Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping
Alabama Hills Recreation Area
Write a Review Whitney Portal Rd. Lone Pine, CA 93545 760-872-5000 Official WebsiteGPS: 36.6054, -118.1189
Overview of Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping
Changes are being made to the Alabama Hills to improve the recreation experience for all users. As of late 2021 the west side of Movie Road in the Movie Flat area and any area marked with a no camping sign will be day-use only. Additional changes to dispersed camping will occur throughout the end of 2021. These changes will include a required free permit and converting all camping to designated dispersed sites. Click here for a reference map. Six porta-potties have been added as well. Please pack out all human waste - leave no trace!
Please check the official website link above to get the most up-to-date information.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by WorkinfortheWild on 4/28/2024
Longest RV Reported: 42 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by The Wanderpreneurs on 6/17/2019
Number of Sites 50
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 4,593 ft / 1,399 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-872-5000
closecalls asked on 1/20/2021
I have the sense that boondocking outside of the Turtle Creek campground at Alabama Hills Recreation Area is strongly...
RAMJETR asked on 7/5/2021
Whats the nearest dump station to Alabama Hills Recreation Area?
Kerry asked on 10/1/2021
Do I need a permit to camp at Alabama Hills Recreational Park?
KC Dale asked on 4/20/2021
Does anyone have an idea how busy Alabama Hills will be for camping mid-week in August?
Bri asked on 3/19/2021
Will I be able to enter into the Alabama Hills camping area in a Sedan? Just worried about needing 4WD ;/
Ridgeback12 asked on 1/22/2021
Will April be a good time to RV camp at the Alabama Hills Recreation Area? Not too hot or too many people? Any bloomi...
Reviews of Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping 103 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 14 Users
Last reported 5/22/2021
Confirmed by 29 Users
Last reported 4/29/2023
Confirmed by 5 Users
Last reported 11/27/2021
“Beautiful stopover”
Reviewed 9/27/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 16' |
Overall Rating
We were headed up from San Diego to Yosemite and left too late in the day to make it in one shot. We got to Alabama hills about an hour before sunset and found it to be almost empty. Granted it was the middle of the week in early September but the only people we really saw were some tent campers pretty far off. Some cars rolled by the ... more
We were headed up from San Diego to Yosemite and left too late in the day to make it in one shot. We got to Alabama hills about an hour before sunset and found it to be almost empty. Granted it was the middle of the week in early September but the only people we really saw were some tent campers pretty far off. Some cars rolled by the dirt road at night and in the morning but other than that, it was secluded bliss. The Mountain View’s are amazing. My phone (Verizon) had a bar but I couldn’t send texts or call from our spot.
Deej1188 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“So much better than nearby campgrounds!”
Reviewed 6/1/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 16' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Stayed here the Thursday prior to Memorial Day Weekend. We thought it might be crowded due to Mule Days up the road in Bishop, but there were plenty of good spaces to choose from. We cruised Tuttle Creek and Lone Pine Campground, but found that the boondocking sites in the BLM area were better than anything offered at the campgrounds... more
Stayed here the Thursday prior to Memorial Day Weekend. We thought it might be crowded due to Mule Days up the road in Bishop, but there were plenty of good spaces to choose from. We cruised Tuttle Creek and Lone Pine Campground, but found that the boondocking sites in the BLM area were better than anything offered at the campgrounds. Looking forward to coming here again.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A million dollar view…. for free! Alabama Hills is definitely on my top 10 list.”
Reviewed 5/7/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | N/A |
| RV Length: | 33' |
Overall Rating
I see now why the Alabama Hills is such a popular boondocking spot. We left our rig in the convenient parking area at Movie Road and Whitney Portal Road to scout in our toad. There are a few nice spots just where the paved road ends, but we continued past the Mobius Arch parking lot and found a lovely big pull-through with cinemascope ... more
I see now why the Alabama Hills is such a popular boondocking spot. We left our rig in the convenient parking area at Movie Road and Whitney Portal Road to scout in our toad. There are a few nice spots just where the paved road ends, but we continued past the Mobius Arch parking lot and found a lovely big pull-through with cinemascope views of the Sierras and Alabama Hills. Wow. Just Wow.
We spent five days there and just loved it. Since we were close to the road, the traffic sometimes made things dusty, but I can put up with a lot for that view. There are also many spots that are tucked away among the boulders and formations that would afford more privacy, if that’s your preference. I’m still looking for the perfect spot – big rig friendly, private, AND with the view. I’ll let you know when I find it (or not. Lol.).
Many spots have fire rings. No other amenities. As expected, the area was pretty quiet on the weekdays and got busier on the weekend. The only downside was the total lack of cell service. We were happy to discover that the town of Lone Pine has an open wifi network. I was able to sit in the shade at City Park and upload a blog post and pictures at decent speeds.
Don’t miss the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine – a really fun collection of movie props, costumes, and memorabilia. The short film on the history of movie making in the area was fascinating.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and look forward to a return trip soon!
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Verizon
Teddi & Roger would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“#worthit”
Reviewed 4/27/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 16' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Yep this place is super popular! Got here around 4pm on a Thursday and it was packed. No worries! We just kept on going and found a great spot by the back entrance near Boot Rock. Loved every minute we spent here but I think our dogs loved it even more! We noticed most people leaving around noon so I’d time it around then to find you... more
Yep this place is super popular! Got here around 4pm on a Thursday and it was packed. No worries! We just kept on going and found a great spot by the back entrance near Boot Rock. Loved every minute we spent here but I think our dogs loved it even more! We noticed most people leaving around noon so I’d time it around then to find your perfect spot.
Explore.Something.New would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Too Popular, Spotty Verizon”
Reviewed 4/9/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Class C) |
Overall Rating
Alabama Hills everyone says it's great and IT IS beautiful, but because of that it's gotten too popular for me. That plus very spotty Verizon signal will not make it my first choice going thru this area. If you use Verizon I would stay as close to town as you can, better chance of a good signal. I had 2-3 bars with & without booster ... more
Alabama Hills everyone says it's great and IT IS beautiful, but because of that it's gotten too popular for me. That plus very spotty Verizon signal will not make it my first choice going thru this area. If you use Verizon I would stay as close to town as you can, better chance of a good signal. I had 2-3 bars with & without booster & would stay here longer now, but I'm un-level and tired of that. There is a nice private level spot 20 yards away but NO signal there. Still a very nice place, and Love Lone Pine!!!!
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Verizon 4G
bmiler would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“"You need to be here before you go there"....”
Reviewed 4/4/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| RV Length: | 35' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
The number of reviews written on Alabama Hills and the consistent overall rating validates just how unique and special this wonderland is. And the reviews listed here will provide you everything you need to know about Lone Pine and them "Hills". We have camped here many times over the last twenty years for it is one of our all time... more
The number of reviews written on Alabama Hills and the consistent overall rating validates just how unique and special this wonderland is. And the reviews listed here will provide you everything you need to know about Lone Pine and them "Hills".
We have camped here many times over the last twenty years for it is one of our all time favorite places to witness sheer beauty and raw magnificence. So, it was about time we right a review, add some insight and post a few photos of our latest visit.
Timing is everything to ensuring you have a 5 star stay. Weather conditions can drop temperatures to the teens in the fall and winter or easily reach 3 digits in the summer. Wind gusts can reach 40 mph, flash flooding warnings can be issued and snowfall can be relentless. Crowds are also a factor. The "Hills" have a thousand spots you can camp in a tent, a hundred in a motorhome or small trailer and much less in a big Class A or Fifth Wheel. We have driven the Hills during a holiday and it looked like an ant hill, with vehicles driving every road and a multitude of hikers on every trail. Campers were nestled at every corner making the Alabama Hills looked like a public campground. This last trip was four days prior to Spring Break and we saw only had a handful of campers that were a quarter mile away.
But if you are able to plan a mid-week off season visit to the Alabama Hills, there is an excellent chance you will win the boondocking lottery. Take any side loop off Movie Flat Road, east or west side, and you will most likely find a suitable spot that will provide you some privacy, your own rock formation and unlimited hiking. Do not try to find those perfect spots at night. Get there early. If you have a toad, detach it and scope out the landscape to sniff out all those hidden sites. We normally drive past the Mobius Arch, as it draws many visitors, north on Movie Road to find an isolated campsite that offer enormous views of the Sierra Nevada Range and some solitude...which is becoming harder to find these days.
Hope you get to experience any of these wonders during your visit...stunning alpenglow sunrises, crystal blue clear skies with the spectacular backdrop of the pinnacles of Mount Whitney, full moons and star gazing nights.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing”
Reviewed 2/16/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | Boondocking |
| RV Length: | 32' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
Alabama hills is such an amazing place if you like to be out in the middle of no where without others near you. There is no running water or hook ups. We stayed here on our way home. Had some awesome views of snow capped Mt. Whitney. It was 68 during the day and really cold at night. low 30's. We have a 32 ft Motor home and had no prob... more
Alabama hills is such an amazing place if you like to be out in the middle of no where without others near you. There is no running water or hook ups. We stayed here on our way home. Had some awesome views of snow capped Mt. Whitney. It was 68 during the day and really cold at night. low 30's. We have a 32 ft Motor home and had no problem finding a spot. Do arrive before dark so you can make sure the dirt road you go down has enough space for you to turn around. Spent the day hiking around and climbing rocks. The sunrises were stunning. One of my favorite places. I love all the rocks and quietness. We did not have any cell service
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Verizon
Kathys outdoor adventures would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Best of BLM Camping”
Reviewed 2/15/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
What can I say about Alabama Hills that hasn't already been said a million times? This is a dry camper's dream. The spots are private and well spaced. The views are amazing. There's a reason this place is so popular. No amenities, of course, but waking up to views of Mt. Whitney more than make up for that. Some of the sites looked ki... more
What can I say about Alabama Hills that hasn't already been said a million times? This is a dry camper's dream. The spots are private and well spaced. The views are amazing. There's a reason this place is so popular. No amenities, of course, but waking up to views of Mt. Whitney more than make up for that.
Some of the sites looked kinda sketchy. If you're in a bigger rig or towing, it might not be a bad idea to unhitch, and scope in your tow vehicle to avoid getting stuck in a place where you can't turn around or where the road gets pretty hairy.
We had cell service in some areas, but not all.
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AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Wonderful Winter Getaway”
Reviewed 2/10/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
Took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to wind down for a couple days Boondocking in the Alabama Hills. To our dismay though there is less snow on the Mountains than when we stopped here last June. We picked up a detailed BLM map of the Hills at the Visitor Center which helped locate potential campsites, seek out pmovie lo... more
Took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to wind down for a couple days Boondocking in the Alabama Hills. To our dismay though there is less snow on the Mountains than when we stopped here last June.
We picked up a detailed BLM map of the Hills at the Visitor Center which helped locate potential campsites, seek out pmovie locations and arches. We selected a site toward the northwest of Movie road near the preferred climbing areas. While several vehicles looked at nearby spots they moved on and we had the area to ourselves. The beauty and magic changed from moment to moment with the lighting.
Our campsite was also adjacent to restoration areas and we were careful not to crush the brush. We’ll definitely be back!
NomadikCulture would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing place to spend time with Family”
Reviewed 1/3/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 14 |
| Site Number: | Ours |
| RV Length: | 29' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
We came here on a recommendation from another traveler. Explored the area from Lone Pine to Mt Whitney.
Access is easy, with plenty of space to park and setup...
Roads are a little bumpy once you get off the pavement, but nothing our 17 ton Bluebird couldn't handle...
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Busbum would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 8 of 11
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Site Amenities
- big rig
- pull thru
- view sites
Pets
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