Free dispersed camping draws visitors to this Alabama Hills location accessed via Movie Road from Whitney Portal Road in Lone Pine. Campers can drive or walk into sites scattered across the rocky terrain, with campfires, pets, and alcohol all permitted when regulations allow.
The landscape creates what one reviewer describes as "a mars looking panorama" that "feels like outer space." Rock formations provide immediate access to bouldering and climbing opportunities. Frederick S. notes that campers can "wake up in the morning drink coffee, walk less than 100 yards and go climbing." The area has served as a filming location for movies including Iron Man and Star Wars, according to visitor accounts.
Road access requires some navigation, particularly after dark. Katie T. provides specific directions: "Take Hwy 395 to Lone Pine. Turn west at the stoplight onto Whitney Portal Road, drive 2.5 miles to Movie Road, turn right." She also warns that 2022 brought more "day use only signs" at the front areas, advising campers to "keep heading towards the back" where overnight camping opens up. Cell service proves limited, with T-Mobile signal only available at the road's beginning according to recent visitors.
For developed amenities and hookups, Inyo County Diaz Lake Campground sits southeast of the dispersed sites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingAlabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite is located in California
Coordinates
36.57845652 N
118.07566182 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Alabama Hills Side Trail Dispersed Campsite needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 57 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 3 hrs 59 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 7 min from Hanford, CA
- 4 hrs 29 min from Fresno, CA












