all to do whatever you want.\nThis is certainly not the case – because this land is for ALL our enjoyment, we ALL are responsible for keeping it clean and safe for future users. Make sure to brush up on Leave No Trace Principles and try to leave your campsite better than you found it!\nHere’s a small overview of the 7 Leave No Trace Practices:\nPlan Ahead and Prepare\nTravel\/Sleep on Durable Surfaces\nDispose of Waste Properly\nDon’t Bring Anything (rocks, plants, animals) home with you. Leave things as they are.\nMinimize Campfire Impact\nDon’t Disturb Wildlife\nBe Considerate of Others\n2. Find A Previously Used Site To Set Up Camp\nExpanding on the Leave No Trace Principles “Minimize Your Impact”, it’s important to search for an Alabama Hills campsite that\nhas been used for camping previously\n. This way, you aren’t adding new tracks or disturbing any growing vegetation.\nIf there is an open site with a used fire pit and cleared area, definitely choose that instead of blazing your own trail!\nRead More:\nExactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA (And Sustainable Camping Tips!)\n3. Call Ahead To Check For Fire Bans\nHoping to cook dinner around an open fire?\nCall ahead\nand\nmake sure there are no fire bans\nin place. Being located in Southern California, certain times of the year are more restrictive with fire rules than others. Often, you will see fire restrictions in place during the summer months, June through September.\nIt will save you a lot of scrambling and last-minute planning if you call ahead and double-check before you make any plans to build a fire!\nThe number to call for fire bans in Alabama Hills is:\n (760) 876-6200\n4. Set Up Camp Between or Near Large Boulders For Protection\nBecause Alabama Hills camping spots are located in the Southern California desert, the wind can be a fickle friend during the colder winter months. To keep your shelter safe from the elements,\nlook for a previously-used site surrounded by large boulders\nto help block the wind on your campsite.\nAlternatively, you could find out\nhow to rent an RV\nto camp in Alabama Hills, which will protect you from the outside wind chill and freezing temperatures. This way you can camp year-round without worrying about the cold!\n5. Pack Lots Of Water\nAlabama Hills camping comes with a dry, desert-like environment, so come prepared with\nplenty of water\n. Remember that you’ll be using it for drinking, cooking,\nand\ncleaning, so carry more than you think you will need!\nRemember to dispose of your greywater (excess water from cooking, cleaning, or even brushing teeth) properly. Watch\nthis youtube video from Leave No Trace\nabout how to\ndispose of greywater properly at Alabama Hills\n.\nDuring our camping trips, we like to use this\nfolding\n5-Gallon portable water storage\nfrom GSI.\nIt’s fully collapsible when not in use, and incredibly cheap, too!\n6. Be a Responsible Pooper When Camping In Alabama Hills\nYou read that right. There’s a right way and a wrong way to\npoop\nwhen planning an Alabama Hills camping trip!\nThe ideal situation would be to do your business in the nearby town of Lone Pine before embarking out to find your Alabama Hills campsite.\nBut emergencies do happen, so it’s your responsibility to follow Leave No Trace Principles, especially when doing your business in the wilderness. Read this blog post from\noutdoor advocate Meghan Young\nabout\nhow to use the bathroom in the backcountry\n!\nWhat Do I Pack For Alabama Hills Camping?\nNow that you know how to find the ideal Alabama Hills campsite, what should you be packing for your trip?\nThese camping tips\nshould give you a basic idea of the camping gear you may need, and we’re diving deeper into these details right now.\nRead our suggestions below, keeping in mind that we\naim to leave as little impact as possible\non the surrounding landscape!\nShelter Basics\nOur personal preference is to go\ncar camping (aka,\nsleeping in your car\n)\n. This way, all of our gear is contained to the vehicle, the walls of the car protect us from the elements, and packing up is quick and painless.\nHowever, if you plan to stay for several days (for climbing or exploring), tents would also work as a great shelter for your Alabama Hills campsite.\nTents & Freestanding Shelters\n– like\nthis quick set-up Marmot Tungsten one\n.\nSleeping Bags\n– Choose a really affordable\nthree-season sleeping bag like this on from Fjallraven\n.\nSleeping Pads\n– We own\nthis one by Therm-a-Rest\nand\nthis one by Big Agnes\n.\nYou could also GO BIG and\npurchase an awesome car\nrooftop tent\n!\nThese are extremely easy to pack up during a California road trip from place to place. Not only that but it keeps you off the ground and\nthis Tepui LoPro 2 person one\ndoes the job perfectly.\nRead More:\nThe 10 Best Sleeping Bags For Camping and Backpacking\nClothing\nAlabama Hills camping can get pretty hot during those sunny Southern California days, but the temperatures can drop quickly come nighttime.\nWhen camping in Alabama Hills, it’s important to\npack in layers\nto easily adjust to the outside temperature. In a nutshell, here is what we suggest bringing:\nBase Layer\n– like\nthis casual sweat-wicking long sleeve from Prana\nInsulating Layer\n– like this super\nlightweight pullover from Patagonia\n.\nOuter Layer\n– Depending on the weather it could be a\ncozy puffer coat\nor a\nwindproof jacket\n.\nFood and Meal Preparation\nRegarding what food to pack for a camping trip in Alabama Hills, we extensively cover\nquick and easy camping meals in this post here\n. \nBesides your food, don’t forget to pack water and lots of it. We love these\ncollapsible 5-gallon containers\n(We chatted about them earlier too) to store extra water during your camping trip. Since this is a dry location with no water source, we highly recommend bringing at least enough to provide 1 gallon of water per person, per day.\nDon’t feel like cooking?\nThe town of Lone Pine is an easy 10-15 minute drive from Alabama Hills, and you can find all sorts of comfort food and mom & pop diners for quick and delicious meals.\nAlternative Camping Locations To Alabama Hills\nCouldn’t find a spot for camping in Alabama Hills?\nWant to try something different?\nThere are lots of options to camp in Southern California, especially along this\nHighway 395 road trip route\n. Here are some of the closest alternative camping options near Alabama Hills:\nObtaining Wilderness Permits.\nBackpacking in the\nInyo National Forest\nand around\nMt. Whitney\nare both excellent options if you’re looking to experience some Southern California wilderness. Many of the most popular trails bring you to serene alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain views, and solitude!\nCampground Reservations.\nPortagee Joe Campground\nand\nTuttle Creek Campground\nare the closest campgrounds with limited facilities near Alabama Hills. Tuttle Creek is $5 per night and is first-come-first-serve, while Portagee Joe takes reservations ahead of time.\nBooking a Hotel in Lone Pine.\nSometimes you just want a nice shower and a cozy bed.\nBook a cheap hotel in Lone Pine here.\nFinding More Campgrounds Nearby With The Dyrt.\nThe Dyrt\nis the largest campground finding tool on the market! We like to use it when finding last-minute camping spots, connecting campgrounds along our road trip route, and using the BLM and national park maps to find the perfect spot. To unlock all these goodies,\ntry their pro membership\nfree for 30-days\nwhen using our code\nMANDAGIES.\nMORE SOUTHWEST USA ADVENTURES\nThe Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip (The Mega Route)\nHow To Get To The Insta-Famous Alabama Hills Movie Road\nThe 24-Hour Guide To Death Valley National Park\nThe Complete Utah National Parks Road Trip\nDrop Dead Gorgeous American Southwest Destinations You Must See","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/ct.pinterest.com\/v3\/?event=init&tid=2612591970053&pd[em]=<hashed_email_address>&noscript=1)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=708535811533282&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/alabama-hills-camping\/#main-content)\n\n- [WORK WITH US](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/work-with-us\/)\n- [CONTACT US](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/contact-us\/)\n- [ABOUT US](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/about-us\/)\n\n[**PRINT SHOP**](https:\/\/shop.themandagies.com\/prints\/)\n\n[**Photo Presets**](https:\/\/themandagies.lpages.co\/the-mandagies-essential-presets\/)\n\n[The Mandagies](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/)\n\n☰\n\n- [Destinations](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/category\/destinations\/)\n  - 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[ROAD TRIP](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/tag\/road-trip)\n  - [HIKING](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/tag\/hiking)\n  - [CAMPING](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/tag\/camping)\n  - [HOT SPRINGS](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/tag\/hot-springs)\n  - [CABINS](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/tag\/cabins)\n- [Free Resources](https:\/\/view.flodesk.com\/pages\/623276a59b7136a9e313e347)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/about-us\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/contact-us\/)\n- [Work With Us](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/work-with-us\/)\n- [Get Free Resources](https:\/\/view.flodesk.com\/pages\/623276a59b7136a9e313e347)\n\n![car top tent at Alabama Hills](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-28.jpg)\n\n# Exactly How To Go Camping In Alabama Hills, California For FREE (+ 6 Alabama Hills Camping Tips)\n*Post Summary: The Best Places To Go Camping at Alabama Hills, California*\n\nLooking for [free camping](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/how-to-find-free-camping-usa\/) along your Southern California road trip? We’re on the same page\\!\n\nFamously known for **being a popular location for old-school western movies**, Alabama Hills is actually much more than that! It’s full of beautiful geological features, opportunities to hike, and most importantly, free camping.\n\n**Lodging on a road trip can get expensive**, so that’s why we’re sharing about free camping in Alabama Hills.\n\nIn this post, we’re sharing **how to camp for free in Alabama Hills**, and what to expect in this unique place in Southern California.\n\nSo what are you waiting for? Let’s start packing the car and hitting the road for an Alabama Hills camping trip\\!\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping Guide - TheMandagies.com](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping Guide - TheMandagies.com](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-6-1500x1000.jpg)\n# The Complete Alabama Hills Camping Guide\n## Where is Alabama Hills?\nAlabama Hills is located east of the **Sierra Mountains** in Southern California. It’s on land owned by the **Bureau of Land Managemen**t, labeled as a recreation area. It’s surrounded by many well-known national parks, including [Death Valley](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/death-valley-in-one-day\/), Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and [Yosemite](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/24-hours-in-yosemite-national-park\/).\n\n**This means Alabama Hills is available to the public for free camping, hiking, climbing, and more\\!** If you’re hoping to find an adventurous location to camp in California, look no further\\!\n\n- Distance from [Los Angeles](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/places-to-go-orange-county-outdoor-activities\/) to Alabama Hills: 3.5-hour drive, 211 miles\n- Distance from Las Vegas to Alabama Hills: 4-hour drive, 231 miles\n- Distance from San Diego to Alabama Hills: 5-hour drive, 300 miles\n## “It’s BLM Land, So I Can Camp Anywhere I Want, Right?”\nNot exactly. Yes, Alabama Hills recreation area is open to the public for FREE for activities such as camping. But **this is definitely not, however, space where you can make up your own rules.**\n\nIn order to keep this place available for camping and recreation for years to come, people camping in Alabama Hills MUST adhere to the **Leave No Trace principles**. These guidelines are in place for preserving Alabama Hills camping and other dispersed camping areas.\n\nKeep reading below for successful (and sustainable!) camping in Alabama Hills, California.\n\n![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-39-1500x1000.jpg)\n***\n## Alabama Hills Camping Tips For A Successful Trip\nWe can’t state enough the importance of **sustainable camping**, especially in such a fragile place as Alabama Hills.\n\n*Why are we sharing about it then? **Why even tell people about camping in Alabama Hills?***\n\nWell, because it’s a **public space**, one that we don’t have ownership over, and that our actions can have lasting consequences. Therefore, we decided to carve out this little corner of the internet to chat about responsible camping, what it looks like, and how you can do it, too. This post is for **educational purposes** and to get more **positive information** out there for all the outdoor lovers just like us\\!\n\n### 1\\. Brush Up On [Leave No Trace Principles](https:\/\/lnt.org\/)\nBecause this land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and there are **no reservations for camping**, it can feel a little bit like a free-for-all to do whatever you want.\n\nThis is certainly not the case – because this land is for ALL our enjoyment, we ALL are responsible for keeping it clean and safe for future users. Make sure to brush up on Leave No Trace Principles and try to leave your campsite better than you found it\\!\n\n**Here’s a small overview of the 7 Leave No Trace Practices:**\n\n1. Plan Ahead and Prepare\n2. Travel\/Sleep on Durable Surfaces\n3. Dispose of Waste Properly\n4. Don’t Bring Anything (rocks, plants, animals) home with you. Leave things as they are.\n5. Minimize Campfire Impact\n6. Don’t Disturb Wildlife\n7. Be Considerate of Others\n\n![Alabama Hills Movie Road During Sunrise](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1000'%20height='1500'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%201500'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Alabama Hills Movie Road During Sunrise](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-17-1000x1500.jpg)\n### 2\\. Find A Previously Used Site To Set Up Camp\nExpanding on the Leave No Trace Principles “Minimize Your Impact”, it’s important to search for an Alabama Hills campsite that **has been used for camping previously**. This way, you aren’t adding new tracks or disturbing any growing vegetation.\n\nIf there is an open site with a used fire pit and cleared area, definitely choose that instead of blazing your own trail\\!\n\n**Read More:** [Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA (And Sustainable Camping Tips!)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/how-to-find-free-camping-usa\/)\n\n![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-39-1500x1000.jpg)\n### 3\\. Call Ahead To Check For Fire Bans\nHoping to cook dinner around an open fire? **Call ahead** and **make sure there are no fire bans** in place. Being located in Southern California, certain times of the year are more restrictive with fire rules than others. Often, you will see fire restrictions in place during the summer months, June through September.\n\nIt will save you a lot of scrambling and last-minute planning if you call ahead and double-check before you make any plans to build a fire\\!\n\n**The number to call for fire bans in Alabama Hills is:** (760) 876-6200\n\n###\n### 4\\. Set Up Camp Between or Near Large Boulders For Protection\nBecause Alabama Hills camping spots are located in the Southern California desert, the wind can be a fickle friend during the colder winter months. To keep your shelter safe from the elements, **look for a previously-used site surrounded by large boulders** to help block the wind on your campsite.\n\nAlternatively, you could find out [how to rent an RV](https:\/\/www.crazyfamilyadventure.com\/tips-on-how-to-rent-an-rv\/) to camp in Alabama Hills, which will protect you from the outside wind chill and freezing temperatures. This way you can camp year-round without worrying about the cold\\!\n\n### 5\\. Pack Lots Of Water\nAlabama Hills camping comes with a dry, desert-like environment, so come prepared with **plenty of water**. Remember that you’ll be using it for drinking, cooking, *and* cleaning, so carry more than you think you will need\\!\n\nRemember to dispose of your greywater (excess water from cooking, cleaning, or even brushing teeth) properly. Watch [this youtube video from Leave No Trace](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=AzjukdquCQQ) about how to **dispose of greywater properly at Alabama Hills**.\n\nDuring our camping trips, we like to use this [folding **5-Gallon portable water storage** from GSI.](http:\/\/bit.ly\/30vz7Hv) It’s fully collapsible when not in use, and incredibly cheap, too\\!\n\n![5-Gallon Portable Water Jug](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![5-Gallon Portable Water Jug](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/iceberg-lake-trail-glacier-national-park-montana-the-mandagies-13-1500x1000.jpg)\n### 6\\. Be a Responsible Pooper When Camping In Alabama Hills\nYou read that right. There’s a right way and a wrong way to **poop** when planning an Alabama Hills camping trip\\!\n\nThe ideal situation would be to do your business in the nearby town of Lone Pine before embarking out to find your Alabama Hills campsite.\n\nBut emergencies do happen, so it’s your responsibility to follow Leave No Trace Principles, especially when doing your business in the wilderness. Read this blog post from **outdoor advocate Meghan Young** about [how to use the bathroom in the backcountry](http:\/\/www.missmeghanyoung.com\/blog\/2017\/8\/26\/the-three-ps-how-to-pee-poop-and-period-in-the-backcountry)\\!\n\n![View of Mt Whitney at Alabama Hills, California](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![View of Mt Whitney at Alabama Hills, California](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-48-1500x1000.jpg)\n## What Do I Pack For Alabama Hills Camping?\nNow that you know how to find the ideal Alabama Hills campsite, what should you be packing for your trip? [These camping tips](https:\/\/walkbesidemeblog.com\/camping-tips-for-beginners\/) should give you a basic idea of the camping gear you may need, and we’re diving deeper into these details right now.\n\nRead our suggestions below, keeping in mind that we **aim to leave as little impact as possible** on the surrounding landscape\\!\n\n### Shelter Basics\nOur personal preference is to go [car camping (aka, **sleeping in your car**)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/sleeping-in-your-car-car-camping-101\/). This way, all of our gear is contained to the vehicle, the walls of the car protect us from the elements, and packing up is quick and painless.\n\nHowever, if you plan to stay for several days (for climbing or exploring), tents would also work as a great shelter for your Alabama Hills campsite.\n\n- **Tents & Freestanding Shelters** – like [this quick set-up Marmot Tungsten one](http:\/\/bit.ly\/3aPHc02).\n- **Sleeping Bags** – Choose a really affordable [three-season sleeping bag like this on from Fjallraven](http:\/\/bit.ly\/37Fyfo1).\n- **Sleeping Pads** – We own [this one by Therm-a-Rest](http:\/\/bit.ly\/2GLwcmN) and [this one by Big Agnes](https:\/\/www.backcountry.com\/big-agnes-insulated-air-core-ultra-sleeping-pad?s=a).\n\nYou could also GO BIG and **purchase an awesome car [rooftop tent](https:\/\/www.backcountry.com\/Store\/catalog\/search.jsp?q=rooftop%20tent&p=salePriceUSbcs%3A%5B1000+TO+1500%5D&nf=1)\\!** These are extremely easy to pack up during a California road trip from place to place. Not only that but it keeps you off the ground and [this Tepui LoPro 2 person one](http:\/\/bit.ly\/2t8GNEV) does the job perfectly.\n\n**Read More:** [The 10 Best Sleeping Bags For Camping and Backpacking](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/best-sleeping-bags\/)\n\n![car top tent while camping in Alabama Hills](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![car top tent while camping in Alabama Hills](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-28-1500x1000.jpg)\n### Clothing\nAlabama Hills camping can get pretty hot during those sunny Southern California days, but the temperatures can drop quickly come nighttime.\n\nWhen camping in Alabama Hills, it’s important to **pack in layers** to easily adjust to the outside temperature. In a nutshell, here is what we suggest bringing:\n\n- **Base Layer** – like [this casual sweat-wicking long sleeve from Prana](http:\/\/bit.ly\/2S13jYY)\n- **Insulating Layer** – like this super [lightweight pullover from Patagonia](http:\/\/bit.ly\/36JvJfc).\n- **Outer Layer** – Depending on the weather it could be a [cozy puffer coat](http:\/\/bit.ly\/38Kib4C) or a [windproof jacket](http:\/\/bit.ly\/3aVXBjD).\n\n**Read More:** [The Ultimate Guide To Layering Clothes To Stay Warm and Dry](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/how-to-layer-clothes-for-winter\/)\n\n![Emily Mandagie while Alabama Hills Camping in California - TheMandagies.com](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Emily Mandagie while Alabama Hills Camping in California - TheMandagies.com](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-26-1500x1000.jpg)\n### Food and Meal Preparation\nRegarding what food to pack for a camping trip in Alabama Hills, we extensively cover **[quick and easy camping meals in this post here](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/easy-camping-meals\/).**\n\nBesides your food, don’t forget to pack water and lots of it. We love these [collapsible 5-gallon containers](http:\/\/bit.ly\/30vz7Hv) (We chatted about them earlier too) to store extra water during your camping trip. Since this is a dry location with no water source, we highly recommend bringing at least enough to provide 1 gallon of water per person, per day.\n\n**Don’t feel like cooking?** The town of Lone Pine is an easy 10-15 minute drive from Alabama Hills, and you can find all sorts of comfort food and mom & pop diners for quick and delicious meals.\n\n## Alternative Camping Locations To Alabama Hills\nCouldn’t find a spot for camping in Alabama Hills? **Want to try something different?** There are lots of options to camp in Southern California, especially along this [**Highway 395 road trip route**](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/highway-395-road-trip-california\/). Here are some of the closest alternative camping options near Alabama Hills:\n\n**Obtaining Wilderness Permits.** Backpacking in the **Inyo National Forest** and around **Mt. Whitney** are both excellent options if you’re looking to experience some Southern California wilderness. Many of the most popular trails bring you to serene alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain views, and solitude\\!\n\n**Campground Reservations.** **Portagee Joe Campground** and **Tuttle Creek Campground** are the closest campgrounds with limited facilities near Alabama Hills. Tuttle Creek is \\$5 per night and is first-come-first-serve, while Portagee Joe takes reservations ahead of time.\n\n**Booking a Hotel in Lone Pine.** Sometimes you just want a nice shower and a cozy bed. [Book a cheap hotel in Lone Pine here.](https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=20014154&aid=1664126&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)\n\n**Finding More Campgrounds Nearby With The Dyrt.** [The Dyrt](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/the-dyrt) is the largest campground finding tool on the market! We like to use it when finding last-minute camping spots, connecting campgrounds along our road trip route, and using the BLM and national park maps to find the perfect spot. To unlock all these goodies, [try their pro membership **free for 30-days** when using our code **MANDAGIES.**](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/the-dyrt)\n\n![Camping in a Sprinter Van - TheMandagies.com](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Camping in a Sprinter Van - TheMandagies.com](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Mesquite-Flat-Sand-Dunes-Death-Valley-National-Park-California-The-Mandagies-78-1-1500x1000.jpg)\n### Have you ever planned an Alabama Hills camping trip? What was your experience like? Share a picture with us on Instagram by tagging \\#themandagies and @themandagies so we can see your adventures\\!\n## MORE SOUTHWEST USA ADVENTURES\n[The Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip (The Mega Route)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/southwest-road-trip-itinerary\/)\n\n[How To Get To The Insta-Famous Alabama Hills Movie Road](https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=alabama+hills+movie+road&oq=alabama+hills+movie+road&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4.4239j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)\n\n[The 24-Hour Guide To Death Valley National Park](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/death-valley-in-one-day\/)\n\n[The Complete Utah National Parks Road Trip](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/ultimate-road-trip-utah-national-parks\/)\n\n[Drop Dead Gorgeous American Southwest Destinations You Must See](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/american-southwest-must-see-destinations\/)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='735'%20height='1102'%20viewBox='0%200%20735%201102'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Alabama-Hills-Camping-California-The-Mandagies-Pin2.jpg)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='735'%20height='1102'%20viewBox='0%200%20735%201102'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Camping-In-Alabama-Hills-California-The-Mandagies-Pin1.jpg)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='735'%20height='1102'%20viewBox='0%200%20735%201102'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Camping-In-Alabama-Hills-California-The-Mandagies-Pin1-1.jpg)\n\n![](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1000'%20height='667'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/hidden-lake-trail-logan-pass-glacier-national-park-montana-going-to-the-sun-road-the-mandagies-93-scaled-1-e1603601451737.jpg)\n## Welcome\\!\nWe’re Berty and Emily Mandagie, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and journalists! This blog lives to inspire outdoor adventure, inspired by our home in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Stay awhile and receive the best photo tips for your next journey to the PNW.\n\n[Get to Know Us →](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/about-us\/)\n\n- [![Family-Friendly Guide to the Inland NW Rail Museum](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='960'%20height='641'%20viewBox='0%200%20960%20641'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![Family-Friendly Guide to the Inland NW Rail Museum](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Inland-NW-Rail-Museum-The-Mandagies-7.jpg)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/inland-nw-rail-museum\/)\n  February 2, 2026\n  ## [Family-Friendly Guide to the Inland NW Rail Museum](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/inland-nw-rail-museum\/)\n- [![The Perfect Toddler Winter Gear Guide For 2026](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1124'%20height='750'%20viewBox='0%200%201124%20750'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![The Perfect Toddler Winter Gear Guide For 2026](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Toddler-Winter-Gear-Layers-The-Mandagies.jpg)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/toddler-winter-gear-guide\/)\n  December 14, 2025\n  ## [The Perfect Toddler Winter Gear Guide For 2026](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/toddler-winter-gear-guide\/)\n- [![Incredible 3-Day Sawtooth Mountains Itinerary For First-Timers (2025)](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='2560'%20height='1707'%20viewBox='0%200%202560%201707'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![Incredible 3-Day Sawtooth Mountains Itinerary For First-Timers (2025)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Places-To-See-In-Idaho-Sawtooth-Mountains-scaled.jpg)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/sawtooth-mountains-itinerary\/)\n  November 20, 2025\n  ## [Incredible 3-Day Sawtooth Mountains Itinerary For First-Timers 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[Destinations](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/category\/destinations\/)\n- [Activities](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/category\/activities\/)\n- [Photography](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/category\/photography\/)\n\n[![Emily, wearing hat, entering a cabin](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='721'%20height='721'%20viewBox='0%200%20721%20721'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![Emily, wearing hat, entering a cabin](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/382692184_816438160482492_2238484405415078690_n-Large.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themandagies)\n\n[![A waterfall descending into a wooded canyon](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='721'%20height='721'%20viewBox='0%200%20721%20721'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![A waterfall descending into a wooded canyon](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/383985401_844622113995005_2240130860309715870_n-Large.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themandagies)\n\n[![A bridge in the distance, with rolling green hills and a soft grassy foreground](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='721'%20height='721'%20viewBox='0%200%20721%20721'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![A bridge in the distance, with rolling green hills and a soft grassy foreground](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/384353523_282964847963557_5536759551586520513_n-Large.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themandagies)\n\n[![A modern home with a wraparound porch, with a beautiful sunset reflected in a window that fills the entire wall.](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='721'%20height='721'%20viewBox='0%200%20721%20721'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![A modern home with a wraparound porch, with a beautiful sunset reflected in a window that fills the entire wall.](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/384541603_817020967090878_7996934132889568211_n-Large.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themandagies)\n\n[![A mountain vista captured from above by drone, with a woman standing on a peak.](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='721'%20height='721'%20viewBox='0%200%20721%20721'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![A mountain vista captured from above by drone, with a woman standing on a peak.](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/385907955_820093716783603_640616600637183846_n-Large.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themandagies)\n\n[![A photo of a couple on a beach, extremely long lens from above.](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='721'%20height='721'%20viewBox='0%200%20721%20721'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![A photo of a couple on a beach, extremely long lens from above.](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/386151595_1692691807879516_8720581267082865207_n-Large.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themandagies)\n\n[![Berty in an orange beanie walking on a rocky shore](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='721'%20height='721'%20viewBox='0%200%20721%20721'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![Berty in an orange beanie walking on a rocky shore](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/387176763_824729166320058_8423009170632815167_n-Large.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themandagies)\n\n[![A misty ocean beach with a rocky outcropping, with a figure standing at the top of the rock.](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='721'%20height='721'%20viewBox='0%200%20721%20721'%3E%3C\/svg%3E)![A misty ocean beach with a rocky outcropping, with a figure standing at the top of the rock.](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/387681109_826129329184368_979502708881896020_n-Large.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themandagies)\n\n[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/privacy-policy\/) \\| [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/disclaimer-terms-of-service\/) \\| [Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/disclaimer-terms-of-service\/) \\| [As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases.](https:\/\/affiliate-program.amazon.com\/)\n\nExclusive member of Mediavine Travel\n\nMade by [Dreamworthy](http:\/\/dreamworthydesign.com\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"*Post Summary: The Best Places To Go Camping at Alabama Hills, California*\n\nLooking for [free camping](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/how-to-find-free-camping-usa\/) along your Southern California road trip? We’re on the same page\\!\n\nFamously known for **being a popular location for old-school western movies**, Alabama Hills is actually much more than that! It’s full of beautiful geological features, opportunities to hike, and most importantly, free camping.\n\n**Lodging on a road trip can get expensive**, so that’s why we’re sharing about free camping in Alabama Hills.\n\nIn this post, we’re sharing **how to camp for free in Alabama Hills**, and what to expect in this unique place in Southern California.\n\nSo what are you waiting for? Let’s start packing the car and hitting the road for an Alabama Hills camping trip\\!\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping Guide - TheMandagies.com](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-6-1500x1000.jpg)\n\n## The Complete Alabama Hills Camping Guide\n## Where is Alabama Hills?\nAlabama Hills is located east of the **Sierra Mountains** in Southern California. It’s on land owned by the **Bureau of Land Managemen**t, labeled as a recreation area. It’s surrounded by many well-known national parks, including [Death Valley](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/death-valley-in-one-day\/), Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and [Yosemite](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/24-hours-in-yosemite-national-park\/).\n\n**This means Alabama Hills is available to the public for free camping, hiking, climbing, and more\\!** If you’re hoping to find an adventurous location to camp in California, look no further\\!\n\n- Distance from [Los Angeles](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/places-to-go-orange-county-outdoor-activities\/) to Alabama Hills: 3.5-hour drive, 211 miles\n- Distance from Las Vegas to Alabama Hills: 4-hour drive, 231 miles\n- Distance from San Diego to Alabama Hills: 5-hour drive, 300 miles\n## “It’s BLM Land, So I Can Camp Anywhere I Want, Right?”\nNot exactly. Yes, Alabama Hills recreation area is open to the public for FREE for activities such as camping. But **this is definitely not, however, space where you can make up your own rules.**\n\nIn order to keep this place available for camping and recreation for years to come, people camping in Alabama Hills MUST adhere to the **Leave No Trace principles**. These guidelines are in place for preserving Alabama Hills camping and other dispersed camping areas.\n\nKeep reading below for successful (and sustainable!) camping in Alabama Hills, California.\n\n![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-39-1500x1000.jpg)\n***\n## Alabama Hills Camping Tips For A Successful Trip\nWe can’t state enough the importance of **sustainable camping**, especially in such a fragile place as Alabama Hills.\n\n*Why are we sharing about it then? **Why even tell people about camping in Alabama Hills?***\n\nWell, because it’s a **public space**, one that we don’t have ownership over, and that our actions can have lasting consequences. Therefore, we decided to carve out this little corner of the internet to chat about responsible camping, what it looks like, and how you can do it, too. This post is for **educational purposes** and to get more **positive information** out there for all the outdoor lovers just like us\\!\n\n### 1\\. Brush Up On [Leave No Trace Principles](https:\/\/lnt.org\/)\nBecause this land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and there are **no reservations for camping**, it can feel a little bit like a free-for-all to do whatever you want.\n\nThis is certainly not the case – because this land is for ALL our enjoyment, we ALL are responsible for keeping it clean and safe for future users. Make sure to brush up on Leave No Trace Principles and try to leave your campsite better than you found it\\!\n\n**Here’s a small overview of the 7 Leave No Trace Practices:**\n\n1. Plan Ahead and Prepare\n2. Travel\/Sleep on Durable Surfaces\n3. Dispose of Waste Properly\n4. Don’t Bring Anything (rocks, plants, animals) home with you. Leave things as they are.\n5. Minimize Campfire Impact\n6. Don’t Disturb Wildlife\n7. Be Considerate of Others\n\n![Alabama Hills Movie Road During Sunrise](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-17-1000x1500.jpg)\n\n### 2\\. Find A Previously Used Site To Set Up Camp\nExpanding on the Leave No Trace Principles “Minimize Your Impact”, it’s important to search for an Alabama Hills campsite that **has been used for camping previously**. This way, you aren’t adding new tracks or disturbing any growing vegetation.\n\nIf there is an open site with a used fire pit and cleared area, definitely choose that instead of blazing your own trail\\!\n\n**Read More:** [Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA (And Sustainable Camping Tips!)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/how-to-find-free-camping-usa\/)\n\n![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-39-1500x1000.jpg)\n\n### 3\\. Call Ahead To Check For Fire Bans\nHoping to cook dinner around an open fire? **Call ahead** and **make sure there are no fire bans** in place. Being located in Southern California, certain times of the year are more restrictive with fire rules than others. Often, you will see fire restrictions in place during the summer months, June through September.\n\nIt will save you a lot of scrambling and last-minute planning if you call ahead and double-check before you make any plans to build a fire\\!\n\n**The number to call for fire bans in Alabama Hills is:** (760) 876-6200\n\n### 4\\. Set Up Camp Between or Near Large Boulders For Protection\nBecause Alabama Hills camping spots are located in the Southern California desert, the wind can be a fickle friend during the colder winter months. To keep your shelter safe from the elements, **look for a previously-used site surrounded by large boulders** to help block the wind on your campsite.\n\nAlternatively, you could find out [how to rent an RV](https:\/\/www.crazyfamilyadventure.com\/tips-on-how-to-rent-an-rv\/) to camp in Alabama Hills, which will protect you from the outside wind chill and freezing temperatures. This way you can camp year-round without worrying about the cold\\!\n\n### 5\\. Pack Lots Of Water\nAlabama Hills camping comes with a dry, desert-like environment, so come prepared with **plenty of water**. Remember that you’ll be using it for drinking, cooking, *and* cleaning, so carry more than you think you will need\\!\n\nRemember to dispose of your greywater (excess water from cooking, cleaning, or even brushing teeth) properly. Watch [this youtube video from Leave No Trace](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=AzjukdquCQQ) about how to **dispose of greywater properly at Alabama Hills**.\n\nDuring our camping trips, we like to use this [folding **5-Gallon portable water storage** from GSI.](http:\/\/bit.ly\/30vz7Hv) It’s fully collapsible when not in use, and incredibly cheap, too\\!\n\n![5-Gallon Portable Water Jug](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/iceberg-lake-trail-glacier-national-park-montana-the-mandagies-13-1500x1000.jpg)\n\n### 6\\. Be a Responsible Pooper When Camping In Alabama Hills\nYou read that right. There’s a right way and a wrong way to **poop** when planning an Alabama Hills camping trip\\!\n\nThe ideal situation would be to do your business in the nearby town of Lone Pine before embarking out to find your Alabama Hills campsite.\n\nBut emergencies do happen, so it’s your responsibility to follow Leave No Trace Principles, especially when doing your business in the wilderness. Read this blog post from **outdoor advocate Meghan Young** about [how to use the bathroom in the backcountry](http:\/\/www.missmeghanyoung.com\/blog\/2017\/8\/26\/the-three-ps-how-to-pee-poop-and-period-in-the-backcountry)\\!\n\n![View of Mt Whitney at Alabama Hills, California](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-48-1500x1000.jpg)\n\n## What Do I Pack For Alabama Hills Camping?\nNow that you know how to find the ideal Alabama Hills campsite, what should you be packing for your trip? [These camping tips](https:\/\/walkbesidemeblog.com\/camping-tips-for-beginners\/) should give you a basic idea of the camping gear you may need, and we’re diving deeper into these details right now.\n\nRead our suggestions below, keeping in mind that we **aim to leave as little impact as possible** on the surrounding landscape\\!\n\n### Shelter Basics\nOur personal preference is to go [car camping (aka, **sleeping in your car**)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/sleeping-in-your-car-car-camping-101\/). This way, all of our gear is contained to the vehicle, the walls of the car protect us from the elements, and packing up is quick and painless.\n\nHowever, if you plan to stay for several days (for climbing or exploring), tents would also work as a great shelter for your Alabama Hills campsite.\n\n- **Tents & Freestanding Shelters** – like [this quick set-up Marmot Tungsten one](http:\/\/bit.ly\/3aPHc02).\n- **Sleeping Bags** – Choose a really affordable [three-season sleeping bag like this on from Fjallraven](http:\/\/bit.ly\/37Fyfo1).\n- **Sleeping Pads** – We own [this one by Therm-a-Rest](http:\/\/bit.ly\/2GLwcmN) and [this one by Big Agnes](https:\/\/www.backcountry.com\/big-agnes-insulated-air-core-ultra-sleeping-pad?s=a).\n\nYou could also GO BIG and **purchase an awesome car [rooftop tent](https:\/\/www.backcountry.com\/Store\/catalog\/search.jsp?q=rooftop%20tent&p=salePriceUSbcs%3A%5B1000+TO+1500%5D&nf=1)\\!** These are extremely easy to pack up during a California road trip from place to place. Not only that but it keeps you off the ground and [this Tepui LoPro 2 person one](http:\/\/bit.ly\/2t8GNEV) does the job perfectly.\n\n**Read More:** [The 10 Best Sleeping Bags For Camping and Backpacking](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/best-sleeping-bags\/)\n\n![car top tent while camping in Alabama Hills](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-28-1500x1000.jpg)\n\n### Clothing\nAlabama Hills camping can get pretty hot during those sunny Southern California days, but the temperatures can drop quickly come nighttime.\n\nWhen camping in Alabama Hills, it’s important to **pack in layers** to easily adjust to the outside temperature. In a nutshell, here is what we suggest bringing:\n\n- **Base Layer** – like [this casual sweat-wicking long sleeve from Prana](http:\/\/bit.ly\/2S13jYY)\n- **Insulating Layer** – like this super [lightweight pullover from Patagonia](http:\/\/bit.ly\/36JvJfc).\n- **Outer Layer** – Depending on the weather it could be a [cozy puffer coat](http:\/\/bit.ly\/38Kib4C) or a [windproof jacket](http:\/\/bit.ly\/3aVXBjD).\n\n![Emily Mandagie while Alabama Hills Camping in California - TheMandagies.com](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-26-1500x1000.jpg)\n\n### Food and Meal Preparation\nRegarding what food to pack for a camping trip in Alabama Hills, we extensively cover **[quick and easy camping meals in this post here](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/easy-camping-meals\/).**\n\nBesides your food, don’t forget to pack water and lots of it. We love these [collapsible 5-gallon containers](http:\/\/bit.ly\/30vz7Hv) (We chatted about them earlier too) to store extra water during your camping trip. Since this is a dry location with no water source, we highly recommend bringing at least enough to provide 1 gallon of water per person, per day.\n\n**Don’t feel like cooking?** The town of Lone Pine is an easy 10-15 minute drive from Alabama Hills, and you can find all sorts of comfort food and mom & pop diners for quick and delicious meals.\n\n## Alternative Camping Locations To Alabama Hills\nCouldn’t find a spot for camping in Alabama Hills? **Want to try something different?** There are lots of options to camp in Southern California, especially along this [**Highway 395 road trip route**](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/highway-395-road-trip-california\/). Here are some of the closest alternative camping options near Alabama Hills:\n\n**Obtaining Wilderness Permits.** Backpacking in the **Inyo National Forest** and around **Mt. Whitney** are both excellent options if you’re looking to experience some Southern California wilderness. Many of the most popular trails bring you to serene alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain views, and solitude\\!\n\n**Campground Reservations.** **Portagee Joe Campground** and **Tuttle Creek Campground** are the closest campgrounds with limited facilities near Alabama Hills. Tuttle Creek is \\$5 per night and is first-come-first-serve, while Portagee Joe takes reservations ahead of time.\n\n**Booking a Hotel in Lone Pine.** Sometimes you just want a nice shower and a cozy bed. [Book a cheap hotel in Lone Pine here.](https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.en.html?city=20014154&aid=1664126&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)\n\n**Finding More Campgrounds Nearby With The Dyrt.** [The Dyrt](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/the-dyrt) is the largest campground finding tool on the market! We like to use it when finding last-minute camping spots, connecting campgrounds along our road trip route, and using the BLM and national park maps to find the perfect spot. To unlock all these goodies, [try their pro membership **free for 30-days** when using our code **MANDAGIES.**](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/the-dyrt)\n\n![Camping in a Sprinter Van - TheMandagies.com](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Mesquite-Flat-Sand-Dunes-Death-Valley-National-Park-California-The-Mandagies-78-1-1500x1000.jpg)\n\n## MORE SOUTHWEST USA ADVENTURES\n[The Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip (The Mega Route)](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/southwest-road-trip-itinerary\/)\n\n[How To Get To The Insta-Famous Alabama Hills Movie Road](https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=alabama+hills+movie+road&oq=alabama+hills+movie+road&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4.4239j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)\n\n[The 24-Hour Guide To Death Valley National Park](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/death-valley-in-one-day\/)\n\n[The Complete Utah National Parks Road Trip](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/ultimate-road-trip-utah-national-parks\/)\n\n[Drop Dead Gorgeous American Southwest Destinations You Must See](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/american-southwest-must-see-destinations\/)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Alabama-Hills-Camping-California-The-Mandagies-Pin2.jpg)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Camping-In-Alabama-Hills-California-The-Mandagies-Pin1.jpg)\n\n![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \\#california \\#highway395 \\#southerncalifornia \\#socal \\#hiking \\#westcoast \\#travel \\#westernUSA \\#photography \\#alabamahills \\#camping \\#USA](https:\/\/www.themandagies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Camping-In-Alabama-Hills-California-The-Mandagies-Pin1-1.jpg)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Post Summary: The Best Places To Go Camping at Alabama Hills, California Looking for free camping along your Southern California road trip? We’re on the same page! Famously known for being a popular location for old-school western movies , Alabama Hills is actually much more than that! It’s full of beautiful geological features, opportunities to hike, and most importantly, free camping. Lodging on a road trip can get expensive , so that’s why we’re sharing about free camping in Alabama Hills. In this post, we’re sharing how to camp for free in Alabama Hills , and what to expect in this unique place in Southern California. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start packing the car and hitting the road for an Alabama Hills camping trip! The Complete Alabama Hills Camping Guide Where is Alabama Hills? Alabama Hills is located east of the Sierra Mountains in Southern California. It’s on land owned by the Bureau of Land Managemen t, labeled as a recreation area. It’s surrounded by many well-known national parks, including Death Valley , Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite . This means Alabama Hills is available to the public for free camping, hiking, climbing, and more! If you’re hoping to find an adventurous location to camp in California, look no further! Distance from Los Angeles to Alabama Hills: 3.5-hour drive, 211 miles Distance from Las Vegas to Alabama Hills: 4-hour drive, 231 miles Distance from San Diego to Alabama Hills: 5-hour drive, 300 miles “It’s BLM Land, So I Can Camp Anywhere I Want, Right?” Not exactly. Yes, Alabama Hills recreation area is open to the public for FREE for activities such as camping. But this is definitely not, however, space where you can make up your own rules. In order to keep this place available for camping and recreation for years to come, people camping in Alabama Hills MUST adhere to the Leave No Trace principles . These guidelines are in place for preserving Alabama Hills camping and other dispersed camping areas. Keep reading below for successful (and sustainable!) camping in Alabama Hills, California. Alabama Hills Camping Tips For A Successful Trip We can’t state enough the importance of sustainable camping , especially in such a fragile place as Alabama Hills. Why are we sharing about it then? Why even tell people about camping in Alabama Hills? Well, because it’s a public space , one that we don’t have ownership over, and that our actions can have lasting consequences. Therefore, we decided to carve out this little corner of the internet to chat about responsible camping, what it looks like, and how you can do it, too. This post is for educational purposes and to get more positive information out there for all the outdoor lovers just like us! 1. Brush Up On Leave No Trace Principles Because this land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and there are no reservations for camping , it can feel a little bit like a free-for-all to do whatever you want. This is certainly not the case – because this land is for ALL our enjoyment, we ALL are responsible for keeping it clean and safe for future users. Make sure to brush up on Leave No Trace Principles and try to leave your campsite better than you found it! Here’s a small overview of the 7 Leave No Trace Practices: Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel/Sleep on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Don’t Bring Anything (rocks, plants, animals) home with you. Leave things as they are. Minimize Campfire Impact Don’t Disturb Wildlife Be Considerate of Others 2. Find A Previously Used Site To Set Up Camp Expanding on the Leave No Trace Principles “Minimize Your Impact”, it’s important to search for an Alabama Hills campsite that has been used for camping previously . This way, you aren’t adding new tracks or disturbing any growing vegetation. If there is an open site with a used fire pit and cleared area, definitely choose that instead of blazing your own trail! Read More: Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA (And Sustainable Camping Tips!) 3. Call Ahead To Check For Fire Bans Hoping to cook dinner around an open fire? Call ahead and make sure there are no fire bans in place. Being located in Southern California, certain times of the year are more restrictive with fire rules than others. Often, you will see fire restrictions in place during the summer months, June through September. It will save you a lot of scrambling and last-minute planning if you call ahead and double-check before you make any plans to build a fire! The number to call for fire bans in Alabama Hills is: (760) 876-6200 4. Set Up Camp Between or Near Large Boulders For Protection Because Alabama Hills camping spots are located in the Southern California desert, the wind can be a fickle friend during the colder winter months. To keep your shelter safe from the elements, look for a previously-used site surrounded by large boulders to help block the wind on your campsite. Alternatively, you could find out how to rent an RV to camp in Alabama Hills, which will protect you from the outside wind chill and freezing temperatures. This way you can camp year-round without worrying about the cold! 5. Pack Lots Of Water Alabama Hills camping comes with a dry, desert-like environment, so come prepared with plenty of water . Remember that you’ll be using it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, so carry more than you think you will need! Remember to dispose of your greywater (excess water from cooking, cleaning, or even brushing teeth) properly. Watch this youtube video from Leave No Trace about how to dispose of greywater properly at Alabama Hills . During our camping trips, we like to use this folding 5-Gallon portable water storage from GSI. It’s fully collapsible when not in use, and incredibly cheap, too! 6. Be a Responsible Pooper When Camping In Alabama Hills You read that right. There’s a right way and a wrong way to poop when planning an Alabama Hills camping trip! The ideal situation would be to do your business in the nearby town of Lone Pine before embarking out to find your Alabama Hills campsite. But emergencies do happen, so it’s your responsibility to follow Leave No Trace Principles, especially when doing your business in the wilderness. Read this blog post from outdoor advocate Meghan Young about how to use the bathroom in the backcountry ! What Do I Pack For Alabama Hills Camping? Now that you know how to find the ideal Alabama Hills campsite, what should you be packing for your trip? These camping tips should give you a basic idea of the camping gear you may need, and we’re diving deeper into these details right now. Read our suggestions below, keeping in mind that we aim to leave as little impact as possible on the surrounding landscape! Shelter Basics Our personal preference is to go car camping (aka, sleeping in your car ) . This way, all of our gear is contained to the vehicle, the walls of the car protect us from the elements, and packing up is quick and painless. However, if you plan to stay for several days (for climbing or exploring), tents would also work as a great shelter for your Alabama Hills campsite. Tents & Freestanding Shelters – like this quick set-up Marmot Tungsten one . Sleeping Bags – Choose a really affordable three-season sleeping bag like this on from Fjallraven . Sleeping Pads – We own this one by Therm-a-Rest and this one by Big Agnes . You could also GO BIG and purchase an awesome car rooftop tent ! These are extremely easy to pack up during a California road trip from place to place. Not only that but it keeps you off the ground and this Tepui LoPro 2 person one does the job perfectly. Read More: The 10 Best Sleeping Bags For Camping and Backpacking Clothing Alabama Hills camping can get pretty hot during those sunny Southern California days, but the temperatures can drop quickly come nighttime. When camping in Alabama Hills, it’s important to pack in layers to easily adjust to the outside temperature. In a nutshell, here is what we suggest bringing: Base Layer – like this casual sweat-wicking long sleeve from Prana Insulating Layer – like this super lightweight pullover from Patagonia . Outer Layer – Depending on the weather it could be a cozy puffer coat or a windproof jacket . Food and Meal Preparation Regarding what food to pack for a camping trip in Alabama Hills, we extensively cover quick and easy camping meals in this post here . Besides your food, don’t forget to pack water and lots of it. We love these collapsible 5-gallon containers (We chatted about them earlier too) to store extra water during your camping trip. Since this is a dry location with no water source, we highly recommend bringing at least enough to provide 1 gallon of water per person, per day. Don’t feel like cooking? The town of Lone Pine is an easy 10-15 minute drive from Alabama Hills, and you can find all sorts of comfort food and mom & pop diners for quick and delicious meals. Alternative Camping Locations To Alabama Hills Couldn’t find a spot for camping in Alabama Hills? Want to try something different? There are lots of options to camp in Southern California, especially along this Highway 395 road trip route . Here are some of the closest alternative camping options near Alabama Hills: Obtaining Wilderness Permits. Backpacking in the Inyo National Forest and around Mt. Whitney are both excellent options if you’re looking to experience some Southern California wilderness. Many of the most popular trails bring you to serene alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain views, and solitude! Campground Reservations. Portagee Joe Campground and Tuttle Creek Campground are the closest campgrounds with limited facilities near Alabama Hills. Tuttle Creek is $5 per night and is first-come-first-serve, while Portagee Joe takes reservations ahead of time. Booking a Hotel in Lone Pine. Sometimes you just want a nice shower and a cozy bed. Book a cheap hotel in Lone Pine here. Finding More Campgrounds Nearby With The Dyrt. The Dyrt is the largest campground finding tool on the market! We like to use it when finding last-minute camping spots, connecting campgrounds along our road trip route, and using the BLM and national park maps to find the perfect spot. To unlock all these goodies, try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES. MORE SOUTHWEST USA ADVENTURES The Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip (The Mega Route) How To Get To The Insta-Famous Alabama Hills Movie Road The 24-Hour Guide To Death Valley National Park The Complete Utah National Parks Road Trip Drop Dead Gorgeous American Southwest Destinations You Must See
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We’re on the same page\! Famously known for being a popular location for old-school western movies, Alabama Hills is actually much more than that! It’s full of beautiful geological features, opportunities to hike, and most importantly, free camping. Lodging on a road trip can get expensive, so that’s why we’re sharing about free camping in Alabama Hills. In this post, we’re sharing how to camp for free in Alabama Hills, and what to expect in this unique place in Southern California. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start packing the car and hitting the road for an Alabama Hills camping trip\! ![Alabama Hills Camping Guide - TheMandagies.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Alabama Hills Camping Guide - TheMandagies.com](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-6-1500x1000.jpg) # The Complete Alabama Hills Camping Guide ## Where is Alabama Hills? Alabama Hills is located east of the Sierra Mountains in Southern California. It’s on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management, labeled as a recreation area. It’s surrounded by many well-known national parks, including [Death Valley](https://www.themandagies.com/death-valley-in-one-day/), Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and [Yosemite](https://www.themandagies.com/24-hours-in-yosemite-national-park/). This means Alabama Hills is available to the public for free camping, hiking, climbing, and more\! If you’re hoping to find an adventurous location to camp in California, look no further\! - Distance from [Los Angeles](https://www.themandagies.com/places-to-go-orange-county-outdoor-activities/) to Alabama Hills: 3.5-hour drive, 211 miles - Distance from Las Vegas to Alabama Hills: 4-hour drive, 231 miles - Distance from San Diego to Alabama Hills: 5-hour drive, 300 miles ## “It’s BLM Land, So I Can Camp Anywhere I Want, Right?” Not exactly. Yes, Alabama Hills recreation area is open to the public for FREE for activities such as camping. But this is definitely not, however, space where you can make up your own rules. In order to keep this place available for camping and recreation for years to come, people camping in Alabama Hills MUST adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines are in place for preserving Alabama Hills camping and other dispersed camping areas. Keep reading below for successful (and sustainable!) camping in Alabama Hills, California. ![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-39-1500x1000.jpg) * ## Alabama Hills Camping Tips For A Successful Trip We can’t state enough the importance of sustainable camping*, especially in such a fragile place as Alabama Hills. Why are we sharing about it then? Why even tell people about camping in Alabama Hills?* Well, because it’s a public space, one that we don’t have ownership over, and that our actions can have lasting consequences. Therefore, we decided to carve out this little corner of the internet to chat about responsible camping, what it looks like, and how you can do it, too. This post is for educational purposes and to get more positive information out there for all the outdoor lovers just like us\! ### 1\. Brush Up On [Leave No Trace Principles](https://lnt.org/) Because this land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and there are no reservations for camping, it can feel a little bit like a free-for-all to do whatever you want. This is certainly not the case – because this land is for ALL our enjoyment, we ALL are responsible for keeping it clean and safe for future users. Make sure to brush up on Leave No Trace Principles and try to leave your campsite better than you found it\! Here’s a small overview of the 7 Leave No Trace Practices: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel/Sleep on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Don’t Bring Anything (rocks, plants, animals) home with you. Leave things as they are. 5. Minimize Campfire Impact 6. Don’t Disturb Wildlife 7. Be Considerate of Others ![Alabama Hills Movie Road During Sunrise](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1000'%20height='1500'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%201500'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Alabama Hills Movie Road During Sunrise](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-17-1000x1500.jpg) ### 2\. Find A Previously Used Site To Set Up Camp Expanding on the Leave No Trace Principles “Minimize Your Impact”, it’s important to search for an Alabama Hills campsite that has been used for camping previously. This way, you aren’t adding new tracks or disturbing any growing vegetation. If there is an open site with a used fire pit and cleared area, definitely choose that instead of blazing your own trail\! Read More: [Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA (And Sustainable Camping Tips!)](https://www.themandagies.com/how-to-find-free-camping-usa/) ![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-39-1500x1000.jpg) ### 3\. Call Ahead To Check For Fire Bans Hoping to cook dinner around an open fire? Call ahead and make sure there are no fire bans in place. Being located in Southern California, certain times of the year are more restrictive with fire rules than others. Often, you will see fire restrictions in place during the summer months, June through September. It will save you a lot of scrambling and last-minute planning if you call ahead and double-check before you make any plans to build a fire\! The number to call for fire bans in Alabama Hills is: (760) 876-6200 ### ### 4\. Set Up Camp Between or Near Large Boulders For Protection Because Alabama Hills camping spots are located in the Southern California desert, the wind can be a fickle friend during the colder winter months. To keep your shelter safe from the elements, look for a previously-used site surrounded by large boulders to help block the wind on your campsite. Alternatively, you could find out [how to rent an RV](https://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/tips-on-how-to-rent-an-rv/) to camp in Alabama Hills, which will protect you from the outside wind chill and freezing temperatures. This way you can camp year-round without worrying about the cold\! ### 5\. Pack Lots Of Water Alabama Hills camping comes with a dry, desert-like environment, so come prepared with plenty of water. Remember that you’ll be using it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, so carry more than you think you will need\! Remember to dispose of your greywater (excess water from cooking, cleaning, or even brushing teeth) properly. Watch [this youtube video from Leave No Trace](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzjukdquCQQ) about how to dispose of greywater properly at Alabama Hills. During our camping trips, we like to use this [folding 5-Gallon portable water storage from GSI.](http://bit.ly/30vz7Hv) It’s fully collapsible when not in use, and incredibly cheap, too\! ![5-Gallon Portable Water Jug](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![5-Gallon Portable Water Jug](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/iceberg-lake-trail-glacier-national-park-montana-the-mandagies-13-1500x1000.jpg) ### 6\. Be a Responsible Pooper When Camping In Alabama Hills You read that right. There’s a right way and a wrong way to poop when planning an Alabama Hills camping trip\! The ideal situation would be to do your business in the nearby town of Lone Pine before embarking out to find your Alabama Hills campsite. But emergencies do happen, so it’s your responsibility to follow Leave No Trace Principles, especially when doing your business in the wilderness. Read this blog post from outdoor advocate Meghan Young about [how to use the bathroom in the backcountry](http://www.missmeghanyoung.com/blog/2017/8/26/the-three-ps-how-to-pee-poop-and-period-in-the-backcountry)\! ![View of Mt Whitney at Alabama Hills, California](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![View of Mt Whitney at Alabama Hills, California](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-48-1500x1000.jpg) ## What Do I Pack For Alabama Hills Camping? Now that you know how to find the ideal Alabama Hills campsite, what should you be packing for your trip? [These camping tips](https://walkbesidemeblog.com/camping-tips-for-beginners/) should give you a basic idea of the camping gear you may need, and we’re diving deeper into these details right now. Read our suggestions below, keeping in mind that we aim to leave as little impact as possible on the surrounding landscape\! ### Shelter Basics Our personal preference is to go [car camping (aka, sleeping in your car)](https://www.themandagies.com/sleeping-in-your-car-car-camping-101/). This way, all of our gear is contained to the vehicle, the walls of the car protect us from the elements, and packing up is quick and painless. However, if you plan to stay for several days (for climbing or exploring), tents would also work as a great shelter for your Alabama Hills campsite. - Tents & Freestanding Shelters – like [this quick set-up Marmot Tungsten one](http://bit.ly/3aPHc02). - Sleeping Bags – Choose a really affordable [three-season sleeping bag like this on from Fjallraven](http://bit.ly/37Fyfo1). - Sleeping Pads – We own [this one by Therm-a-Rest](http://bit.ly/2GLwcmN) and [this one by Big Agnes](https://www.backcountry.com/big-agnes-insulated-air-core-ultra-sleeping-pad?s=a). You could also GO BIG and purchase an awesome car [rooftop tent](https://www.backcountry.com/Store/catalog/search.jsp?q=rooftop%20tent&p=salePriceUSbcs%3A%5B1000+TO+1500%5D&nf=1)\! These are extremely easy to pack up during a California road trip from place to place. Not only that but it keeps you off the ground and [this Tepui LoPro 2 person one](http://bit.ly/2t8GNEV) does the job perfectly. Read More: [The 10 Best Sleeping Bags For Camping and Backpacking](https://www.themandagies.com/best-sleeping-bags/) ![car top tent while camping in Alabama Hills](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![car top tent while camping in Alabama Hills](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-28-1500x1000.jpg) ### Clothing Alabama Hills camping can get pretty hot during those sunny Southern California days, but the temperatures can drop quickly come nighttime. When camping in Alabama Hills, it’s important to pack in layers to easily adjust to the outside temperature. In a nutshell, here is what we suggest bringing: - Base Layer – like [this casual sweat-wicking long sleeve from Prana](http://bit.ly/2S13jYY) - Insulating Layer – like this super [lightweight pullover from Patagonia](http://bit.ly/36JvJfc). - Outer Layer – Depending on the weather it could be a [cozy puffer coat](http://bit.ly/38Kib4C) or a [windproof jacket](http://bit.ly/3aVXBjD). Read More: [The Ultimate Guide To Layering Clothes To Stay Warm and Dry](https://www.themandagies.com/how-to-layer-clothes-for-winter/) ![Emily Mandagie while Alabama Hills Camping in California - TheMandagies.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Emily Mandagie while Alabama Hills Camping in California - TheMandagies.com](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-26-1500x1000.jpg) ### Food and Meal Preparation Regarding what food to pack for a camping trip in Alabama Hills, we extensively cover [quick and easy camping meals in this post here](https://www.themandagies.com/easy-camping-meals/). Besides your food, don’t forget to pack water and lots of it. We love these [collapsible 5-gallon containers](http://bit.ly/30vz7Hv) (We chatted about them earlier too) to store extra water during your camping trip. Since this is a dry location with no water source, we highly recommend bringing at least enough to provide 1 gallon of water per person, per day. Don’t feel like cooking? The town of Lone Pine is an easy 10-15 minute drive from Alabama Hills, and you can find all sorts of comfort food and mom & pop diners for quick and delicious meals. ## Alternative Camping Locations To Alabama Hills Couldn’t find a spot for camping in Alabama Hills? Want to try something different? There are lots of options to camp in Southern California, especially along this [Highway 395 road trip route](https://www.themandagies.com/highway-395-road-trip-california/). Here are some of the closest alternative camping options near Alabama Hills: Obtaining Wilderness Permits. Backpacking in the Inyo National Forest and around Mt. Whitney are both excellent options if you’re looking to experience some Southern California wilderness. Many of the most popular trails bring you to serene alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain views, and solitude\! Campground Reservations. Portagee Joe Campground and Tuttle Creek Campground are the closest campgrounds with limited facilities near Alabama Hills. Tuttle Creek is \$5 per night and is first-come-first-serve, while Portagee Joe takes reservations ahead of time. Booking a Hotel in Lone Pine. Sometimes you just want a nice shower and a cozy bed. [Book a cheap hotel in Lone Pine here.](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=20014154&aid=1664126&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) Finding More Campgrounds Nearby With The Dyrt. [The Dyrt](https://www.themandagies.com/the-dyrt) is the largest campground finding tool on the market! We like to use it when finding last-minute camping spots, connecting campgrounds along our road trip route, and using the BLM and national park maps to find the perfect spot. To unlock all these goodies, [try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES.](https://www.themandagies.com/the-dyrt) ![Camping in a Sprinter Van - TheMandagies.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1500'%20height='1000'%20viewBox='0%200%201500%201000'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Camping in a Sprinter Van - TheMandagies.com](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mesquite-Flat-Sand-Dunes-Death-Valley-National-Park-California-The-Mandagies-78-1-1500x1000.jpg) ### Have you ever planned an Alabama Hills camping trip? What was your experience like? Share a picture with us on Instagram by tagging \#themandagies and @themandagies so we can see your adventures\! ## MORE SOUTHWEST USA ADVENTURES [The Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip (The Mega Route)](https://www.themandagies.com/southwest-road-trip-itinerary/) [How To Get To The Insta-Famous Alabama Hills Movie Road](https://www.google.com/search?q=alabama+hills+movie+road&oq=alabama+hills+movie+road&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4.4239j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) [The 24-Hour Guide To Death Valley National Park](https://www.themandagies.com/death-valley-in-one-day/) [The Complete Utah National Parks Road Trip](https://www.themandagies.com/ultimate-road-trip-utah-national-parks/) [Drop Dead Gorgeous American Southwest Destinations You Must See](https://www.themandagies.com/american-southwest-must-see-destinations/) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='735'%20height='1102'%20viewBox='0%200%20735%201102'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Alabama-Hills-Camping-California-The-Mandagies-Pin2.jpg) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='735'%20height='1102'%20viewBox='0%200%20735%201102'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Camping-In-Alabama-Hills-California-The-Mandagies-Pin1.jpg) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='735'%20height='1102'%20viewBox='0%200%20735%201102'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Camping-In-Alabama-Hills-California-The-Mandagies-Pin1-1.jpg) ![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='1000'%20height='667'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hidden-lake-trail-logan-pass-glacier-national-park-montana-going-to-the-sun-road-the-mandagies-93-scaled-1-e1603601451737.jpg) ## Welcome\! We’re Berty and Emily Mandagie, husband and wife travelers, photographers, and journalists! This blog lives to inspire outdoor adventure, inspired by our home in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Stay awhile and receive the best photo tips for your next journey to the PNW. 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Readable Markdown	Post Summary: The Best Places To Go Camping at Alabama Hills, California Looking for [free camping](https://www.themandagies.com/how-to-find-free-camping-usa/) along your Southern California road trip? We’re on the same page\! Famously known for being a popular location for old-school western movies, Alabama Hills is actually much more than that! It’s full of beautiful geological features, opportunities to hike, and most importantly, free camping. Lodging on a road trip can get expensive, so that’s why we’re sharing about free camping in Alabama Hills. In this post, we’re sharing how to camp for free in Alabama Hills, and what to expect in this unique place in Southern California. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start packing the car and hitting the road for an Alabama Hills camping trip\! ![Alabama Hills Camping Guide - TheMandagies.com](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-6-1500x1000.jpg) ## The Complete Alabama Hills Camping Guide ## Where is Alabama Hills? Alabama Hills is located east of the Sierra Mountains in Southern California. It’s on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management, labeled as a recreation area. It’s surrounded by many well-known national parks, including [Death Valley](https://www.themandagies.com/death-valley-in-one-day/), Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and [Yosemite](https://www.themandagies.com/24-hours-in-yosemite-national-park/). This means Alabama Hills is available to the public for free camping, hiking, climbing, and more\! If you’re hoping to find an adventurous location to camp in California, look no further\! - Distance from [Los Angeles](https://www.themandagies.com/places-to-go-orange-county-outdoor-activities/) to Alabama Hills: 3.5-hour drive, 211 miles - Distance from Las Vegas to Alabama Hills: 4-hour drive, 231 miles - Distance from San Diego to Alabama Hills: 5-hour drive, 300 miles ## “It’s BLM Land, So I Can Camp Anywhere I Want, Right?” Not exactly. Yes, Alabama Hills recreation area is open to the public for FREE for activities such as camping. But this is definitely not, however, space where you can make up your own rules. In order to keep this place available for camping and recreation for years to come, people camping in Alabama Hills MUST adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines are in place for preserving Alabama Hills camping and other dispersed camping areas. Keep reading below for successful (and sustainable!) camping in Alabama Hills, California. ![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-39-1500x1000.jpg) * ## Alabama Hills Camping Tips For A Successful Trip We can’t state enough the importance of sustainable camping*, especially in such a fragile place as Alabama Hills. Why are we sharing about it then? Why even tell people about camping in Alabama Hills?* Well, because it’s a public space, one that we don’t have ownership over, and that our actions can have lasting consequences. Therefore, we decided to carve out this little corner of the internet to chat about responsible camping, what it looks like, and how you can do it, too. This post is for educational purposes and to get more positive information out there for all the outdoor lovers just like us\! ### 1\. Brush Up On [Leave No Trace Principles](https://lnt.org/) Because this land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and there are no reservations for camping, it can feel a little bit like a free-for-all to do whatever you want. This is certainly not the case – because this land is for ALL our enjoyment, we ALL are responsible for keeping it clean and safe for future users. Make sure to brush up on Leave No Trace Principles and try to leave your campsite better than you found it\! Here’s a small overview of the 7 Leave No Trace Practices: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel/Sleep on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Don’t Bring Anything (rocks, plants, animals) home with you. Leave things as they are. 5. Minimize Campfire Impact 6. Don’t Disturb Wildlife 7. Be Considerate of Others ![Alabama Hills Movie Road During Sunrise](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-17-1000x1500.jpg) ### 2\. Find A Previously Used Site To Set Up Camp Expanding on the Leave No Trace Principles “Minimize Your Impact”, it’s important to search for an Alabama Hills campsite that has been used for camping previously. This way, you aren’t adding new tracks or disturbing any growing vegetation. If there is an open site with a used fire pit and cleared area, definitely choose that instead of blazing your own trail\! Read More: [Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA (And Sustainable Camping Tips!)](https://www.themandagies.com/how-to-find-free-camping-usa/) ![Sprinter van for camping at Alabama Hills, California](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-39-1500x1000.jpg) ### 3\. Call Ahead To Check For Fire Bans Hoping to cook dinner around an open fire? Call ahead and make sure there are no fire bans in place. Being located in Southern California, certain times of the year are more restrictive with fire rules than others. Often, you will see fire restrictions in place during the summer months, June through September. It will save you a lot of scrambling and last-minute planning if you call ahead and double-check before you make any plans to build a fire\! The number to call for fire bans in Alabama Hills is: (760) 876-6200 ### 4\. Set Up Camp Between or Near Large Boulders For Protection Because Alabama Hills camping spots are located in the Southern California desert, the wind can be a fickle friend during the colder winter months. To keep your shelter safe from the elements, look for a previously-used site surrounded by large boulders to help block the wind on your campsite. Alternatively, you could find out [how to rent an RV](https://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/tips-on-how-to-rent-an-rv/) to camp in Alabama Hills, which will protect you from the outside wind chill and freezing temperatures. This way you can camp year-round without worrying about the cold\! ### 5\. Pack Lots Of Water Alabama Hills camping comes with a dry, desert-like environment, so come prepared with plenty of water. Remember that you’ll be using it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, so carry more than you think you will need\! Remember to dispose of your greywater (excess water from cooking, cleaning, or even brushing teeth) properly. Watch [this youtube video from Leave No Trace](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzjukdquCQQ) about how to dispose of greywater properly at Alabama Hills. During our camping trips, we like to use this [folding 5-Gallon portable water storage from GSI.](http://bit.ly/30vz7Hv) It’s fully collapsible when not in use, and incredibly cheap, too\! ![5-Gallon Portable Water Jug](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/iceberg-lake-trail-glacier-national-park-montana-the-mandagies-13-1500x1000.jpg) ### 6\. Be a Responsible Pooper When Camping In Alabama Hills You read that right. There’s a right way and a wrong way to poop when planning an Alabama Hills camping trip\! The ideal situation would be to do your business in the nearby town of Lone Pine before embarking out to find your Alabama Hills campsite. But emergencies do happen, so it’s your responsibility to follow Leave No Trace Principles, especially when doing your business in the wilderness. Read this blog post from outdoor advocate Meghan Young about [how to use the bathroom in the backcountry](http://www.missmeghanyoung.com/blog/2017/8/26/the-three-ps-how-to-pee-poop-and-period-in-the-backcountry)\! ![View of Mt Whitney at Alabama Hills, California](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-48-1500x1000.jpg) ## What Do I Pack For Alabama Hills Camping? Now that you know how to find the ideal Alabama Hills campsite, what should you be packing for your trip? [These camping tips](https://walkbesidemeblog.com/camping-tips-for-beginners/) should give you a basic idea of the camping gear you may need, and we’re diving deeper into these details right now. Read our suggestions below, keeping in mind that we aim to leave as little impact as possible on the surrounding landscape\! ### Shelter Basics Our personal preference is to go [car camping (aka, sleeping in your car)](https://www.themandagies.com/sleeping-in-your-car-car-camping-101/). This way, all of our gear is contained to the vehicle, the walls of the car protect us from the elements, and packing up is quick and painless. However, if you plan to stay for several days (for climbing or exploring), tents would also work as a great shelter for your Alabama Hills campsite. - Tents & Freestanding Shelters – like [this quick set-up Marmot Tungsten one](http://bit.ly/3aPHc02). - Sleeping Bags – Choose a really affordable [three-season sleeping bag like this on from Fjallraven](http://bit.ly/37Fyfo1). - Sleeping Pads – We own [this one by Therm-a-Rest](http://bit.ly/2GLwcmN) and [this one by Big Agnes](https://www.backcountry.com/big-agnes-insulated-air-core-ultra-sleeping-pad?s=a). You could also GO BIG and purchase an awesome car [rooftop tent](https://www.backcountry.com/Store/catalog/search.jsp?q=rooftop%20tent&p=salePriceUSbcs%3A%5B1000+TO+1500%5D&nf=1)\! These are extremely easy to pack up during a California road trip from place to place. Not only that but it keeps you off the ground and [this Tepui LoPro 2 person one](http://bit.ly/2t8GNEV) does the job perfectly. Read More: [The 10 Best Sleeping Bags For Camping and Backpacking](https://www.themandagies.com/best-sleeping-bags/) ![car top tent while camping in Alabama Hills](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-28-1500x1000.jpg) ### Clothing Alabama Hills camping can get pretty hot during those sunny Southern California days, but the temperatures can drop quickly come nighttime. When camping in Alabama Hills, it’s important to pack in layers to easily adjust to the outside temperature. In a nutshell, here is what we suggest bringing: - Base Layer – like [this casual sweat-wicking long sleeve from Prana](http://bit.ly/2S13jYY) - Insulating Layer – like this super [lightweight pullover from Patagonia](http://bit.ly/36JvJfc). - Outer Layer – Depending on the weather it could be a [cozy puffer coat](http://bit.ly/38Kib4C) or a [windproof jacket](http://bit.ly/3aVXBjD). ![Emily Mandagie while Alabama Hills Camping in California - TheMandagies.com](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alabama-Hills-sunrise-california-the-mandagies-26-1500x1000.jpg) ### Food and Meal Preparation Regarding what food to pack for a camping trip in Alabama Hills, we extensively cover [quick and easy camping meals in this post here](https://www.themandagies.com/easy-camping-meals/). Besides your food, don’t forget to pack water and lots of it. We love these [collapsible 5-gallon containers](http://bit.ly/30vz7Hv) (We chatted about them earlier too) to store extra water during your camping trip. Since this is a dry location with no water source, we highly recommend bringing at least enough to provide 1 gallon of water per person, per day. Don’t feel like cooking? The town of Lone Pine is an easy 10-15 minute drive from Alabama Hills, and you can find all sorts of comfort food and mom & pop diners for quick and delicious meals. ## Alternative Camping Locations To Alabama Hills Couldn’t find a spot for camping in Alabama Hills? Want to try something different? There are lots of options to camp in Southern California, especially along this [Highway 395 road trip route](https://www.themandagies.com/highway-395-road-trip-california/). Here are some of the closest alternative camping options near Alabama Hills: Obtaining Wilderness Permits. Backpacking in the Inyo National Forest and around Mt. Whitney are both excellent options if you’re looking to experience some Southern California wilderness. Many of the most popular trails bring you to serene alpine lakes, gorgeous mountain views, and solitude\! Campground Reservations. Portagee Joe Campground and Tuttle Creek Campground are the closest campgrounds with limited facilities near Alabama Hills. Tuttle Creek is \$5 per night and is first-come-first-serve, while Portagee Joe takes reservations ahead of time. Booking a Hotel in Lone Pine. Sometimes you just want a nice shower and a cozy bed. [Book a cheap hotel in Lone Pine here.](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=20014154&aid=1664126&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) Finding More Campgrounds Nearby With The Dyrt. [The Dyrt](https://www.themandagies.com/the-dyrt) is the largest campground finding tool on the market! We like to use it when finding last-minute camping spots, connecting campgrounds along our road trip route, and using the BLM and national park maps to find the perfect spot. To unlock all these goodies, [try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES.](https://www.themandagies.com/the-dyrt) ![Camping in a Sprinter Van - TheMandagies.com](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mesquite-Flat-Sand-Dunes-Death-Valley-National-Park-California-The-Mandagies-78-1-1500x1000.jpg) ## MORE SOUTHWEST USA ADVENTURES [The Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip (The Mega Route)](https://www.themandagies.com/southwest-road-trip-itinerary/) [How To Get To The Insta-Famous Alabama Hills Movie Road](https://www.google.com/search?q=alabama+hills+movie+road&oq=alabama+hills+movie+road&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4.4239j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) [The 24-Hour Guide To Death Valley National Park](https://www.themandagies.com/death-valley-in-one-day/) [The Complete Utah National Parks Road Trip](https://www.themandagies.com/ultimate-road-trip-utah-national-parks/) [Drop Dead Gorgeous American Southwest Destinations You Must See](https://www.themandagies.com/american-southwest-must-see-destinations/) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Alabama-Hills-Camping-California-The-Mandagies-Pin2.jpg) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Camping-In-Alabama-Hills-California-The-Mandagies-Pin1.jpg) ![Alabama Hills Camping can feel am little daunting, especially when it's your first time camping for free in Southern California! We're sharing everything you need to know here, including sustainability tips, packing, cooking, and mroe! \#california \#highway395 \#southerncalifornia \#socal \#hiking \#westcoast \#travel \#westernUSA \#photography \#alabamahills \#camping \#USA](https://www.themandagies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Camping-In-Alabama-Hills-California-The-Mandagies-Pin1-1.jpg)
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