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
Featured Video by LivingOurDreamNow
Discover a smarter way to RV with Roadtrippers
All your Campendium favorites and more are now in Roadtrippers.
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
“Amazing views among the rocky hills”
Reviewed 12/25/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
Beautiful site for our pop-up camper. Quiet, level spot, out of site of other campers, with amazing view of Mt. Whitney to the and surrounded by rock outcrops. Walked to Mobius Arch & more in the morning, after a beautiful sunrise. Peaceful and beautiful winter camping!
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T
JJ would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome but bring mouse traps ”
Reviewed 11/16/2017
| Days stayed: | 3 |
|---|
Overall Rating
Beautiful but even on the weekdays, big rigs will come park right in your lap even when there’s a ton of space to spread out. Also - I picked up some mice. Arm yourself with repellant and traps. Lots of hiking. A crystal clear creek nearby to filter water (depending where you park... it’s after you turn right onto movie rd, and it’... more
Beautiful but even on the weekdays, big rigs will come park right in your lap even when there’s a ton of space to spread out. Also - I picked up some mice. Arm yourself with repellant and traps.
Lots of hiking. A crystal clear creek nearby to filter water (depending where you park... it’s after you turn right onto movie rd, and it’s the trail on the left right around where the pavement turns to dirt... go down that trail and you’ll eventually hear the creek.)
Cell service for Verizon is spotty. Mostly just a battery drainer. Occasionally can find spots while climbing around - but one step later - no service.
TwoGypsiesWandering would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“So much space”
Reviewed 10/28/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
Man, so much space and sites to choose from. Nice views, beautiful skies, and it is just down the road from the mount whitney portal. 2bars of 4G on tmobile is shakily available at the main entrance. Also, well grated dirt roads made for easy access for my car.
| Access |
T-Mobile 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A magical place... !”
Reviewed 10/24/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 5 |
| RV Length: | 35' |
Overall Rating
We were able to find a spot with decent AT&T signal (near the Tall Wall) if we used our booster and placed it just in the right spot. It was not perfect and not completely reliable, but it was good enough for 5 days. However, that place is a very popular parking area for rock climbers and it was busy on the weekends and sometimes durin... more
We were able to find a spot with decent AT&T signal (near the Tall Wall) if we used our booster and placed it just in the right spot. It was not perfect and not completely reliable, but it was good enough for 5 days. However, that place is a very popular parking area for rock climbers and it was busy on the weekends and sometimes during the day, but it got quiet at night. Camping in the Hills is a magical experience, well worth taking some time to find the perfect secluded spot for your rig and connexion needs.
We went to fill with water in town at the gas station by the city park. Know that the grocery store in Lone Pine is pretty basics and not cheap.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
Road it up would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“don't miss this place”
Reviewed 10/16/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 4 |
| RV Length: | 34' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
We thought this place was so great we came back a second time. The surrounding rock formations are so unique and interesting, and the Eastern Sierra's as a backdrop was icing on the cake. Find a decent pull off just about anywhere and you're good to go. The first stay was in February with plenty of spots available, but it was much b... more
We thought this place was so great we came back a second time. The surrounding rock formations are so unique and interesting, and the Eastern Sierra's as a backdrop was icing on the cake. Find a decent pull off just about anywhere and you're good to go.
The first stay was in February with plenty of spots available, but it was much busier when we returned at the end of April. I'm sure weekends are even busier, so get there early in the week (or year even) if you can. It appears to be popular for rock climbing.
No services or cell coverage but we didn't mind.
About a 15min drive west from Lone Pine, which has all the amentities you need to stock up for dry camping.
MrCool would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“In one word Perfect ”
Reviewed 10/12/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 5 |
Overall Rating
Beautiful BLM lands with many pull offs to camp. Alabama Hills offers lots of off road opportunities. The backdrop of the Eastern Sierras provide a peaceful, quiet setting. Taking it very slow and easy we were able to get our 37footClass A motor coach to the perfect spot. Don’t miss the Film Museum while in Lone Pine it’s great
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
Barbbus would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A World Away”
Reviewed 6/5/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
We stayed one night here on our way to June Lake from San Diego. It was exactly what we were looking for. Almost solitude. Although we could see other people camping, our nearest neighbor wasn't within hearing distance. It was a little warm..97 to be exact mid afternoon, but in the shade, the breeze was perfect. And when the soon went ... more
We stayed one night here on our way to June Lake from San Diego. It was exactly what we were looking for. Almost solitude. Although we could see other people camping, our nearest neighbor wasn't within hearing distance. It was a little warm..97 to be exact mid afternoon, but in the shade, the breeze was perfect. And when the soon went down, it was cool enough to sleep well. Beautiful scenery and cool history/trivia. Counted off one star for access because it is a dirt road and for noise because we were close to the road and a few cars came by (but there are spots way off the road). Would also highly recommend visiting Schat's Bakery in Bishop just north of here.
TJDIII would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Stunning Views & Clear Night Skies”
Reviewed 4/22/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 4 |
| RV Length: | 24' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
This is an absolutely amazing location with so many different sites to choose from. However, because we rely on internet to work, we had such a tough time and ending up needing to leave after 4 nights. There is Verizon LTE in the town of Lone Pine plus you can get on the town's free Wifi along Main Street, but even with our booster and... more
This is an absolutely amazing location with so many different sites to choose from. However, because we rely on internet to work, we had such a tough time and ending up needing to leave after 4 nights. There is Verizon LTE in the town of Lone Pine plus you can get on the town's free Wifi along Main Street, but even with our booster and trying loads of sites and angles on the booster, we just couldn't get a reliable signal.
We were also a little surprised by all the mosquitoes! This area sits at about 4500' elevation, with a rushing stream (no stagnant water that we saw)...seemed so strange to get harassed by mosquitoes anytime we stepped outside the RV (in mid April). Also surprised at the amount of broken glass, almost anywhere you looked.
Movie road and the off-shoots are all sandy roads, passable to almost any vehicle (we have a 33' Class A). Some off-shoots are rockier than others, so it's best to send a car first to scout for a spot.
Don't let any of that stop you from visiting! We went into town to use internet, we used bug spray as needed, and we enjoyed some of the most incredible views we've ever had boondocking
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
Wanderland Travelers would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful Place but can be tricky picking a spot.”
Reviewed 4/12/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
Overall Rating
I had heard so much about the Alabama Hills and we finally had a chance to check it out this year in late March. My first impression of the area was that the scenery was spectacular, but that the access roads off of the main road (Movie Road) to the various camping spots can be kinda dicey. Many are little more than rough, rocky, sandy... more
I had heard so much about the Alabama Hills and we finally had a chance to check it out this year in late March. My first impression of the area was that the scenery was spectacular, but that the access roads off of the main road (Movie Road) to the various camping spots can be kinda dicey. Many are little more than rough, rocky, sandy tracks and it's easy to head down one and find yourself having a bit of a problem getting turned around if you're towing a trailer. I highly advise dropping your trailer at one of the pull-outs along Movie Road and scouting with your tow vehicle if you really want to find that perfect hidden away gem of a spot.
For our first night we were able to find a spot tucked in by a big boulder up a well-graded dirt road. Beware of one thing - many of the sites are on really sandy soil. For the first time ever in over fifteen years of RVing our trailer slipped backwards about a foot after it was unhitched even though the wheels had been chocked. When the weight shifted on the trailer as I was leveling it, the back chocks just sank into the sand and slid. Scary!
The second night we moved to a site closer to Movie Road and on harder ground that had nice views of the Sierras. We would have enjoyed the rest of our stay more if a huge wind and dust storm hadn't blown in. Made doing anything outdoors almost impossible. For dumping your tanks and taking on water you can go to nearby Tuttle Creek Campground. We hope to camp again in the Alabama Hills, but next time in better weather.
Do take in the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine. Very fun and informative. There is also a very good Interagency Visitors Center just south of town. A very knowledgeable ranger gave us lots of tips there.
Evergreengirl would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Our Favorite Spot”
Reviewed 4/7/2017
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 7 |
| RV Length: | 35' |
Overall Rating
We stayed in early March. The nights were still cool (in the low 30's) but the days were beautiful and a snow-capped Mt Whitney loomed over us the entire stay. If you ask us what we love it is trees, forests and shaded spots out in the country. The Alabama Hills are about as opposite as that as you can get, but we found it absol... more
We stayed in early March. The nights were still cool (in the low 30's) but the days were beautiful and a snow-capped Mt Whitney loomed over us the entire stay.
If you ask us what we love it is trees, forests and shaded spots out in the country. The Alabama Hills are about as opposite as that as you can get, but we found it absolutely magical and look forward to going back.
During the day there was a lot of vehicle traffic as tourists and people out for a day drive drove around, but at night it quieted right down. You could see lights of other RVs tucked along the rocks.
We stayed near a cave known as MeatLoaf and tent campers camped inside the cave almost every night.
We had to drive around a bit to find a spot with good cell, but we found a spot that got really good boosted AT&T, but we couldn't find anything (that didn't already have an RVer in it) with good Verizon.
[Actual Stay Was 03/05/16]
CootersOnTheGo would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 9 of 11
28 reviews
Alabama Hills Camping - we always WAnder.......
Alabama HillsLone Pine, CA This geologically interesting area is a dream come true for dispersed loving campers. The towering and jagged rocks throughout the area provide shade, pri...
39 reviews
THE ALABAMA HILLS: Hidden Gem of the Eastern Sierras | Wanderland Travelers
As full-time RVers we love nothing better than to find scenic, quiet, and free camping and so the first time we visited the Alabama Hills we felt like we had hit the jackpot. This unique area is j...
16 reviews
Dog-Friendly Adventures at the Alabama Hills
We're spending the fall meandering down California's Highway 395 and have been looking forward to arriving to the Alabama Hills in Lone Pine because we heard it was a "must do" for boondockers. When th...
55 reviews
BlaNicS Waypoints: Getaway to the Gateway-Alabama Hills
"And if these mountains had eyes, they would wake to find two strangers in their fences, standing in admiration as a breathing red pours its tinge upon the earth's shore. These mountains, which have...
55 reviews
BlaNicS Waypoints: The Hills, The Valley and The Desert
We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot The Alabama Hills offer so much...
55 reviews
BlaNicS Waypoints: Them Alabama Hills
"You need to be here before your go there" the BlaNicS...(but I want to be everywhere) "Being" has always offered so many textures and colors of living for us to experience...and those experienc...
3 reviews
Alabama Hills BLM – Lone Pine, California | Those Young Guys
Alabama Hills BLM – Lone Pine, California Posted By lisa, On May 14, 2016...
30 reviews
5 Things To Do In The Alabama Hills - Lone Pine, CA
The Alabama Hills gather their name from a Confederate warship responsible for wreaking havoc to northern shipping during the Civil War. Prospectors sympathetic to the Confederate cause named...
283 reviews
Alabama Hills Boondocking - Aluminarium
On Saturday we drove north east approximately 3 hours from Burbank to Lone Pine, California. We were planning on boondocking in the Alabama Hills. The Alabama Hills have served as a location f...
Contact us to update this listing.
Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Site Amenities
- big rig
- pull thru
- view sites
Pets
- pets
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
2 Reviews
2017 TRAVEL TRAILER
Jayco Jayco Humming bird
$110 /night | Sleeps 3 Guests
29 Reviews
2019 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 18TO
$110 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
23 Reviews
2019 CLASS C MOTOR HOME
Entegra Coach Odyssey 25R
$170 /night | Sleeps 7 Guests
New Listing
2024 TRAVEL TRAILER
Genesis Supreme Sea Breeze Limited 16BB
$90 /night | Sleeps 5 Guests
7 Reviews
2021 CLASS C MOTOR HOME
Thor Motor Coach Four Winds 28A
$206 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
7 Reviews
2019 CLASS B CAMPING VAN
Winnebago Era 70X
$175 /night | Sleeps 2 Guests
Nearby
Cell Rock Tower Designated Dispersed Camping
Clean Area, Great Hiking, Limited Cell Service
- camper-820175
Tuttle Creek RV Dump Station
Dump Station Now $10 NOT $5, No Potable Water, No Discount For Use Of Dump Station
- Jay
Please select a reason for flagging this item: