Tuttle Creek Eastern Sierra Camping
Tuttle Creek Campground — Eastern Sierra Camping Near Lone Pine
A year-round developed BLM campground near Lone Pine with more than 80 first-come, first-served RV and tent sites, seasonal potable water, Mount Whitney views, and quick access to the Alabama Hills.
Campground Quick Facts
Tuttle Creek Campground · Lone Pine, California
| GPS Coordinates | 36.565° N, 118.127° W |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,120 ft |
| Nightly Fee | $12 per standard site per night; group site $35; two horse-camp sites $12 each. Verify current fees before arrival |
| Reservations | Standard sites are first come, first served. The group site and horse-camp sites have separate reservation arrangements through the BLM Bishop Field Office |
| Site Count | 83 RV / tent sites, including ten pull-through trailer spaces; maximum recommended RV length is 30 ft |
| Road Type | Paved and graded-road access; 2WD accessible; suitable for tents, RVs and trailers in normal conditions |
| Maximum Stay | 14 days; Bishop Field Office campgrounds typically also have a 28-day annual limit unless written permission is granted |
| Nearest Fuel | Lone Pine, about 5 miles northeast |
| Cell Coverage | Carrier-dependent and not guaranteed. Download maps and essential information before leaving Lone Pine |
| Best Season | Spring and fall for mild weather; campground is open year-round |
| Facilities | RV / tent sites, fire rings, picnic tables, lantern holders, vault toilets, seasonal potable water, seasonal dump station, no hookups |
| Land Manager | BLM Bishop Field Office |
Current planning reference: the BLM lists a $12 nightly fee, 83 RV / tent sites, no standard-site reservations, year-round operation, seasonal potable water and a seasonal dump station. Always verify fees and service availability before arrival.
About This Campsite
Tuttle Creek is a developed BLM campground in California’s Eastern Sierra, located about five miles from Lone Pine beneath the dramatic Sierra Nevada escarpment. It is a paid, first-come, first-served campground rather than a free dispersed camping area.
The campground is popular with hikers, photographers, overlanders, RV travelers and road trippers. Its location makes it a practical paid fallback when designated Alabama Hills campsites are occupied, while still providing convenient access to Movie Road, Whitney Portal Road and the wider Eastern Sierra corridor.
Quick Info
- StateCalifornia
- RegionEastern Sierra
- Nearest TownLone Pine
- Camping TypeDeveloped BLM Campground
- Cost$12 / Night
- Best ForScenic Camping
- Open SeasonYear Round
- ViewsMount Whitney
- Coordinates36.565° N, 118.127° W
Mount Whitney Views
Wake up beneath California’s highest peak with unobstructed views of the Sierra Nevada skyline.
Alabama Hills Access
A convenient developed-campground base for the Alabama Hills, Movie Road and designated camping areas near Lone Pine.
Year-Round Camping
Unlike many high-elevation Sierra campsites, Tuttle Creek remains accessible throughout most of the year.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the best weather, while winter provides snow-capped Sierra views and fewer visitors. Summer remains popular because of easy access to hiking, photography, and road-trip destinations throughout the Eastern Sierra.
Open in Google MapsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Tuttle Creek Campground free?
No. The BLM currently lists a $12 nightly fee for a standard campsite. Standard sites are first come, first served, and fees can change.
How many campsites are available?
The BLM lists 83 RV and tent sites, including ten pull-through trailer spaces. The maximum recommended RV length is 30 feet.
Can rooftop tents and RVs camp here?
Yes. Tuttle Creek accommodates tents, rooftop-tent vehicles, RVs and trailers. There are no utility hookups, and potable water and the dump station are seasonal.
Is Alabama Hills nearby?
Yes. The campground is next to the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area and is a practical paid alternative when designated dispersed campsites are unavailable.
Do I need a California Campfire Permit?
A California Campfire Permit is not required for a fire inside an established campground fire ring, but seasonal fire restrictions can still prohibit fires. Check current BLM restrictions before arrival.
Can I see Mount Whitney from camp?
Clear weather can provide broad views of Mount Whitney, Lone Pine Peak and other Sierra Nevada summits from the campground area.
Continue Planning the Eastern Sierra
Tuttle Creek works best as the developed-campground alternative within a wider Lone Pine and Alabama Hills trip. Use the guides below to compare the legal dispersed-camping route, regional alternatives and statewide options.
Check Current BLM Details