USDA Forest Service · California
Whitney Portal
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 47
- Hookups
- 45 no hookups
- Season
- April 24 to October 24
- Max RV length
- 35 ft
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 7,986 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- Verizon weak · T-Mobile none · AT&T none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- WHIT PORTAL LOWER CG (NFSR 15S07A) · asphalt · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Inyo National Forest
- Nearest town
- LONE PINE
- Address
- INYO NATIONAL FOREST, LONE PINE, CA
- Phone
- 760-937-6070
- Activities
- Camping, Fishing, Hiking
29 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Whitney Portal Campground is in a prime location within the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains - at the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States.
With hiking trails to Mt. Whitney and the John Muir Wilderness less than a mile away, the campground is a popular home base for hikers, as well as family, RV and tent campers who wish to explore the area's activities and enjoy unparalleled scenery.
Recreation
Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal recreation area. Nearby trails lead into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
The campground is only 0.5 miles from trailheads to Mt. Whitney, Meysan Lake and other popular destinations. Visitors should be aware that hiking in this area may require a permit.
Visitors can also hike, fish and picnic in the area around the campground. There are numerous lakes, streams and a small pond in the area for trout fishing.
Facilities
The campground is adjacent to Whitney Creek and just down the road from Trailhead Campground. Numerous campsites are arranged on either side of the creek, including three group camping areas and several tent-only sites. Paved roads, vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Bears frequent the area, and campers are required to use the bear-proof food storage lockers provided in the facility (all supplies must fit; dimensions are 18 inches high, 18 inches deep and 50 inches long). Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and a small convenience store with showers is nearby.
Natural Features
The facility is situated in a thick pine forest at an elevation of 8,000 ft. Campers can see striking views of the rugged granite peaks surrounding it.
The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.
Nearby Attractions
Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers.
John Muir Wilderness
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 22° | 4° | 51° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 36° | 23° | 3° | 48° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 40° | 25° | 7° | 64° | 9 of 11 |
| April | 49° | 32° | 16° | 62° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 60° | 41° | 20° | 74° | 7 of 11 |
| June | 74° | 54° | 30° | 84° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 81° | 62° | 53° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 77° | 59° | 51° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 69° | 53° | 42° | 78° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 59° | 42° | 16° | 74° | 4 of 10 |
| November | 49° | 36° | 12° | 63° | 7 of 10 |
| December | 38° | 27° | -4° | 53° | 9 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Mt. Whitney Trailhead Ravine Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Lone Pine · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 28 sites
- Tuttle Creek Campground · Bureau of Land Management · 6 mi · 83 sites
- Portuguese Joe Campground · City, County & Regional Parks · 9 mi · 20 sites
- Diaz Lake Campground · City, County & Regional Parks · 10 mi · 100 sites
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.