Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Whitney Portal Trailhead Camping

I'm looking for intel on the 10 site campground at the Whitney trailhead to camp at the night before our day hike to the top on July 31st. What I've found online says it's first come/first served...does anyone know how available these sites tend to be, who administers it (like, who you register with/pay when you get there) and what time of day is best to try to snag a site?
Many Thanks.

The 1 day overnight hiker campground is free. It is first come first serve. I got done descending and got a spot at midnight with greater difficulty figuring the layout in the dark than actually finding a spot.

It is first come/first serve. You register at the sign at the entrance to the campsite just like National Parks where you drop money in an envelope. I went this past Thursday and couldn't find a site at 2pm so I think it just depends on the day!!!

It is a great place to spend a night.

There is a good chance you will get a spot. If not there is also first come first serve sites at the family campground. If those don't work there is Lone Pine or Turtle Creek.

Its $10 and you pay the "Iron Ranger"