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Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground

In

Inyo National Forest

·

97%

·

25 sites · Tent

Heading out onto the great Mt. Whitney trek? The one-night-only Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground is your basecamp before you venture deeper into the wilderness. This walk-in campground is buzzing with backpackers in the summer months hoping to make it to the top of the seriously majestic Mt. Whitney. But let’s be real… this trailhead campground ain’t so bad itself. With wildlife teeming between the many trees and shorter trails leading through the John Muir Wilderness, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect spots to visit. This is Inyo National Forest, after all.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

First come, first served

Tent

Explore 380 campgrounds near Inyo National Forest

Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Inyo National Forest

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

25mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

41mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. We occasionally host small, thoughtful, low impact weddings. Please inquire. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers

34mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 2 sites · Tents · Three Rivers, CA

This is a essentially a private campsite with a million dollar view during the day, and wonderful stargazing at night! We welcome dogs and don't charge additional fees for you to bring your dog(s) to camp. The park allows dogs into the park BUT NOT ON ANY TRAILS! (Only the national “forests” allow dogs on trails, not national parks.) PLEASE, let us know you are bringing dog(s), when you request to book. We currently have 2 dogs - our boy Chance is a 6yo Husky Doberman mix; and we rescued and are fostering a (approx 3yo) Great Dane, Winston! Unfortunately, we can NOT dog sit your dog(s) while you are in the park having 2 large male dogs in our house. Also you can not leave the dog alone in the campsite. We are in Three Rivers - the southern Ash Mountain gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Our town has some wonderfully unique restaurants, creative shops and even a delicious brewery with seating next to the River! Our hillside property has great Mountain View’s and the driveway turns directly off of Sierra drive, four miles past the town center (3R post office) and just 2 miles from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entrance. There’s even a convenience store a quarter mile away! It's conveniently located and easy to find! You can (seasonally) hear the tranqual sounds, or all out roar of the flowing Kaweah river from across the street. Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. You can go to Slick Rock Recreation area, Lake Kaweah or into the parks to swim, boat, fish and more. Lake Kaweah is about 8 miles away. You drive around it after you top the hill entering Three Rivers. My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and adding here ever since! Our dog Chance chases all the fun wildlife off of our property. In addition to deer, we have seen fox, bob cats, an Ocelot, too many coyotes, wild turkeys and bear crossing an animal highway along our upper hillside property line. Hawks, hummingbirds, quail, blue birds, woodpeckers and yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here as well. We have had turkey families coming through frequently recently! Owls have been heard; but not seen. We love our country home and mountain views, and look forward to sharing them with you!

O'Brien's Oasis

43mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 2 sites · Lodging · Hartland, CA

Little cabin at the end of the dirt road. Or the RV spot depending on your needs. 4000 elevation surrounded by cedars and oaks. If you want privacy this is the spot. The deer pass through the yard sometimes. Great Place to relax after exploring Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. No campfires are allowed.

Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3

49mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 112 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Squaw Valley, CA

Camp ikigai is a 72 acre farm/ranch stay near Sequoia-Kings (SEKI) Canyon Nat'l Parks. Rescued/EOL horses, sheep, chickens, and ducks freely roam the property. The property has a communal clubhouse with a fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, firepit, hot/cold showers, compost and pit toilets, and an above ground swimming pool. Our business is committed to inclusivity and respect for people from all backgrounds and a safe inclusive space for solo female travelers. 30 minutes from park entrance, 20 min from nearby lakes, 50 minutes from Fresno. 3 hours from SF, 3.5 from LA. We have running hot/cold water for our outdoor shower but NO flushable toilets. We have pit and compost toilets filled with cedar shavings for now! Our priorities: 1. Wildfire prevention 2. Community building 3. Environmentalism and Sustainability If you're coming July-Mid August, please know it is HOT (95 average/75 night) and wildfires are a consistent threat. With that, wildfire prevention is a high priority. We have a lot of projects we have started and could use all the help we can get! Some of those are: - invasive species management - tiny home building - gardening/greenhouse building - event space building - raising livestock - medicinal plant growing + onsite apothecary (Come volunteer build the food forest and medicinal garden) Come book a cabin, park a bus or RV, bring a tent, bring your cat/dog/turtle/horse etc. To see volunteer positions/project please visit https://Campikigai.com or https://linktr.ee/ikigaiSanctuary or at VolunteerMatch.com

Kings Canyon Campground

39mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Wilsonia, CA

This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access

Thistledew Ranch

43mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV · Miramonte, CA

Secluded, private, semi-dry camping at 4000 ft. with an RV accessible pull thru. Located 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park entrance. The view to the east is the western edge of the Sequoia National Forest. This campsite is the only one on the property. Typical weather is sunny with low humidity and moderate temperatures.

3R Ranch Retreat

37mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 2 sites · Lodging · Three Rivers, CA

- 22 foot RV with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Toilet, shower, and furnished kitchen. RV unit is a 2024 Coleman Lantern 17B with AC/fireplace heater and sleeps 5! Access to a private hiking trail that overlooks the community of Three Rivers. - 2 mini donkeys on property available for a feeding tour :) - 20 min Barrel Sauna session also available at an additional cost!

Aberdeen Resort

28mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 15 sites · RVs · Independence, CA

Learn more about this land: Relax at Aberdeen Resort! Enjoy Goodale Creek at camp and the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We have 10 Overnight Sites with the rest of the park being long term. Explore the many OHV trails, hike from the Park or head up to the many trailheads in the area. Fish Goodale Creek or head across the 395 to the gorgeous Owens River. Unspoiled and wild, the Owens Valley is spectacular and serene.

Lemon Cove Village RV Park

45mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 60 sites · Tents, RVs · Lemon Cove, CA

Welcome to Lemon Cove Village, a family friendly RV Park at the base of Sequoia National Park, just 25 miles from the entrance to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, and minutes from Three Rivers and the Kaweah River. Nestled in the foothills of the western Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Lemon Cove Village RV Park is located in the small town of Lemon Cove, population 350. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery including mountains, rocks, oak trees, clean fresh air and is just 19 miles east of Visalia. With Kaweah Lake and the Kaweah River only 4 miles away and the town of Three Rivers just 16 miles north, you will find that there is plenty of exciting exploring or relaxation around every corner. Enjoy nearby: Fishing, White Water Rafting, Boating, Hiking, and Shopping.

Dunlap Canyon Retreat

48mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dunlap, CA

22 acres of camp sites and another 40 acres nextdoor to a hang gliders and paragliders landing. We have restrooms with showers attached to a geodesic dome on property. BBQ , water at sites. A seasonal 2 acre pond. We are about 25mi from sequoia and Kings Canyon right off the Highway 180 and a close drive from restaurants, stores. Beautiful views. We strive to make sure you have an amazing experience in the outdoors. We are still working on making the campground 100% so sorry in advance but what we are lacking we will make up for it with making your experience memorable hope to meet everyone soon P.S I got 6 things ask you to do while you are here 1.Enjoy your time here 2. If you need anything or have concerns say something ( I will try to accommodate the best I can) 3.Have fun 4. Only TP in toilets please 5. Make memories 6. Be respectful to your neighbors ( Get to know them. I don’t really have quite hours just keep in mind some ppl might be waking up early to hike in the park)

Private Sanctuary on the Tule River

42mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 8 sites · Tents · Springville, CA

Located at the foothills of the Sequoia National Monument, this private property is stewarded by our Indigenous elder Xico with permission from the Yukot peoples (Tule River Tribe), the original stewards of Springville. The land is bordered by the Tule River, accessible by a short walk. It offers palpable energy and breathtaking stargazing and is perfect for ceremonial experiences. Amenities include an outdoor shower and porta-potties within walking distance. Please leave no trace and pack out all garbage and plastics. Avoid synthetic fragrances or chemical toiletries, as everything returns to the land. Treat this extraordinary and sacred space carefully to keep it beautiful for everyone.

More to explore nearby

97%

24 ratings · 2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2017

Great spot in the late spring and fall! Very busy in the summer and hard to get a site.

H

Heather K.

8 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

This walk-in backpackers campground is the perfect spot to acclimatize and stage your Whitney summit. Make sure to store all of your food and toiletries (including toothpaste) in the bear lockers & canisters. Whitney bears don't mess around!

Alyx S.

10 years on Hipcamp

LocationMt. Whitney Trailhead Campground, Inyo National Forest, California, United States

Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

Other campgrounds in Inyo National Forest

This walk-in backpackers campground is the perfect spot to acclimatize and stage your Whitney summit. Make sure to store all of your food and toiletries (including toothpaste) in the bear lockers & canisters. Whitney bears don't mess around!

Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground

25 sites · in Inyo National Forest

Whitney Portal Campground

Whitney Portal Campground

2.2mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 1 site · in Inyo National Forest

Site in the walk-in area as viewed from parking. Restrooms at parking, too!

Lone Pine Campground

4.7mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

Took my camera out and captured some truly amazing shots. Definitely planning on revisiting!

Horseshoe Meadows Equestrian Camp

10mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 10 sites · in Inyo National Forest

First-come, first-serve campsite. A great place to stay on your way to climb Mt. Whitney or Langley. The campground is at about 10,000ft elevation so it helps with acclimation. There are several trails to alpine lakes in the area.

Horseshoe Meadows Campground

10mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 18 sites · in Inyo National Forest

Site 40, which is right by the entrance and near restrooms, but still very quiet. The best part about this site is it's right on the river that runs through the campground, with a private path to the water!

Grays Meadows Campground

14mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

Wildflowers beside one of the many lakes here.

Onion Valley Campground

15mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inyo National Forest

Camp site for the weekend

Cold Springs Campground

21mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 31 sites · in Sequoia National Park

Hike to Monarch Lake

Atwell Mill Campground

24mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 21 sites · in Sequoia National Park

Lodgepole Campground

Lodgepole Campground

26mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 191 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Park

Moraine Campground is right on the edge of the river, making it the perfect camping spot for the angler looking to drop a line while the hotdogs cook on the grill.

Moraine Campground

27mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 120 sites · in Kings Canyon National Park

Moraine Campground

Moraine Campground

27mi from Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground · 27 sites · in Inyo National Forest

Top parks near Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground

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Mt. Whitney Trailhead Campground

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