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Inyo/Whitney Portal

The Inyo-Whitney Portal is a popular trailhead located in Lone Pine, California. It is the starting point for many hikers and climbers who are looking to explore the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The trailhead is located at 8,360 feet and provides access to the John Muir Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, and the Inyo National Forest. The trailhead is also the starting point for the popular Mount Whitney Trail, which leads to the summit of the highest peak in the contiguous United States. The Inyo-Whitney Portal is a great place to start your adventure in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Stream
• Fishing
• Body Of Water (Whitney Creek)

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (7)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Pit Toilets

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking

- Facility

• Type (National Forest)
• Partial Handicap Access

- On-Site Rentals

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- Sites

• Spaces Available (43)
• Max Length (32)
• Paved Sites (43)
• No Hookups (43)
• Back-ins (10 x 32)
• Fire Rings

User Reviews

Clint Josol

August 15, 2025

Majestic views all around. Sheer granite cliffs surround you. The flow of Lone Pine Creek right beside our campsite was natural white noise. Towering pines allow for dappled shade throughout. A beautiful place overall. Site managers Bob and Emily were terrific hosts and super nice. Vault toilets, no showers. Closest public showers are at the hostel in town. As others have mentioned, be bear aware. A young bear was already waiting at our campsite when we arrived around midnight from town, with a car full of food. As my friend was unloading the car and about to put all the food into the bear locker, a bear was already at the other side of the car. After she backed away, I saw from afar the bear opened the car door. Then walked towards us, so of course all food and backpack was dropped and went straight on the menu for the bear that night. Lessons learned: no food or smelly things outside of the bear box AT ALL past sundown, including in your car. As Bob told us, Its very common for people to encounter bears in the middle of the night when they are leaving for the Whitney hike as they are taking backpacks out and putting them down somewhere, or opening and closing bear boxes. These bears know the timing, sounds, and can literally smell it from a mile away.

Mike Bernard

August 11, 2025

Unfortunately there was a lot of black bear activity. (7/29-8/1) Very bold trying to open car doors and attempting to get into the bear boxes. Very sneaky bear stole food from us 6 feet away on the picnic table as soon as the sun went down. Be vigilant with putting all food up in the bear boxes before dark. Beautiful campsite with rainbow trout in the stream. Great place to stay before Hiking Mountain Whitney.

William McCarthy

August 05, 2025

Terrific campground. Like many California state campgrounds the bathrooms are eh but the hosts were incredible. Friendly and very helpful. Would come back just for the good vibes. We climbed Whitney and used this as our base camp for the night before and after.

Bo Luan

July 07, 2025

Beautiful campground in the pine forest. The sound of the Lone Pine Creek is so relaxing. Campsites are clean and well maintained. But beware of bears and store your food properly.

Guy Landau

June 25, 2025

The campground is at elevation, so during the summer the temperatures are much more comfortable than in the valley. Sites are mostly spacious, shade can vary depending on the area. Lots of green pollen from the trees, bear proof boxes, fire rings, restrooms, no showers. Small river flowing nearby. A mile up the road is a convenience store with some souvenirs, coffee, ice cream, meat and drinks, some simple food options. Tip: the entire area has no cell phone reception, the only place with signal is the coffee area in the store!

Map for Inyo/Whitney Portal

Contact information