Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Traihead camping?

Can someone give me the low down on trail head camping and parking prior to a multi day Mt. Whitney hike? The web site is very confusing or possibly I am not looking at the correct page.
We have permits for the July 3rd weekend.
Whats the trail head parking like ?

Thanks

There are two parking areas. The first is in the shaded area near the trailhead. I’m guessing there are about 40-50 overnight parking spaces in this area. This is the preferred parking area because of its proximity to the trailhead, store, the walk-in camping area and the shade. There are bear boxes in this area and they are generally overly full.

The overflow/secondary parking area probably has another 100 parking spots and is a couple hundred yards down the portal road. There’s not much shade in this lot. I don’t ever think I’ve seen this lot full, but I’ve never been around mid day when all the tourons show-up. This lot has bear boses too.

The walk-in camping is mostly behind the upper parking area, but there are a couple spots between the two parking areas. The Forest Service web site says there 10 sites, although I suspect there are a few more than that. They cost $10 per night (self pay) but if you’re in late and out early…

How does the walking camping work, other than walking in, is it by reservation only or just show up early to get the spot and how early should I show up?
Are there any other areas within an hours drive that might not be so crowded and still open for reservations? Checking for open spots is easy enough but knowing what camp area to check for is a different matter.
Thanks,
FNG

Yo,

Walkin camping is 1st come 1st serve. Horseshoe meadows always has a few spots open in the equestrian camp and is about 40 minute drive. If you dont mind camping at low altitude there is Tuttle Creek and Lone Pine CG in the valley. Or, if your really desperate there is BLM land close by as well.

Good luck

Even though there are only "10 spots" at the trailhead campground which are first come/first served, I've found that people are very accomodating and willing to share space if needed. I've never had a problem getting to stay there. Get there in the early afternoon and you should be just fine.

It's awesome there. Perfect little walking distance to the pond and store.

So lets say we have 12 people in 4 cars rolling in late Sunday night and we dont have a reserved spot. Where would you camp?

Are there any lonely dirt roads we could throw up the tents on and wake up early Monday morning and hit the trail before anyone noticed?

There is another campground just off Lone Pine road between the portal and Lone Pine. I've stayed there in the past when the portal was full.

Lone Pine Campground. Pit toilets, bearlockers, tables, firepit, Lone Pine Creek.

Technically the Alabama Hills are open to camping, as it's a BLM area. No services at all but if you just want to crash for a few hours.....Dirt roads go off in a number of directions and you can definitely see where people regularly park.
That's where I stay.