Question about Movie Flat Designated Dispersed Camping

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 ;/

Answer question
Arnell
Arnell
CA
24' Travel-Lite Falcon F-24-BH
Toyota Tundra 4WD
20 reviews
Arnell

Answered on 3/21/2021:

You should be fine in most areas. I've seen many large rigs out there. I have not fully explored all the trails, but make sure you explore in the daylight when going through the canyons between the rock formations. I would avoid East of the Lone Ranger Canyon where I've seen many people back down because of how steep it was. If you stay on the main trails you should be fine. If unsure, take your time and get out and scout before committing. Otherwise, you should be fine if you use commonsense when exploring farther away from the main road.
Bill & Victoria
Bill & Victoria
CA
25' Thor Motor Coach Axis
20 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

You should have no problem as there are plenty of areas with hard packed soil. I drive a two wheel drive motorhome into the area with no issues. That said, it is a good idea to avoid areas of obviously soft sand. You can drive on any number of dirt roads and find good areas to park or camp in close proximity.
Larry
Larry
WI
25' Winnebago View
16 reviews

Answered on 3/22/2021:

Yes. Most places are accessible with standard vehicles.
BikerTech
BikerTech
Minneapolis, MN
25' Leisure Travel Vans Wonder MB
6 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

I believe so. Our RV was able to make it. Just drive slow.
Busbum
Busbum
Yuma, AZ
29' Safari Trek
3 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Yes, the roads are had pack, I drove my bus there... No problem, unless its raining...
Kathys outdoor adventures
Kathys outdoor adventures
CA
32' Fleetwood
6 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Yes you can drive all around in vehicle. We took our 32 ft RV in and found a spot among the rocks. There are places you can go that would require a 4 WD if you wanted to explore. You will have no problem. Have fun!
triptoeverywhere
triptoeverywhere
San Ramon, CA
Jeep Grand Cherokee
5 reviews
triptoeverywhere

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Yes, but you just wont' be able to drive really far into the rocks. Along the dirt roads there are signs posted at each of the turns letting you know if the road you're about to go on is suitable for your type of car.
4 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Absolutely, I drive a 35 class A motorhome with a car trailer on the back. I am sure there are some places you should avoid but most of the place is rock hard and there is a dirt road

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Most graded roads are 2wd acessable. Get off the graded roadways and you should use caution as you proceed. If in doubt, exit your vehicle and explore on foot to see if you should continue, or reverse out.
socalz
socalz
Anaheim, CA
35' Dutchman Denali 307RLS
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
1 review

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Yes, you'll be fine. It looked to me like the roads were graded regularly.
Ruby Reflection
Ruby Reflection
20' Lance
Ford F350
32 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Absolutely, it’s all open, no designated campsites or roads. It’s easier to drive a car vs. pulling a trailer. Enjoy, it’s a beautiful place
21 reviews
HikingHolly

Answered on 3/20/2021:

No 4wd needed. We drive a class c rv in to camp.
davidy52
davidy52
Santa Cruz, CA
Dodge Promaster 2500 High roof
2 reviews
davidy52

Answered on 3/20/2021:

No need for 4WD. Part of the area is on paved road, then well-maintained dirt road. I'm sure there are offshoots that you could get stuck in if you tried, but I spent ten days there with my 2WD van. Have fun!
1 review

Answered on 3/20/2021:

No 4x4 required.
The Dog Is Driving
The Dog Is Driving
21' (reviews prior to 2020 were with 38ft class A)
16 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

The main road through the area is a well-maintained compacted dirt road. Apart from heavy rain, you'll be fine on that. Going off the road to camp... the question is how much off the road and where. There's soft sand around, but you don't have to drive on it. I've towed a pickup full of young adults out of a sandy ditch there, but they were likely speeding and stupid.
HeatherSea
HeatherSea
Seattle, WA
8' Alaskan Camper (or 1986 VW Vanagon)
Ford F250
4 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

We were there in February a couple of years ago. You could probably get around a little bit in a sedan. But there quite a bit of big potholes and we were glad to have our truck.
JCFlo
JCFlo
Long Beach, CA
Subaru Forester
1 review

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Yes, the main road getting in are washboard roads. Seen plenty of sedans there last time. 4wd is not needed
P-Dub
P-Dub
CA
6 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

You can drive in with your sedan but stay on the main sections of roads for both ground clearance and a stable surface.
15 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Yes. Many places. We have driven in a 2WD van and Class C Motorhome to camp. If you are not self-contained they encourage staying at the nearby developed BLM campground.

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Definitely. Movie Rd. Is easily accessible as are numerous turnoffs. Take it slow and avoid sand, ruts and rocks.
MargieP
MargieP
CA
Toyota Sienna
2 reviews
MargieP

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Last summer and early fall, I camped several times in the Alabama Hills in a Toyota Sienna. The main road and many of the side roads are very accessible to an ordinary passenger vehicle, and you will find plenty of campsites you can reach without worry. Elevation Sierra, an outdoor adventure shop, gave me an excellent map that identified the 4WD roads. But you don't really need it. The 4WD drive roads look gnarly right from the start.
24 reviews

Answered on 3/20/2021:

Absolutely. We traveled in a Class B Pleasureway - no 4WD, normal smooth dirt roads. And some of the best spots right off the highway, but you can go back in. Was one of our favorite places. Had to sell our van this last summer - but loved dispersed camping and this one is a jewel. Nice coffee shop in town, too.