Whether you consider yourself a seasoned veteran or a total newbie when it comes to camping in the state of Alabama, there are many variables to consider when looking for that best spot. _________________________________________________________________________. There you have it- everything you need to know about camping the Alabama Hills. Camping outside of developed campgrounds in the Alabama Hills will be limited to areas shown on this map and marked with a campsite marker. Taking into consideration things like nearby attractions, accessibility, and cost can help you figure it out, but choosing the perfect campsite is not always easy. Museum of Western Film History: For something a bit different, check out the Museum of Western Film History, which chronicles Western films throughout American history, as well as movies of all types that have used the Alabama Hills as a shooting location. However, Alabama Hills is becoming more and more popular and BLM has recently implemented some new rules about dispersed camping. Open fires are allowed in the Alabama Hills depending on the season and conditions. If white sand is what you are seeking while traveling to the southern coast, look no further than Gulf Shores, Alabama. You bet! While the camping here is fairly primitive, the campground offers some amenities like vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station ($5 per use). Given its unique geological formations, the Alabama Hills have become a bit Instagram-famous, but you may have also seen them someplace else other than your feed- the movies! Okay, so besides all the lets be nice to the Earth stuff, any other tips to keep in mind? Note that the small town of Lone Pine is a short drive away, so you should be able to pick up most essentials you need during your stay. If youre at all interested in backpacking (see my post about what you need as a beginner backpacker here), it probably makes more sense to get an inflatable sleeping pad like this Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat Sleeping Pad, rather than a foam or air mattress (recommended above for car camping). MAKE YOUR RESERVATION ONLINE, call us at 205-620-2527 for camping, 205-620-2524 for cabins and pavilions, or simplywalk in and speak to one of our amazing staff members! So with that in mind, please be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles while youre visiting, especially: Plan ahead and prepare: Research what the weather will be like during your stay and be sure you have adequate camping equipment. There are some other spots that have recently been designated for day use only, but Movie Flat is the most significant. While all of these principles are important to remember during your stay in the Alabama Hills, it is extra important to remember to dispose of your waste properly, including poop! 
Both geologic features were shaped by the same uplifting occurring 100 million years ago. This includes the BLM Tuttle Creek Campground (https://www.blm.gov/visit/tuttle-creek-campground-0), the Inyo National Forest Lone Pine Campground (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20686) and the Inyo County Portuguese Joe campground (https://www.inyocounty.us/services/parks-recreation/portuguese-joe). Finding the perfect campsite in the state of Alabama just got a little easier. Recreation.gov! We have one like this and use it all the time for road trips or camping excursions. So if tent-camping is your jam, bring along: Shocker, but youll need a tent for this one. Another wonderful feature at Cheaha State Park is the sheer number of options available for campingthere are primitive sites, semi-primitive, improved, a group site, and pet-friendly optionswhich makes planning an overnight a snap. During the summer, it can be unbearably hot and winter nights can get well below freezing. 2022 Uprooted Traveler. Weve compiled a complete list of our go-to road trip camping gear to help you pack for your camping trip, including a downloadable excel checklist here: Planning a road trip through southern California?
Please either use these restrooms or pack out your solid human waste using a portable waste system (RV toilet, wag bag, etc.).
If you go this route, it may be a good idea to rent a high clearance vehicle- while the roads in the Alabama Hills are relatively well-maintained, theyre mostly dirt or gravel, which can get washboarded at certain times of the year. There are more than 40 campsites at the park, all with electric and water hookups. But here is a quick run-down of the new rules: All in all, it is hard to say how much of an impact these new regulations will have on the dispersed camping in Alabama Hills.
Because the Alabama Hills are a recreation area managed by the BLM, day use of the area and overnight camping are always free. Let us know in the comments section below! Seal the wag bag after use and, since the bags use a solidifying and deodorizing agent, you can just throw the bag in a normal trash can after use. The campsites offered are of both primitive and developed varietiesthey even have backcountry sites that are only accessible by backpacking. Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out. Camping in the Alabama Hills is an absolutely incredible experience- the landscape is breathtakingly gorgeous, with large rounded rock formations jutting out of the earth with the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains towering in the distance. Campstove system: To heat up your water and to cook your food, youll need some kind of campstove. and reservations. Theres actually two camping options at the Alabama Hills. The scenery along 395 is amazing, taking you from the barren landscape of Death Valley (home to the lowest point in North America), to the Alabama Hills (with Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, rising above it) and on to the incredible skiing and hot springs in Mammoth Lakes. Before setting off on your Alabama Hills camping trip, make sure that you are prepared with the essentials for car camping. Alabama Hills Camping: Everything You Need to Know, Wild Willy's Hot Spring in Mammoth Lakes, California: A Complete Guide, 7 Amazing Hot Springs in Stanley, Idaho: A Complete Guide, Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat Sleeping Pad, 18 ounce stainless steel cup with folding handles, photo guide to the famous Alabama Hills Movie Road, Enchanted Valley: Olympic National Park's Most Epic Backpacking Trip, The 3 Best Captain Cook Snorkel Tours for Eco-Conscious Travelers, 8 Amazing Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, The Best Trailer Lock: 5 Reasons Why You Need to Buy This Proven Industries Lock, 10 Best Hot Springs in Iceland: A Complete Guide, Snorkeling at Captain Cook: Everything You Need to Know About The Best Snorkeling on the Big Island, Olympic Peninsula Loop: 15 Stops along the Most Iconic Washington Road Trip, The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List: Everything You Need to Have the Most Incredible Adventure in Paradise, 11 Incredible Things to Do in Cannon Beach, 5 Incredible Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes, California: Everything You Need to Know, Review of the Safari Condo Alto Trailer: Six Things I Love and Six Things that I Dont, Eight Reasons Why You Should Buy A Travel Trailer Instead of Vanlife, How to Hike Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Treetop Interpretive Nature Trail and Boardwalk. Food: Again, what to eat while camping is a whole different article, but youre going to want to pack shelf-stable food (or at least things that shouldnt spoil in a cooler). The Red Trail has even been included on the International Mountain Biking Associations (IMBA) list of EPIC rides. The glowworms, known as "Dismalites," put off an eerie blue-green glowa fun phenomenon if you are camping with kids. The park also features a pump track and BMX course, Flipside Watersports cable skiing, boat rentals, basketball courts, nature programs, Peavine Falls, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, an 18-hole golf course and driving range, beach and swimming area, fishing lakes, boat rentals, picnic areas, demonstration farm and horseback riding facilities.
We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! 
A sleeping bag, like this Keltic Tuck Synthetic Sleeping Bag. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. You can go hiking in the surrounding mountains, rock climbing on the many established routes in the Alabama Hills, capture epic photographs of the areas natural beauty, hunt for unique arches, and enjoy the rich cinematic history. Did I mention the Alabama Hills are located in a dry desert? As of October 1, 2021, the west side of Movie Road, otherwise known as Movie Flat, will be day use only. The best place to camp when you visit the Alabama Hills is at the nearby campgrounds, all within a few miles of Movie Road. Do you love camping? Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. Not quite. The Alabama Wildlife Center provides rehabilitation services to injured native birds each year in order to return them to the wild. Whether were hiking or camping, Justin and I bring along our big reusable water bottles, which keep us nice and hydrated, but are more friendly to the planet (and our wallets) than disposable plastic bottles. Were Sarah and Matt, two nomads road tripping across the United States with our cat, Fitzgerald, making a new place our home month to month while working full time and adventuring as much as possible. What should I know about camping in the Alabama Hills before visiting?
There is a ton! Camping here can be completely free! So if youre looking for an epic place to stay on a Southern California road trip, theres few better options than exploring the eastern Sierras and making the Alabama Hills your home for a few nights. While I know next to nothing about western films, the museums stunning array of Western memorabilia and movie artifacts was a glimpse into a side of Americana I rarely think about and well worth the $5 admission fee. There are several primitive campsites spread out around the areathey are available on weekends starting in March, and seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The BLM recently placed six porta potties throughout the Alabama Hills, which you should use if possible. With more than 25 miles of hiking trails and 11 miles of mountain biking trails, there are plenty of activities available to visitors after checking out the many waterfalls at this location. This is not the case in the Alabama Hills! So keep on reading this post for everything you need to know about Alabama Hills camping to make the most of your visit- from how long you can stay to tips on what to see during your visit. A thunderous 104-foot waterfall is the main attraction at this state park, named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission, for which we are extremely grateful, at no extra cost to you. Two Outliers may contain affiliate links we only recommend products we personally use and love. Previously, there were very few rules on where to camp. With so much to do, the Alabama Hills is the perfect spot to spend a weekend exploring! Free camping with great views and good campsites! Water: As mentioned above, bring water. We love finding offbeat adventures and hidden gems, and would love to take you along with us! Campgrounds/lodging near the Alabama Hills, What to pack for camping in the Alabama Hills, Lone Pine Lake in Southern California: A Complete Guide, How to Hike Tuttle Creek Ashram Trail: A Journey for Enlightenment, Our Road Trip Camping Essentials (plus Downloadable Checklist), 9 Best Things to do in Death Valley & How to Escape the Crowds, How to hike to Telescope Peak: the Tallest Point in Death Valley, Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, Badlands & Zabriskie Point Loop Hike, Coyote Buttes South: An Epic Alternative to the Wave, Devils Garden Trail: Best Hike in Arches National Park Park, How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, 20 Best Things to Do in Escalante, Utah: A Complete Guide, The Best 3 Day Zion to Bryce Canyon Itinerary. Offering paddlers a unique multi-day adventure destination, camping is free along the route and does not require reservation. The Alabama Hills will get busy so dont risk ending up with a worse spot because you are being too picky from the start. The Alabama Hills are located in Inyo County in south-central California between Sequoia National Park to the west and Death Valley National Park to the east.
Category: Road Trip, Southern California Tags: adventure, alabama hills, california, camping, road trip, southern california. The Alabama Hills are a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) designated recreation area known for many unique geological formations, incredible camping spots, fun hiking trails, and for being the popular site for many classic movies, including Gladiator, Iron Man, Django Unchained, and How the West Was Won, just to name a few. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates from Uprooted Traveler. The views here are perfect for photography, contemplation, and relaxing getaways. If Tuttle Creek is too crowded or youre like me and prefer totally free campsites- great news! Be sure to bring plenty of water (perhaps more than youd think youd need), as the arid environment just seems to zap all moisture out of your body and youll need it for all your water-y needs (i.e., cooking and brushing your teeth). The Bartram Canoe Trail, a 200-mile canoe-specific trail located in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, is one of the longest and most scenic aquatic trails in the country. We have been to other places where well drive for miles looking for a good spot, only to settle on some tiny little piece of flat ground. You also dont have an assigned campsite and you dont need to register or book in advance. The resident birds can be viewed from the Tree Top Nature Trail, an elevated boardwalk winding through a secluded woodland valley. You should also get a footprint to go under your tent, which prevents your tents floor from getting torn or damaged from any rocks or twigs along the ground. The Alabama Hills are famously windy- if youre camping in a tent, try to find a previously used site thats between some boulders or, at least, near some to offer a bit of wind protection. Free camping in the Alabama Hills is dispersed camping. Do you love camping in unique landscapes with epic views of majestic mountains? for being a Partner to the Alabama State Park System! Seekers of great craft beer, delicious vegan eats, and the best hiking trails. We will provide information on those campgrounds if having running water or toilets is more your style. We have written about a few of our favorite activities in the area in the articles below: The best time to go camping in the Alabama Hills is in the spring and fall. Regardless if youre driving in a rental car or your own, youll reach the Alabama Hills via U.S. Route 395. The main street is super cute with a handful of restaurants, gas stations, and other spots to pick up any essential items. Justin and I snagged one of the first couple of spots and had decent enough signal (with AT&T and T-Mobile) to work remotely for several days, using our mobile router and MIMO antennae. The BLM-managed Alabama Hills is open for dispersed camping, meaning theres no designated campsites or amenities and you can choose whatever campsite you please to make your home for the next couple of days. With everything from quiet babbling brooks to thunderous cascading falls, the "land of a thousand waterfalls" is sure to please. Go to Education Programs for more information on field trips and public educational events. If youre really only going to be interested in camping in or near your car or you want to cook more complex meals during your camping trip, consider investing in a two-burner stove, which is going to be much easier to actually cook full blown meals on. In the spring, the mountains will still have snow, making them even prettier. If you want to explore the Alabama Hills themselves a bit more deeply, the Mobius Arch is an easy and popular trail, leading to a photogenic natural arch framing the snow-capped mountains. Coleman even makes this great foldable camping oven that sits on top of their two-burner stoves. If you dont feel like dispersed camping and would rather stay at an established campground, you have a few options near the Alabama Hills: The closest town to the Alabama Hills is Lone Pine. So if you need the internet or cell service during your stay, try to aim for some of the campsites closest to the town of Lone Pine- we made it work and you can too! You simply drive until you see a spot that looks like it has been used before, pull your car over, set up your tent, and youre good to go! The campsites here are absolutely gorgeous, but almost universally are located on slopes, hills, and bumpy gravely spots. You just had to camp in a spot where others had camped before. The best way to describe it is somewhere between car camping at a campground and backpacking. The Alabama Hills are a popular spot just west of the towering Sierra Nevada mountains filled with unique rock formations, up-close views of the tallest peaks in the lower 48, and plenty of amazing camping spots! It is truly one-of-a-kind! If youre using this kind of set-up, you likely will be a bit more limited in the kind of meals you can make (i.e., boiling water to make ramen noodles will be more your speed as opposed to cooking a big pot of chili). The great thing about the Alabama Hills is that there are tons of awesome dispersed camping sites! Unless you live within driving distance from the Alabama Hills, Id recommend flying into one of these airports (if youre looking for the best prices on airfare, I swear by Skyscanner, which has awesome tools allowing you to compare different carriers, set price alerts, and score travel packages!) Plan on bringing along your leveling blocks, your level, and your best leveling game- youre going to need em! But remember that youll be boondocking- so before you roll up to the Alabama Hills, fill your fresh water and propane tanks, dump your gray and black tanks, and make sure you have a method to power your RV, like a generator or solar panel setup. Easy to get to and decent road conditions (as far as dispersed camping goes), Great hiking trails nearby (Inyo National Forest), Can get crowded (especially on weekends), making it tough to find a spot/find privacy, No services (restrooms, running water, etc), Hiking trails in the Alabama Hills are limited. Mountain biking: The Alabama Hills Loop is a popular, 14.7-mile single track descent (after a grueling initial climb, of course) through the areas massive boulder fields and in the shadow of the Sierra Nevadas. Yknow- hopefully, common sense, dont be a jerk kind of behavior. Additionally, if you need decent cell coverage for working remotely or your nightly Netflix habit, this campground is likely your best bet (the service isnt great here, but workable!). What are the Alabama Hills and how do I get there? to receive new posts straight to your inbox, enter your email below. In order to have a fire, you will need to have a get a California fire permit, available here. From its humble beginning as a 940-acre park atop Double Oak Mountain established by the Alabama State Lands Act of 1927, Oak Mountain State Park has grown to 9,940 acres making it Alabamas largest state park. Caney Creek Falls is year-round and spring-fed, which means the water is always flowing. For poop, you should dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep, 4 inches wide, 200 feet from any trail, campsite, or water source (we have this Deuce of Spades potty trowel that we keep in our hiking backpacks all of the time, which, lets be real, is worth purchasing for the name alone). You can check the status of fire regulations for the Alabama Hills on the BLM website for the Bishop Field Office here. This small town is situated along a tendril-like stretch of land just east of Mobile Bay and offers unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico. Once youre done doing your business, pack up your used toilet paper (my husband, Justin, and I keep a couple of baggies packed away with our potty trowel for this purpose), fill in the hole, and cover it with dirt or other ground matter. The town of Lone Pine is about a five minute drive away and offers a range of food options, where you wont have to clean up after yourself! If youre investing in camping gear, you might as well be able to use it in a variety of contexts, and, with backcountry camping, youre probably not going to want to carry a foam sleeping pad up a mountain with you, due to weight and bulkiness concerns. As the saying goes, pack it in, pack it out! Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor The best time for Alabama Hills camping is spring or fall, when the temperature is pleasant and the skies are clear (we camped in May and it was absolutely lovely!). What should I bring for Alabama Hills camping? This small mountain town has a vintage feel and seems a bit like a time machine to the 70s. If youre lucky, you might have a fire pit.
Please visit the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area page for more information. Cookware and utensils: Again, Ill bifurcate my recommendations into whether youre interested in reusing your gear to go backpacking. The state park is housed on a 493-acre plot of land that has everything from campsites to hiking trails and more. Its a maximalists paradise, with just about everything imaginable to accommodate visitors. Dont feel like dealing with cooking in the wilderness? TL;DR: its totally doable to camp here year round- you may just need some extra gear, depending on the season. If youre an RVer, heads up that youre going to have a doozy of a time leveling your RV in the Alabama Hills. When you see a good spot, snag it! For those who arent familiar, dispersed camping is when you camp in an otherwise undeveloped area with no designated campsites or facilities. Theres a few different ways to camp- by car camping (i.e., sleeping in your car), tent camping, or RVing. You should also know how to pee and poop responsibly (yep, I went there) in the wilderness. ), but please be sure to check whether there are any burn bans in effect during your visit. We think you may be interested in these resources to help you plan! Pack a base layer (like this one for men and this one for women), an insulating layer, like a cozy fleece (like this one for men and this one for women), and a really warm outerwear option (like this one for men and this one for women). Dont leave a bucket full of poop behind for the next camper to find. Tagged: California, Alabama Hills, Hiking and Camping Guides, United States. The Alabama Hills is a beautiful place, but has an incredibly fragile ecosystem. Along the same lines, folks have been camping in the Alabama Hills for quite some time- try to find a campsite thats already been used by previous campers to prevent unnecessary erosion or disturbing any burgeoning plantlife. You probably wont be going to the Alabama Hills only to camp, so what else is there to do here? If I had one thing to recommend with respect to packing clothes is to be sure to bring layers- as mentioned above, the Alabama Hills can get pretty toasty during the day but literally drop below freezing at night. Its no secret that California has been ravaged by wildfires in the past couple of years and, just like Smokey the Bear said, its important you do your part to prevent forest fires. Also keep an eye out for the massive Canadian Hemlock trees, towering up from the canyon floor, and thought to be some of the largest in the entire state. This area is absolutely made for road trips, so I hope the Alabama Hills are but a stop along the way! A great alternative is the Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake trail, where you can climb a portion of the way up Whitney to a beautiful alpine lake. and renting a car to get to and around the area. As for utensils, consider something lightweight and packable, like this titanium foldable spork. Live like a Birmingham local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Then an Alabama Hills camping trip is the perfect adventure for you! That being said, dont get stuck in the trap of being too picky! Adjacent to the Alabama Wildlife Center is the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, a 2,500 square foot interactive exhibit space and meeting space (available for renting) and classroom. Of course, free camping is great, but the Alabama Hills are also one of the most spectacular natural landscapes we have seen. For car camping, Id recommend bringing along: A sleeping pad, like the Stoic Single Cloud Camp Bed or, if there will be two of you, the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Double (before you buy anything for your car, be sure to measure to make sure everything will fit!). Below weve included the distance from the Alabama Hills to some popular locations below for reference (all times approximate): Although the focus of this article will be how to camp for free in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area, there are some nearby campgrounds that have more utilities but come at a cost. Can I have a fire while camping in the Alabama Hills? Now that youre prepared to set up camp at the perfect Alabama Hills campsite, what should you actually bring along for your trip? In this article we will give you all the information you need to have one of the best camping experiences of your life in the Alabama Hills! Make your plans! With more than 50 miles of trails visitors have plenty of options to choose from be it a short loop or an overnight trip. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada, right where the desert meets the mountains, you can look up and see the snow-capped peak of Mount Whitney (the tallest peak in the lower 48) while surrounded by unique rock formations only found in desert landscapes.
Don't miss an adventure! Let me know how your camping experience is and any other tips or tricks I missed, in the comments below! Due to its dramatic scenery, the Alabama Hills were the go-to shooting destination for old Westerns in the 1930s through 1950s and are still used as a shooting location for movies and television today, from Gladiator to Iron Man. Have you been camping in the Alabama Hills? This list of seven easy steps is incredibly important when camping in a place like Alabama Hills, where the surrounding landscape is extremely fragile and many visitors come through the area. It is important to note that the rules for dispersed camping in the Alabama Hills are changing. Pick up after your dog. Visitors enjoy touring film sites, photography, rock climbing, exploring natural arches, and viewing the swaths of wildflowers that bloom every spring. There are plenty of spots, most with epic views and, because of the large rocks throughout the area, some privacy. Like most places, it depends! Thank you for choosing the Alabama State Parks. Photography: For a shutterbug like me, the Alabama Hills are a photographers playground- theres so many textures, layers, and colors to play around with, from the rounded enormous boulders of the desert to the jagged peaks and weathered slopes of the Sierra Nevadas. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Temperatures will fluctuate but should generally be temperate. The Alabama Hills are located conveniently close to Highway 395, a popular thoroughfare in the eastern part of California.
Topping it all off istheparks stunning physical landscape, which alone makes for an unforgettable experience. Make sure youre using biodegradable soap and know the appropriate way to dispose of greywater created in the course of cleaning your cookware (this video by Leave No Trace covers everything you need to know). And best of all? Cooler: One of the benefits of camping in or near your car is being able to pack a cooler, which will allow you to store things that should be kept cold (like beer, duh). So is it basically, like, a giant free-for-all and anyone can camp anywhere and do anything in the Alabama Hills dispersed camping area, so long as they stay within their 14 day limit? However, when we were there throughout the spring of 2021, it definitely felt busy and I dont think some additional rules to keep the area clean and beautiful are unwarranted! https://www.blm.gov/visit/tuttle-creek-campground-0, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20686, https://www.inyocounty.us/services/parks-recreation/portuguese-joe, Alabama Hills Recreation Area Map and Guide. If youre RVing, I assume you should be covered on the cooking front, but what do you need to cook if youre tent or car-camping? If you want to really get some epic shots, be sure to check out our photo guide to the famous Alabama Hills Movie Road. Gulf State Park has almost 500 campsites, with everything from primitive options to fancier cabins. Oak Mountain is by far the largest state park in the state of Alabama. The cook set fits nicely into this 18 ounce stainless steel cup with folding handles, which is helpful for holding a bit more volume (like when we make soup) than the smaller cups that come with the Stanley set. Tent camping: Not all cars are well-suited for car camping and theres something to be said about how special it feels to unzip your little cozy tent and see the dazzling landscape around you.
Both geologic features were shaped by the same uplifting occurring 100 million years ago. This includes the BLM Tuttle Creek Campground (https://www.blm.gov/visit/tuttle-creek-campground-0), the Inyo National Forest Lone Pine Campground (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20686) and the Inyo County Portuguese Joe campground (https://www.inyocounty.us/services/parks-recreation/portuguese-joe). Finding the perfect campsite in the state of Alabama just got a little easier. Recreation.gov! We have one like this and use it all the time for road trips or camping excursions. So if tent-camping is your jam, bring along: Shocker, but youll need a tent for this one. Another wonderful feature at Cheaha State Park is the sheer number of options available for campingthere are primitive sites, semi-primitive, improved, a group site, and pet-friendly optionswhich makes planning an overnight a snap. During the summer, it can be unbearably hot and winter nights can get well below freezing. 2022 Uprooted Traveler. Weve compiled a complete list of our go-to road trip camping gear to help you pack for your camping trip, including a downloadable excel checklist here: Planning a road trip through southern California? Please either use these restrooms or pack out your solid human waste using a portable waste system (RV toilet, wag bag, etc.).
If you go this route, it may be a good idea to rent a high clearance vehicle- while the roads in the Alabama Hills are relatively well-maintained, theyre mostly dirt or gravel, which can get washboarded at certain times of the year. There are more than 40 campsites at the park, all with electric and water hookups. But here is a quick run-down of the new rules: All in all, it is hard to say how much of an impact these new regulations will have on the dispersed camping in Alabama Hills.
Because the Alabama Hills are a recreation area managed by the BLM, day use of the area and overnight camping are always free. Let us know in the comments section below! Seal the wag bag after use and, since the bags use a solidifying and deodorizing agent, you can just throw the bag in a normal trash can after use. The campsites offered are of both primitive and developed varietiesthey even have backcountry sites that are only accessible by backpacking. Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out. Camping in the Alabama Hills is an absolutely incredible experience- the landscape is breathtakingly gorgeous, with large rounded rock formations jutting out of the earth with the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains towering in the distance. Campstove system: To heat up your water and to cook your food, youll need some kind of campstove. and reservations. Theres actually two camping options at the Alabama Hills. The scenery along 395 is amazing, taking you from the barren landscape of Death Valley (home to the lowest point in North America), to the Alabama Hills (with Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, rising above it) and on to the incredible skiing and hot springs in Mammoth Lakes. Before setting off on your Alabama Hills camping trip, make sure that you are prepared with the essentials for car camping. Alabama Hills Camping: Everything You Need to Know, Wild Willy's Hot Spring in Mammoth Lakes, California: A Complete Guide, 7 Amazing Hot Springs in Stanley, Idaho: A Complete Guide, Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat Sleeping Pad, 18 ounce stainless steel cup with folding handles, photo guide to the famous Alabama Hills Movie Road, Enchanted Valley: Olympic National Park's Most Epic Backpacking Trip, The 3 Best Captain Cook Snorkel Tours for Eco-Conscious Travelers, 8 Amazing Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, The Best Trailer Lock: 5 Reasons Why You Need to Buy This Proven Industries Lock, 10 Best Hot Springs in Iceland: A Complete Guide, Snorkeling at Captain Cook: Everything You Need to Know About The Best Snorkeling on the Big Island, Olympic Peninsula Loop: 15 Stops along the Most Iconic Washington Road Trip, The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List: Everything You Need to Have the Most Incredible Adventure in Paradise, 11 Incredible Things to Do in Cannon Beach, 5 Incredible Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes, California: Everything You Need to Know, Review of the Safari Condo Alto Trailer: Six Things I Love and Six Things that I Dont, Eight Reasons Why You Should Buy A Travel Trailer Instead of Vanlife, How to Hike Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Treetop Interpretive Nature Trail and Boardwalk. Food: Again, what to eat while camping is a whole different article, but youre going to want to pack shelf-stable food (or at least things that shouldnt spoil in a cooler). The Red Trail has even been included on the International Mountain Biking Associations (IMBA) list of EPIC rides. The glowworms, known as "Dismalites," put off an eerie blue-green glowa fun phenomenon if you are camping with kids. The park also features a pump track and BMX course, Flipside Watersports cable skiing, boat rentals, basketball courts, nature programs, Peavine Falls, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, an 18-hole golf course and driving range, beach and swimming area, fishing lakes, boat rentals, picnic areas, demonstration farm and horseback riding facilities.
We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! A sleeping bag, like this Keltic Tuck Synthetic Sleeping Bag. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. You can go hiking in the surrounding mountains, rock climbing on the many established routes in the Alabama Hills, capture epic photographs of the areas natural beauty, hunt for unique arches, and enjoy the rich cinematic history. Did I mention the Alabama Hills are located in a dry desert? As of October 1, 2021, the west side of Movie Road, otherwise known as Movie Flat, will be day use only. The best place to camp when you visit the Alabama Hills is at the nearby campgrounds, all within a few miles of Movie Road. Do you love camping? Enter your email to receive updates and new posts straight to your inbox. Not quite. The Alabama Wildlife Center provides rehabilitation services to injured native birds each year in order to return them to the wild. Whether were hiking or camping, Justin and I bring along our big reusable water bottles, which keep us nice and hydrated, but are more friendly to the planet (and our wallets) than disposable plastic bottles. Were Sarah and Matt, two nomads road tripping across the United States with our cat, Fitzgerald, making a new place our home month to month while working full time and adventuring as much as possible. What should I know about camping in the Alabama Hills before visiting? There is a ton! Camping here can be completely free! So if youre looking for an epic place to stay on a Southern California road trip, theres few better options than exploring the eastern Sierras and making the Alabama Hills your home for a few nights. While I know next to nothing about western films, the museums stunning array of Western memorabilia and movie artifacts was a glimpse into a side of Americana I rarely think about and well worth the $5 admission fee. There are several primitive campsites spread out around the areathey are available on weekends starting in March, and seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The BLM recently placed six porta potties throughout the Alabama Hills, which you should use if possible. With more than 25 miles of hiking trails and 11 miles of mountain biking trails, there are plenty of activities available to visitors after checking out the many waterfalls at this location. This is not the case in the Alabama Hills! So keep on reading this post for everything you need to know about Alabama Hills camping to make the most of your visit- from how long you can stay to tips on what to see during your visit. A thunderous 104-foot waterfall is the main attraction at this state park, named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission, for which we are extremely grateful, at no extra cost to you. Two Outliers may contain affiliate links we only recommend products we personally use and love. Previously, there were very few rules on where to camp. With so much to do, the Alabama Hills is the perfect spot to spend a weekend exploring! Free camping with great views and good campsites! Water: As mentioned above, bring water. We love finding offbeat adventures and hidden gems, and would love to take you along with us! Campgrounds/lodging near the Alabama Hills, What to pack for camping in the Alabama Hills, Lone Pine Lake in Southern California: A Complete Guide, How to Hike Tuttle Creek Ashram Trail: A Journey for Enlightenment, Our Road Trip Camping Essentials (plus Downloadable Checklist), 9 Best Things to do in Death Valley & How to Escape the Crowds, How to hike to Telescope Peak: the Tallest Point in Death Valley, Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, Badlands & Zabriskie Point Loop Hike, Coyote Buttes South: An Epic Alternative to the Wave, Devils Garden Trail: Best Hike in Arches National Park Park, How to Kayak Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, 20 Best Things to Do in Escalante, Utah: A Complete Guide, The Best 3 Day Zion to Bryce Canyon Itinerary. Offering paddlers a unique multi-day adventure destination, camping is free along the route and does not require reservation. The Alabama Hills will get busy so dont risk ending up with a worse spot because you are being too picky from the start. The Alabama Hills are located in Inyo County in south-central California between Sequoia National Park to the west and Death Valley National Park to the east.
Category: Road Trip, Southern California Tags: adventure, alabama hills, california, camping, road trip, southern california. The Alabama Hills are a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) designated recreation area known for many unique geological formations, incredible camping spots, fun hiking trails, and for being the popular site for many classic movies, including Gladiator, Iron Man, Django Unchained, and How the West Was Won, just to name a few. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates from Uprooted Traveler. The views here are perfect for photography, contemplation, and relaxing getaways. If Tuttle Creek is too crowded or youre like me and prefer totally free campsites- great news! Be sure to bring plenty of water (perhaps more than youd think youd need), as the arid environment just seems to zap all moisture out of your body and youll need it for all your water-y needs (i.e., cooking and brushing your teeth). The Bartram Canoe Trail, a 200-mile canoe-specific trail located in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, is one of the longest and most scenic aquatic trails in the country. We have been to other places where well drive for miles looking for a good spot, only to settle on some tiny little piece of flat ground. You also dont have an assigned campsite and you dont need to register or book in advance. The resident birds can be viewed from the Tree Top Nature Trail, an elevated boardwalk winding through a secluded woodland valley. You should also get a footprint to go under your tent, which prevents your tents floor from getting torn or damaged from any rocks or twigs along the ground. The Alabama Hills are famously windy- if youre camping in a tent, try to find a previously used site thats between some boulders or, at least, near some to offer a bit of wind protection. Free camping in the Alabama Hills is dispersed camping. Do you love camping in unique landscapes with epic views of majestic mountains? for being a Partner to the Alabama State Park System! Seekers of great craft beer, delicious vegan eats, and the best hiking trails. We will provide information on those campgrounds if having running water or toilets is more your style. We have written about a few of our favorite activities in the area in the articles below: The best time to go camping in the Alabama Hills is in the spring and fall. Regardless if youre driving in a rental car or your own, youll reach the Alabama Hills via U.S. Route 395. The main street is super cute with a handful of restaurants, gas stations, and other spots to pick up any essential items. Justin and I snagged one of the first couple of spots and had decent enough signal (with AT&T and T-Mobile) to work remotely for several days, using our mobile router and MIMO antennae. The BLM-managed Alabama Hills is open for dispersed camping, meaning theres no designated campsites or amenities and you can choose whatever campsite you please to make your home for the next couple of days. With everything from quiet babbling brooks to thunderous cascading falls, the "land of a thousand waterfalls" is sure to please. Go to Education Programs for more information on field trips and public educational events. If youre really only going to be interested in camping in or near your car or you want to cook more complex meals during your camping trip, consider investing in a two-burner stove, which is going to be much easier to actually cook full blown meals on. In the spring, the mountains will still have snow, making them even prettier. If you want to explore the Alabama Hills themselves a bit more deeply, the Mobius Arch is an easy and popular trail, leading to a photogenic natural arch framing the snow-capped mountains. Coleman even makes this great foldable camping oven that sits on top of their two-burner stoves. If you dont feel like dispersed camping and would rather stay at an established campground, you have a few options near the Alabama Hills: The closest town to the Alabama Hills is Lone Pine. So if you need the internet or cell service during your stay, try to aim for some of the campsites closest to the town of Lone Pine- we made it work and you can too! You simply drive until you see a spot that looks like it has been used before, pull your car over, set up your tent, and youre good to go! The campsites here are absolutely gorgeous, but almost universally are located on slopes, hills, and bumpy gravely spots. You just had to camp in a spot where others had camped before. The best way to describe it is somewhere between car camping at a campground and backpacking. The Alabama Hills are a popular spot just west of the towering Sierra Nevada mountains filled with unique rock formations, up-close views of the tallest peaks in the lower 48, and plenty of amazing camping spots! It is truly one-of-a-kind! If youre using this kind of set-up, you likely will be a bit more limited in the kind of meals you can make (i.e., boiling water to make ramen noodles will be more your speed as opposed to cooking a big pot of chili). The great thing about the Alabama Hills is that there are tons of awesome dispersed camping sites! Unless you live within driving distance from the Alabama Hills, Id recommend flying into one of these airports (if youre looking for the best prices on airfare, I swear by Skyscanner, which has awesome tools allowing you to compare different carriers, set price alerts, and score travel packages!) Plan on bringing along your leveling blocks, your level, and your best leveling game- youre going to need em! But remember that youll be boondocking- so before you roll up to the Alabama Hills, fill your fresh water and propane tanks, dump your gray and black tanks, and make sure you have a method to power your RV, like a generator or solar panel setup. Easy to get to and decent road conditions (as far as dispersed camping goes), Great hiking trails nearby (Inyo National Forest), Can get crowded (especially on weekends), making it tough to find a spot/find privacy, No services (restrooms, running water, etc), Hiking trails in the Alabama Hills are limited. Mountain biking: The Alabama Hills Loop is a popular, 14.7-mile single track descent (after a grueling initial climb, of course) through the areas massive boulder fields and in the shadow of the Sierra Nevadas. Yknow- hopefully, common sense, dont be a jerk kind of behavior. Additionally, if you need decent cell coverage for working remotely or your nightly Netflix habit, this campground is likely your best bet (the service isnt great here, but workable!). What are the Alabama Hills and how do I get there? to receive new posts straight to your inbox, enter your email below. In order to have a fire, you will need to have a get a California fire permit, available here. From its humble beginning as a 940-acre park atop Double Oak Mountain established by the Alabama State Lands Act of 1927, Oak Mountain State Park has grown to 9,940 acres making it Alabamas largest state park. Caney Creek Falls is year-round and spring-fed, which means the water is always flowing. For poop, you should dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep, 4 inches wide, 200 feet from any trail, campsite, or water source (we have this Deuce of Spades potty trowel that we keep in our hiking backpacks all of the time, which, lets be real, is worth purchasing for the name alone). You can check the status of fire regulations for the Alabama Hills on the BLM website for the Bishop Field Office here. This small town is situated along a tendril-like stretch of land just east of Mobile Bay and offers unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico. Once youre done doing your business, pack up your used toilet paper (my husband, Justin, and I keep a couple of baggies packed away with our potty trowel for this purpose), fill in the hole, and cover it with dirt or other ground matter. The town of Lone Pine is about a five minute drive away and offers a range of food options, where you wont have to clean up after yourself! If youre investing in camping gear, you might as well be able to use it in a variety of contexts, and, with backcountry camping, youre probably not going to want to carry a foam sleeping pad up a mountain with you, due to weight and bulkiness concerns. As the saying goes, pack it in, pack it out! Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor The best time for Alabama Hills camping is spring or fall, when the temperature is pleasant and the skies are clear (we camped in May and it was absolutely lovely!). What should I bring for Alabama Hills camping? This small mountain town has a vintage feel and seems a bit like a time machine to the 70s. If youre lucky, you might have a fire pit. Please visit the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area page for more information. Cookware and utensils: Again, Ill bifurcate my recommendations into whether youre interested in reusing your gear to go backpacking. The state park is housed on a 493-acre plot of land that has everything from campsites to hiking trails and more. Its a maximalists paradise, with just about everything imaginable to accommodate visitors. Dont feel like dealing with cooking in the wilderness? TL;DR: its totally doable to camp here year round- you may just need some extra gear, depending on the season. If youre an RVer, heads up that youre going to have a doozy of a time leveling your RV in the Alabama Hills. When you see a good spot, snag it! For those who arent familiar, dispersed camping is when you camp in an otherwise undeveloped area with no designated campsites or facilities. Theres a few different ways to camp- by car camping (i.e., sleeping in your car), tent camping, or RVing. You should also know how to pee and poop responsibly (yep, I went there) in the wilderness. ), but please be sure to check whether there are any burn bans in effect during your visit. We think you may be interested in these resources to help you plan! Pack a base layer (like this one for men and this one for women), an insulating layer, like a cozy fleece (like this one for men and this one for women), and a really warm outerwear option (like this one for men and this one for women). Dont leave a bucket full of poop behind for the next camper to find. Tagged: California, Alabama Hills, Hiking and Camping Guides, United States. The Alabama Hills is a beautiful place, but has an incredibly fragile ecosystem. Along the same lines, folks have been camping in the Alabama Hills for quite some time- try to find a campsite thats already been used by previous campers to prevent unnecessary erosion or disturbing any burgeoning plantlife. You probably wont be going to the Alabama Hills only to camp, so what else is there to do here? If I had one thing to recommend with respect to packing clothes is to be sure to bring layers- as mentioned above, the Alabama Hills can get pretty toasty during the day but literally drop below freezing at night. Its no secret that California has been ravaged by wildfires in the past couple of years and, just like Smokey the Bear said, its important you do your part to prevent forest fires. Also keep an eye out for the massive Canadian Hemlock trees, towering up from the canyon floor, and thought to be some of the largest in the entire state. This area is absolutely made for road trips, so I hope the Alabama Hills are but a stop along the way! A great alternative is the Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake trail, where you can climb a portion of the way up Whitney to a beautiful alpine lake. and renting a car to get to and around the area. As for utensils, consider something lightweight and packable, like this titanium foldable spork. Live like a Birmingham local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Then an Alabama Hills camping trip is the perfect adventure for you! That being said, dont get stuck in the trap of being too picky! Adjacent to the Alabama Wildlife Center is the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, a 2,500 square foot interactive exhibit space and meeting space (available for renting) and classroom. Of course, free camping is great, but the Alabama Hills are also one of the most spectacular natural landscapes we have seen. For car camping, Id recommend bringing along: A sleeping pad, like the Stoic Single Cloud Camp Bed or, if there will be two of you, the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Double (before you buy anything for your car, be sure to measure to make sure everything will fit!). Below weve included the distance from the Alabama Hills to some popular locations below for reference (all times approximate): Although the focus of this article will be how to camp for free in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area, there are some nearby campgrounds that have more utilities but come at a cost. Can I have a fire while camping in the Alabama Hills? Now that youre prepared to set up camp at the perfect Alabama Hills campsite, what should you actually bring along for your trip? In this article we will give you all the information you need to have one of the best camping experiences of your life in the Alabama Hills! Make your plans! With more than 50 miles of trails visitors have plenty of options to choose from be it a short loop or an overnight trip. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada, right where the desert meets the mountains, you can look up and see the snow-capped peak of Mount Whitney (the tallest peak in the lower 48) while surrounded by unique rock formations only found in desert landscapes.
Don't miss an adventure! Let me know how your camping experience is and any other tips or tricks I missed, in the comments below! Due to its dramatic scenery, the Alabama Hills were the go-to shooting destination for old Westerns in the 1930s through 1950s and are still used as a shooting location for movies and television today, from Gladiator to Iron Man. Have you been camping in the Alabama Hills? This list of seven easy steps is incredibly important when camping in a place like Alabama Hills, where the surrounding landscape is extremely fragile and many visitors come through the area. It is important to note that the rules for dispersed camping in the Alabama Hills are changing. Pick up after your dog. Visitors enjoy touring film sites, photography, rock climbing, exploring natural arches, and viewing the swaths of wildflowers that bloom every spring. There are plenty of spots, most with epic views and, because of the large rocks throughout the area, some privacy. Like most places, it depends! Thank you for choosing the Alabama State Parks. Photography: For a shutterbug like me, the Alabama Hills are a photographers playground- theres so many textures, layers, and colors to play around with, from the rounded enormous boulders of the desert to the jagged peaks and weathered slopes of the Sierra Nevadas. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Temperatures will fluctuate but should generally be temperate. The Alabama Hills are located conveniently close to Highway 395, a popular thoroughfare in the eastern part of California.
Topping it all off istheparks stunning physical landscape, which alone makes for an unforgettable experience. Make sure youre using biodegradable soap and know the appropriate way to dispose of greywater created in the course of cleaning your cookware (this video by Leave No Trace covers everything you need to know). And best of all? Cooler: One of the benefits of camping in or near your car is being able to pack a cooler, which will allow you to store things that should be kept cold (like beer, duh). So is it basically, like, a giant free-for-all and anyone can camp anywhere and do anything in the Alabama Hills dispersed camping area, so long as they stay within their 14 day limit? However, when we were there throughout the spring of 2021, it definitely felt busy and I dont think some additional rules to keep the area clean and beautiful are unwarranted! https://www.blm.gov/visit/tuttle-creek-campground-0, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20686, https://www.inyocounty.us/services/parks-recreation/portuguese-joe, Alabama Hills Recreation Area Map and Guide. If youre RVing, I assume you should be covered on the cooking front, but what do you need to cook if youre tent or car-camping? If you want to really get some epic shots, be sure to check out our photo guide to the famous Alabama Hills Movie Road. Gulf State Park has almost 500 campsites, with everything from primitive options to fancier cabins. Oak Mountain is by far the largest state park in the state of Alabama. The cook set fits nicely into this 18 ounce stainless steel cup with folding handles, which is helpful for holding a bit more volume (like when we make soup) than the smaller cups that come with the Stanley set. Tent camping: Not all cars are well-suited for car camping and theres something to be said about how special it feels to unzip your little cozy tent and see the dazzling landscape around you.