Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping
Alabama Hills Recreation Area
Write a Review Whitney Portal Rd. Lone Pine, CA 93545 760-872-5000 Official WebsiteGPS: 36.6054, -118.1189
Overview of Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping
Changes are being made to the Alabama Hills to improve the recreation experience for all users. As of late 2021 the west side of Movie Road in the Movie Flat area and any area marked with a no camping sign will be day-use only. Additional changes to dispersed camping will occur throughout the end of 2021. These changes will include a required free permit and converting all camping to designated dispersed sites. Click here for a reference map. Six porta-potties have been added as well. Please pack out all human waste - leave no trace!
Please check the official website link above to get the most up-to-date information.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by WorkinfortheWild on 4/28/2024
Longest RV Reported: 42 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by The Wanderpreneurs on 6/17/2019
Number of Sites 50
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 4,593 ft / 1,399 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-872-5000
closecalls asked on 1/20/2021
I have the sense that boondocking outside of the Turtle Creek campground at Alabama Hills Recreation Area is strongly...
RAMJETR asked on 7/5/2021
Whats the nearest dump station to Alabama Hills Recreation Area?
Kerry asked on 10/1/2021
Do I need a permit to camp at Alabama Hills Recreational Park?
KC Dale asked on 4/20/2021
Does anyone have an idea how busy Alabama Hills will be for camping mid-week in August?
Bri asked on 3/19/2021
Will I be able to enter into the Alabama Hills camping area in a Sedan? Just worried about needing 4WD ;/
Ridgeback12 asked on 1/22/2021
Will April be a good time to RV camp at the Alabama Hills Recreation Area? Not too hot or too many people? Any bloomi...
Reviews of Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping 103 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 14 Users
Last reported 5/22/2021
Confirmed by 29 Users
Last reported 4/29/2023
Confirmed by 5 Users
Last reported 11/27/2021
“Beautiful location with Incredible views - great boondocking location”
Reviewed 1/12/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 6 |
| Site Number: | 36.6054, -118.1277 |
| RV Length: | 36' |
Overall Rating
Alabama Hills was a really great boondocking location! Although our campsite was out amongst nothing but rocks and nature, we were only 3-4 miles from the little town of Lone Pine. Thus, we were able to camp surrounded by nothing but pure, unadulterated nature, while being close enough to every convenience we could possibly need. Lo... more
Alabama Hills was a really great boondocking location! Although our campsite was out amongst nothing but rocks and nature, we were only 3-4 miles from the little town of Lone Pine. Thus, we were able to camp surrounded by nothing but pure, unadulterated nature, while being close enough to every convenience we could possibly need.
Lone Pine has the following: a post office, a grocery store, a climbing and outdoor gear store, several restaurants, a laundromat, a coin-op truck and car wash, hotels, an RV and car repair center, and a general store (which has really great prices on post cards - 3/$1!). There is also a film history museum, as over 400 movies have been shot in this location. Unfortunately, we didn't get to visit the museum, as our visit was cut short by some bad weather (more on that later), but I have heard good things about it and hope to visit in the future.
Since we were camping during the winter (1/2/17-1/8/17), there was virtually no one around. Cars drove down the main road at times (Movie Rd.), but it was mostly just daytrippers, climbers and hikers. We were some of the only overnight campers I saw, making this even more of a "wilderness experience."
Getting there wasn't extremely easy, as we were driving a 36-ft. rig down a dirt road, but we went slow and took our time, so we arrived without issue. An earlier review recommended unhitching the toad to drive down and scope out a spot, and we were very glad we did this.
We found a perfect location, easily accessible for our rig which had great AT&T reception (2-3 bars 4G tfor the entire duration of our entire stay!). Unfortunately, Verizon had virtually no reception in this spot, but we were able to make do on our AT&T plan. It did take us a bit to find a spot with great reception, but don't let reports of earlier reviews scare you away from staying here if you have to work online - there is good reception in some camping locations if you search around for it. I've included our location coordinates above in the site number location, so that you can choose our exact location with good AT&T reception.
As for the nature itself, this spot was awesome! There were gigantic boulders and rocks in all sorts of formations, literally everywhere! Behind the rocks and canyons, the Eastern Sierras and Mt. Whitney served as a gorgeous backdrop. We went on all sorts of hikes, and I would definitely recommend the Arch Loop Trail, where you can see both the Mobius Arch and the Eye of Alabama (see photos).
One tip: be sure to check the weather before visiting. Because of its valley location, between two huge mountain ranges, Alabama Hills is very susceptible to flooding, given a big rainstorm or several consecutive days of continuous rain. We were warned of flooding by a ranger who stopped by, and we decided to cut our visit short, just to be safe. Come to find out, there was severe flooding in the area the day after we left, so we're very glad we took the warning seriously.
In all, this was a gorgeous location, and we plan to return in warmer weather.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Life Among Pines would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A most beautiful place. ”
Reviewed 5/13/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 6 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
Overall Rating
We stayed just off Movie Rd. There many great places to set up camp. Quiet. Lots to explore.
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AT&T 4G
Cark (Mark with a 'C') would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Million Dollar Views!”
Reviewed 5/1/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
| RV Length: | 35' |
Overall Rating
I've wanted to camp in the Alabama Hills area for quite some time and I finally got the chance to do so last weekend. Unfortunately we arrived later than I wanted to on a Friday due to my wife's work schedule, a faulty cargo door on the trailer, and high winds on Hwy 395. All the possible camping spots were already occupied and as I... more
I've wanted to camp in the Alabama Hills area for quite some time and I finally got the chance to do so last weekend. Unfortunately we arrived later than I wanted to on a Friday due to my wife's work schedule, a faulty cargo door on the trailer, and high winds on Hwy 395. All the possible camping spots were already occupied and as I dejectedly headed out of the area I found a pullout area off the main road just big enough for my trailer. It was late, I was tired, and I decided this would be better than spending the night in a nearby RV park.
Lousy camping spot aside this is one of the most scenic camping spots I've spent time in. With the granite boulders in the foreground and the Eastern Sierras in the background you have to try awfully hard to take a bad photo. There was still a lot of snow in the mountains and the scenery was beautiful. Alabama Hills is unique in the fact that you feel like you're out in the boonies miles from civilization, but you're just a 5 minute drive from picking up a hot pizza in Lone Pine.
If you would like to camp here for a weekend I would advise that you arrive early on a Friday or even better yet, on a Thursday night during the peak Spring and Fall seasons. Be aware of where you park. I received a visit from a BLM Ranger who told me that although my trailer was sited correctly, my truck was parked on a small bush and I would have to relocate my truck. He stated that although I was, "legally parked but, they would prefer that larger rigs would camp at Tuttle Creek campground" a few miles to the South. He was polite, but I didn't feel exactly welcome.
With this along with the fact that there were a couple of roads that were recently closed and more than a few prime camping spots that were replanted with native vegetation and closed with signs stating "reclamation area, no camping" I got the feeling that the BLM would like to reduce the amount of visitors the area receives. Camp here while you still can.
Finally keep an eye on the weather in this area as it can change drastically. We experienced high winds, no winds, sunny skies, heavy overcast, moderate rain, and nearby lighting in just the span of 3 days. As I was dropping a block of wood under a stabilization jack a snake darted out from under the trailer. After I identified it as harmless I grabbed it to carry it off so that my dogs wouldn't run across it. Much to my surprise when the wind finally died down the mosquitoes swarmed at sundown and quickly drove me back into the trailer. I've backpacked near this area in the higher elevations where mosquitoes were a problem, but didn't expect them in such an arid area.
socalz would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Camping in amazing rock formations underneath the High Sierra Nevada”
Reviewed 4/23/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 6 |
| Site Number: | NA |
| RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Dusty dirt roads lead to free sites on BLM land in a maze of wonderful rock formations. We pulled up into a granite cul de sac and parked for about a week. Exploring the rocks is fun and there's a lot of climbing routes if you're into that (we're into it). Lone Pine is a quirky little town just down the road and fun to check out for... more
Dusty dirt roads lead to free sites on BLM land in a maze of wonderful rock formations. We pulled up into a granite cul de sac and parked for about a week. Exploring the rocks is fun and there's a lot of climbing routes if you're into that (we're into it).
Lone Pine is a quirky little town just down the road and fun to check out for a diversion.
Mobile service is spotty, but we found a spot on top of a rock where we would have morning coffee and check our messages.
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AT&T 4G
HagePhoto would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful, quiet, incredible, fun, and FREE!”
Reviewed 4/7/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 4 |
Overall Rating
Beautiful spot to relax for a few days! Lots of quiet spots -- some closer to the road for bigger rigs, and little windy roads for those adventurous 4WDers. There were some people here while we were, but there's plenty of room to spread out, we were parked totally off by ourselves. It's really fun to scramble around in the rocks, we... more
Beautiful spot to relax for a few days! Lots of quiet spots -- some closer to the road for bigger rigs, and little windy roads for those adventurous 4WDers. There were some people here while we were, but there's plenty of room to spread out, we were parked totally off by ourselves. It's really fun to scramble around in the rocks, we did a bunch of that. Really great spot, I'd certainly stay here again!
ElliotFKlein would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful boondocking!”
Reviewed 3/27/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
After three days in Death Valley, we headed here on recommendations from fellow campers...and it didn't disappoint! Access is good, most of the dirt roads are well-maintained, albeit a little washboard. 4WD will get you even farther into some of the trails with softer dirt and steeper hills. Sites are not marked, and are first-come, fi... more
After three days in Death Valley, we headed here on recommendations from fellow campers...and it didn't disappoint! Access is good, most of the dirt roads are well-maintained, albeit a little washboard. 4WD will get you even farther into some of the trails with softer dirt and steeper hills. Sites are not marked, and are first-come, first-served. Views are incredible, great for kids.
Great place to boondock while still being close to the main highway and town.
Tips:
Stop by the Lone Pine Visitor Center, at the intersection of Hwy 395 and Hwy 136 prior to heading out. They have maps of Movie Road and the surrounding trails, along with some fun movie history for the area. Best of all, they have a fresh water spigot right out front where travelers are welcome to fill up!
Lone Pine has a coin-op truck wash that fit our 28' Airstream with no problem, was great to wash off after days of travel in the dust.
lostrivets would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Ready on the set!”
Reviewed 3/26/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 7 |
Overall Rating
This is one of Nature’s great locations, with the tall Sierra’s, scenic plains, and humongous rocks – all in one location. This locale has been used in over 500 movies –hence the primary access “Movie Road”. All of which makes it great fun too. A must see is the movie museum in town – especially if you are over sixty, for all those ... more
This is one of Nature’s great locations, with the tall Sierra’s, scenic plains, and humongous rocks – all in one location. This locale has been used in over 500 movies –hence the primary access “Movie Road”. All of which makes it great fun too. A must see is the movie museum in town – especially if you are over sixty, for all those cowboy flicks from yesteryear. Due to the needs of the filming equipment, the Alabama Hills are crisscrossed with roads and remote sites – all fairly far apart. My site was supposedly a favorite for where the The Lone Ranger and Tonto would have their mounted conversations. And from everywhere you can see Mount Whitney. There are no services and cell service is very spotty. I could only get two bars if I drove out to Movie Road.
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AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing Gem”
Reviewed 3/6/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 4 |
| Site Number: | None |
Overall Rating
Boondocking at its finest, and when you consider AH is only a short couple of miles outside the quaint town of Lone Pine, giving it almost too easy access, it is truly a gem, and as others have mentioned- it's free for goodness sake. Because we care not about cell service or internet connectivity as some must, we rank Alabama Hills as... more
Boondocking at its finest, and when you consider AH is only a short couple of miles outside the quaint town of Lone Pine, giving it almost too easy access, it is truly a gem, and as others have mentioned- it's free for goodness sake. Because we care not about cell service or internet connectivity as some must, we rank Alabama Hills as better than 5-star.
We stayed 4 nights in late January, and although a bit chilly on two of those nights, the other two were absolutely perfect. The solitude is overwhelming, and this time of year virtually no one was around. Add to this-the view, what can one say, but spectacular! Mt.Whitney covered in snow, it's summit occasionally obscured by clouds and then busting forth in all its splendor as the sun shone off its craggy peaks- awesome (forgive all the superlatives).
During our visit the moon was full, so star gazing was somewhat limited, but this was compensated for by Whitney being so brightly illuminated by the moon that it glowed blue.
The days spent here were beautiful and clear and perfect for hiking, we only wish we could have stayed longer!
LOGRIDER would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Holy Wow!”
Reviewed 11/29/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 7 |
Overall Rating
The overall setting of Alabama Hills is overwhelming. Amazing rock formations with Mt Whitney towering in the background. Very dark at night and very quiet. Sites can be close together or very widely spaced. We selected a long pull thru that was surrounded by huge rocks. Anyone driving by wouldn't have been able to detect our 45 foot m... more
The overall setting of Alabama Hills is overwhelming. Amazing rock formations with Mt Whitney towering in the background. Very dark at night and very quiet. Sites can be close together or very widely spaced. We selected a long pull thru that was surrounded by huge rocks. Anyone driving by wouldn't have been able to detect our 45 foot motorhome. The large sites are few and far between so it's a game of chance for bigger rigs. Leveling appears to be an issue at all sites. We did quite a lot of jockeying and settled on sort of level. The weather was perfect in April but we were told it does get hot in the summer. The 9 rating is due to lack of any facilities, cell coverage and lots of dirt. Be prepared for sweeping if that bothers you! We would most definitely return. We camped at Alabama Hills Recreation Area in a Motorhome.
If you have a tow, it's best to park in town and drive around and find a spot. It's extremely dusty. There are lots of hidden sites so take your time looking. April was very quiet and there were few campers. We couldn't actually see anyone else from our site.
Emie would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet and Adventurous”
Reviewed 5/26/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 4 |
| Site Number: | GPS: 36.609973 -118.132254 |
| RV Length: | 25' |
Overall Rating
Decided to head to the Alabama Hills for Memorial Day weekend. I arrived on Friday and first drove into the Tuttle Creek campground because I wasnt quite sure where to go and I was hoping they'd have potable water, but they dont. The campground was nothing special so I headed back down the road and turned on Movie Road. This is wher... more
Decided to head to the Alabama Hills for Memorial Day weekend. I arrived on Friday and first drove into the Tuttle Creek campground because I wasnt quite sure where to go and I was hoping they'd have potable water, but they dont. The campground was nothing special so I headed back down the road and turned on Movie Road. This is where you want to stay, right next to all of the huge boulders, hills, canyons and arches. Movie road is paved at first but then turns to dirt, which wasnt horrible but definitely washboarded so just drive slow. This being my first BLM experience I wasnt quite sure how it worked but judging by everyone else that was there you just find a turnout spot along the road and set up camp. I had GPS coordinates for a specific spot, and luckily it was open. There were plenty of people camping and visiting the park over the holiday weekend but it wasn't as bad as I expected and I never felt crowded. Plenty of great hiking, climbing, and other opportunities to explore some out of this world formations. If the clouds cooperate you get a beautiful view of Mt. Whitney and the sierras. Overall it was a great way to spend the long weekend!
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AT&T 4G
Ross would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 10 of 11
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Site Amenities
- big rig
- pull thru
- view sites
Pets
- pets
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