Tuttle Creek Campground – Near Lone Pine, California (Inyo National Forest)

Tuttle Creek Campground is a peaceful, rustic campground located just outside the town of Lone Pine in the Eastern Sierra. Nestled among pinyon pines, juniper, and scattered granite boulders, the campground offers big views of the Sierra Nevada crest and quick access to the Alabama Hills, Whitney Portal Road, and Owens Valley. Its quiet setting and dramatic scenery make it a favorite basecamp for hikers, photographers, and travelers exploring the Inyo National Forest and surrounding desert-mountain landscapes.

Location & Setting

The campground sits along the lower section of Whitney Portal Road at roughly 5,500–6,000 feet in elevation. To the west, towering granite peaks rise toward Mount Whitney, while views to the east stretch across the Owens Valley toward the Inyo Mountains. The environment is a blend of high desert and mountain foothills, creating striking contrasts of light, color, and terrain. Though remote in feel, Tuttle Creek is only a short drive from the restaurants, shops, gas stations, and visitor services in Lone Pine.

Campground Overview

Tuttle Creek Campground is small and lightly developed, offering primitive-style sites well suited for tents, vans, and smaller trailers. Campsites are spread out across open desert-woodland terrain, with some shade from pinyon-juniper stands and others more exposed for unobstructed views. The atmosphere is relaxing and uncrowded, making it ideal for visitors seeking solitude, natural beauty, and easy access to nearby outdoor destinations. Larger RVs may find the road and site layout challenging, so the campground is best suited for smaller setups.

Amenities

Amenities are basic and include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. There is no drinking water on-site, no hookups, and no dump station, so campers should arrive fully prepared. Bear-resistant food storage is strongly recommended, as the Whitney Portal corridor does experience bear activity. While simple, the limited amenities help preserve the campground’s quiet, natural character, offering a more traditional and self-sufficient camping experience in the Eastern Sierra.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

The location makes Tuttle Creek an excellent base for exploring the region. The Alabama Hills—known for rock arches, cinematic landscapes, and world-class photography—are just minutes away. Whitney Portal provides access to popular trails, waterfalls, and high-elevation picnic areas. The Owens Valley offers additional recreation opportunities, including fishing, birdwatching, OHV routes, and scenic drives. With minimal light pollution, the campground also offers outstanding stargazing and astrophotography conditions.

Summary

Tuttle Creek Campground delivers a peaceful, scenic, and rustic camping experience at the gateway to the Eastern Sierra. Its proximity to Lone Pine, Alabama Hills, and the Mount Whitney corridor makes it a versatile basecamp, while its quiet setting and dramatic landscapes appeal to anyone seeking natural solitude. For travelers wanting a simple, beautiful place to stay near Lone Pine, Tuttle Creek remains an excellent and memorable choice.