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
“Spots are difficult to find!”
Reviewed 4/2/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
I came on a Thursday (holiday weekend - Easter?) and found it very difficult to find a spot. Lots of campers were circling around trying to find a place. I parked for the night in a spot that probably wasn't meant for camping as after 45 minutes hunting I was done. It sure is beautiful, but I think I'd rather stay at Tuttle Creek for ... more
I came on a Thursday (holiday weekend - Easter?) and found it very difficult to find a spot. Lots of campers were circling around trying to find a place. I parked for the night in a spot that probably wasn't meant for camping as after 45 minutes hunting I was done. It sure is beautiful, but I think I'd rather stay at Tuttle Creek for $5/night and drive to the hikes in the area. I'd definitely try again in the off season!
Very, very little Verizon service (1 bar), depending which part of my camper I was in.
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Verizon 4G
kzoocamp would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Explore galore and poo”
Reviewed 3/29/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
Overall Rating
Lots of beautiful sites to explore and had really good cell. It was disappointing that the tent campers, climbers and probably others left their poop and toilet paper everywhere. Every time I would go into a cool little area to explore I would find that it was a toilet.
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Verizon 4G
Cutlerallstar would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“National Park Worthy Public Lands!”
Reviewed 3/28/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| RV Length: | 17' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
I discovered Alabama Hills through searching here on Campendium. I got here early on a Friday morning to ensure I had a chance to get a decent spot given the popularity I learned about. Luckily I nabbed a spot for my trailer nestled against a backdrop of rocks in the turn around of "The Tall Wall" spot. Glad I did, as the whole area wa... more
I discovered Alabama Hills through searching here on Campendium. I got here early on a Friday morning to ensure I had a chance to get a decent spot given the popularity I learned about. Luckily I nabbed a spot for my trailer nestled against a backdrop of rocks in the turn around of "The Tall Wall" spot. Glad I did, as the whole area was swarmed with campers by 10AM. The area is exceptionally popular with climbers, movie buffs and COVID-escaping campers, so don't have an idealistic notion that you will find a purely secluded place all to yourself on the weekends... I bet you can get that on Wednesdays! I shared the turn around with some rock climbing tent campers that went down into the low areas about 25 yards in either direction, and all were respectful of each other and the natural beauty we shared so it was very quiet. We all shared the same perspective of the natural vibe and had a good community of camping in our area. It was a really incredible experience to wake up and watch the sunrise on the rock climbers nearby, then trail hike the Mobius Arch with my two dogs, and gaze at an amazing starry night in the quiet of the area I stayed.
Alabama Hills should be a National Park, it is that exceptional in beauty and landscape at the base of Mount Whitney. As I understand it, some limitations may be forthcoming to protect the lands for all the right reasons that I will mention later. So if you are going to go camp a first-come-first-serve basis, go now. People were there from around the country to rock climb and experience the scenery.
A couple things to note if you have not been there. I have WeBoost cellular booster and still could not get any signal, so I drove to the Alabama Hills Information Center back down the hill a couple times day to get connected to my work. If you find a spot just inside of Movie Road before it turns to dirt, you will likely have signal. Please also be aware that if you get there later and have to find a spot in areas with greater density of campers, there can be some partying and trash accumulation among the 5th wheel ATV crowd, so be cognizant of group areas as camping culture differs. Also, not everyone is respectful of cleaning up after themselves when finding spots to potty, so watch your step on some trails that are just off campsites... That's not mountain goat poop you see.
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Verizon
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing location, but...”
Reviewed 3/15/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 24' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
The 5-Star ratings are not unwarranted for this location, but there are some caveats I really had to consider that would prevent me from giving this the same review. As many have posted, the Alabama Hills BLM is known for it's amazing rock formations and film/tv history. It located on the East side of the Sierras off of Hwy 395, just... more
The 5-Star ratings are not unwarranted for this location, but there are some caveats I really had to consider that would prevent me from giving this the same review. As many have posted, the Alabama Hills BLM is known for it's amazing rock formations and film/tv history. It located on the East side of the Sierras off of Hwy 395, just west of the town of Lone Pine, CA. Accessibility is great and most 2WD cars can access the majority of the sites. Still, you must be mindful if you have a rig that's over 35ft, has a very low clearance due to the unpaved road, and that most places against the rocks are narrow and sometimes steep. A 4WD vehicle and trailer with high clerance will give you the best opportunities to all the sites. It's best that you have a scouting vehicle so you don't have to tow/drive your rig through places that may be difficult to fit or turn around. Since this is BLM land and most places are marked by a previous campfire area and cleared of plants you would assume there would plenty to go around, but don't expect that, unless you plan on camping in an open area away from the rocks. If you're lucky to find a spot around the rock formations, you will treated to a break in the wind and easilly accessible hiking and exploring right from your site. Otherwise, the spectacular views can be appreciated from afar. The obvious thing here is simply camping in such a unique and wonderful environment. If you're lucky to find a private spot up by the rocks, consider yourself fortunate.
The reason I could not give this a 5-Star review as much as others have was simply because of other people. It's difficult to find decent spots against the rocks. They continually seemed to be occupied. If you get there on the weekends, you better plan on camping in a less desirable location or catch someone leaving. Really, its the difference of being protected from the elements next to the rocks, but having to deal with other campers, or... camping out in the open area where you're not protected from the elements, but you don't have to deal with loud campers. Also when we visited, we noticed a lot of places that looked like obvious places to camp are now flagged as a "do not camp... plant restoration". I imagine this also makes finding a decent site at a premium. Some tend to take advantage of the space and drive too fast through the trails. Not only is this dangerous, but it kicks up a lot of the fine dirt/dust on breezy days. Parties throughout the night could be heard from afar, even if it were just a single group. We can hear the music, but could not tell where it was coming from. One night someone shot of a firework mortar on a windy night. This is truly a 5-Star location, but the environment on a whole is more of a 3-Star. I like BLM land because it keeps us away from the "party" group campers or concentration of campers. The Alabama Hills beauty and accessibility has seemed to undermine itself due to the crowds that come and visit. Would I stay here again... yes I would. But, if I had another option on other BLM land, I would avoid it. I don't know when the shoulder seasons are, but going in March was very busy.
Overall, I can say I would recommend this location, but at the same time, be mindful that despite the vast size and space of this area, it's still busy. Regardless, if you plan on visiting, come early, give yourself reasonable time to find a site (you will be rewarded), avoid the weekends, don't have a preconceived idea where you're going to camp (be flexible), and know the level of tolerances you have when camping around other campers.
Mobile service can be tricky depending on where you're camping. You can literally move feeds away and your reception will change. This is highly dependent on your location and your location to the rocks. We got decent AT&T service, but Verizon was pretty much unusable.
Access: Access can be attained by the majority of rigs, but it's best to scout to avoid getting yourself in a situation where you can't fit or turnaround.
Location: Simply amazing location. Musts see.
Cleanliness: Found many places where people did not take care of their business appropriately between the rocks formations. Picked up a decent back of garbage at our arrival and picked up more as we explored around our site. People are still not picking up after their dogs.
Site Quality: This varies depending on where you end up. For the most part, it's BLM, so in context make sure you bring the appropriate leveling tools.
Noise: Noise was not good for us, but could have been better. Next time we will move farther away from the rocks in order to be more isolated from the general public.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Arnell would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Love Alabama Hills!!! Disgusted in fellow human beings.”
Reviewed 3/9/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 14 |
Overall Rating
Arrived to find my favorite campsite, near Arches and Alabama Trails, disgustingly peppered with human excrement and toilet paper (see picture "Collage of Disgust"). These approximately 50 sites were within 75' of the trail. Shame on whoever did this!!! BLM has even now put 3 outhouses near Arches Trailhead and 3 near the entrance o... more
Arrived to find my favorite campsite, near Arches and Alabama Trails, disgustingly peppered with human excrement and toilet paper (see picture "Collage of Disgust"). These approximately 50 sites were within 75' of the trail. Shame on whoever did this!!! BLM has even now put 3 outhouses near Arches Trailhead and 3 near the entrance on Movie Road off Whitney Portal, yet this person(s) still did this. I can only guess that the person that did this will scream the loudest when this area is shut down to camping and converted to day use or worse due to human waste issues.
Ladies... Bag your #1 tissues and take them with you to the nearest trash facility.
Everyone...Bury your #2 along with paper in catholes 4-6" deep and 200' away from water, trails and camp.
Don't call me Karen
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AT&T 4G
T-Mobile
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome boondocking!!”
Reviewed 3/8/2021
| Days stayed: | 1 |
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| RV Length: | 40' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
Great place, easy access on the main road. Lone Pine is a great town. Cell coverage is spotty to none. Views and rock scrambling are second to none.
Scott would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome Experience!”
Reviewed 1/18/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 36.612996, -118.117847 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Class B Plus) |
Overall Rating
Our first time boondocking at a magical place with a friend and her RV. No cell signals at our location (VZW and TMo) which is just a bit more than 2 miles in from Whitney Portal Rd on Movie Flat Rd. Great view of Mt Whitney, especially during sunrise.
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Verizon
T-Mobile
BikerTech would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful views, fun hiking and mountain biking”
Reviewed 1/13/2021
| Days stayed: | 3 |
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Overall Rating
Alabama Hills is one of our favorite spots that we have been to in our Motorhome. You can find just about any kind of spot you want to stay. The views of Mt. Whitney on a clear day are incredible. Lots of wildflowers in the spring, great trails for hiking, biking and riding motor. We are looking forward to going back again soon.
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Verizon 4G
Plenn would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Incredible views and worth trips back!”
Reviewed 1/4/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 8 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
This place is a boon dockers dream! So many great choices to park your rv or tent camp. The views of Mt. Whitney are spectacular! We went after Christmas and it was actually very busy and it had just snowed 4 inches. The guy taking care of the roads said he'd never seen it this busy. Our spot was close to a VERY popular site for taking... more
This place is a boon dockers dream! So many great choices to park your rv or tent camp. The views of Mt. Whitney are spectacular! We went after Christmas and it was actually very busy and it had just snowed 4 inches. The guy taking care of the roads said he'd never seen it this busy. Our spot was close to a VERY popular site for taking pictures so we weren't as isolated as we would have liked but our views almost made up for it! Lots of professional and amateur people taking pictures where we were at so we know we had the great views. But there are PLENTY of spots to pick from. With each site there are trade off's. Sun, shade, views, protections from wind, close to hiking, isolation from other people, etc. You just have to decide which things are most important to you and pick from that. Cell service was almost non existence except in town and on a hike that took you to the top of the hill.
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Verizon
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Spectacular Views, Gorgeous Place!”
Reviewed 11/29/2020
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
Overall Rating
We just returned from a Thanksgiving camping trip here and it was absolutely incredible. Although it was a holiday weekend and likely busier than normal for this time of year, we were able to find a spot with great privacy and absolutely spectacular views. It wasn't until the last day that we learned that literally where our tent was p... more
We just returned from a Thanksgiving camping trip here and it was absolutely incredible. Although it was a holiday weekend and likely busier than normal for this time of year, we were able to find a spot with great privacy and absolutely spectacular views. It wasn't until the last day that we learned that literally where our tent was pitched was where a scene from Ironman was filmed! Guess we'll have to see the movie now!
It was windy as all heck for about a day and a half, and very very cold with the wind chill. The ground was too hard for tent stakes so my resourceful husband found rocks to tie the tent stays to, and we also used our car as both a wind break and a solid object on witch to tie our tent stays! I'm including this info for potential future tent campers.
Our kids had the time of their lives scrambling up rocks and discovering so many fun little spots to play in. Our dogs also enjoyed the freedom, although dog shoes would have been a good move as the rocks are pretty darned rough for their feet that are used to soft dirt.
There were several other campers that came in after us, some of which used generators, but other than that it was SILENT out there, a welcome break from our regular noisy lives. There was also some toilet paper here and there which we picked up as much as we could, but please if you go, pack it out! It's yucky but it is our responsibility! All in all it was absolutely fantastic and we will definitely be back!
Kuhlfam would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 4 of 11
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Site Amenities
- big rig
- pull thru
- view sites
Pets
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