Alabama Hills

"We couldn’t put together this list without including Alabama Hills, one of our favorite free camping spots in our home state of California. Located in Lone Pine, along HWY 395, in the Eastern Sierras, Alabama Hills is one of the most interesting and beautiful places you could spend the night. Nestled beneath Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, this entire area is owned and managed by BLM, so you can camp anywhere you’d like that is off the road. There are hundreds of different little nooks beneath rock formations that make this the perfect car camping area. Make sure that you practice Leave No Trace principles, and pack out what you pack in. Fires are allowed unless otherwise specified. Try to keep your fires only in pre-made fire rings. There are no amenities at Alabama Hills, so make sure you bring everything you need (and pack everything out). Lone Pine is a short drive from the area though, so if you want to go out to eat, or need to grab anything from a store, you’ll easily be able to. During the summer, this area can get very hot during the day. We recommend checking out the 4-mile round trip trail to Lone Pine Lake to get out of the heat. The trail starts at the Whitney Portal, just above Alabama Hills. This area is also super popular among climbers and photographers - it’s an excellent spot for night photography on a clear night. If you don’t want to make your own food, there are several restaurant options in Lone Pine, as well as a grocery store. If you’re visiting on a weekday, we highly recommend checking out Tacos Los Hermanos Food Truck for some of the best tacos you may ever eat, north of the border. Also, try to catch at least one sunrise from Alabama Hills in your lifetime. The Alpenglow on the Sierras is unparalleled. "

"Tips: 1. Try and go during the week if you are camping to find a great spot. 2. Cell service might not be the best 3. Check the weather before you go so you don't miss out on any fun. (last time I went it rained very hard) The Alabama Hills in California are a range of rocky, picturesque hills located near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. These hills are known for their unique geological formations, stunning views, and serene landscape. The area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and camping. Camping in the Alabama Hills is a unique experience, as campers can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while also being within close proximity to the bustling city of Lone Pine. With its breathtaking views and scenic landscape, the Alabama Hills offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life."

"This gorgeous area has been used in many a movie, and is home to some of the coolest rock formations you’ll see in California. The whole area is BLM land, so you can camp anywhere you’d like (as long as you’re off the road). Just make sure you leave it better than you found it! Some high points in the area include the Mobius Arch, Movie Road, and Miss Alabama, but the best thing to do in the area is to just explore on your own."