It takes about 10 hours to ascend Mt. Whitney (depending
on who’s attempting it), and at least 7 to get back down. This
means most folks end up camping near or on the mountain. Here’s
a quick list of the nearest campgrounds, with some useful information.
Lone Pine: $10 per night, 43 sites, no hookups, vault toilets
and water. 40% walk in.
Location: 7 miles west of Lone Pine off of Whitney Portal Road. 6 miles
to the trailhead.
Elevation: 6,200 feet
Open: Apr 16 to Oct 11, 1999; Apr 14, 2000 to Oct 25, 2000
Whitney Portal: $12 per night,
43 sites, no hookups, vault toilets and water.
Location: 13 miles west on Lone Pine on the Whitney Portal Road. Near
the trailhead.
Elevation: 8,300 feet
Open: May 22, to Oct 02, 1999 and May 24, 2000 to Oct 13, 2000
Horseshoe Meadow: $5 per night,
18 sites, vault toilets and water (no reservations).
Location: 3 miles on Whitney Portal Road, left on Horse Meadows for
21 miles to the end of the road. It's about 31 miles to Mt. Whitney
trailhead.
Elevation: 10,000 feet
Open: June 2 to Sept. 30, 1999
To make camping reservations for Lone Pine or Whitney Portal campgrounds
you can call 1-800-280-2267.
