The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the United States agency responsible for managing federal lands. It oversees around 247 acres, which is about one-eighth of the landmass in the US. Fees vary for Bureau of Land Management camping at developed campgrounds within BLM wilderness areas, but dispersed (unofficial campsites/camping) is free. Dispersed camping is allowed for 14 days within a 28-day period.
Alabama Hills is an access point to Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain peak in the lower contiguous 48 states. The hills were named for the C.S.S. Alabama, a famous Confederate warship that saw extensive action during the Civil War. Alabama Hills is known for its many interesting rock formations, including Mobius Arch, Skull Arch, Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch, Candy Land, and other rocky outcroppings. Popular activities in the wilderness include hiking, biking, driving scenic routes, fishing, climbing, and camping. There are several national parks that are within driving distance, including Death Valley National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
The Mobius Arch Loop Trail is a heavily trafficked loop trail located near Lone Pine, CA, that features scenic views. The trail leads to the Mobius Arch rock formation, which perfectly frames a view of Mt. Whitney. The arch is very dramatically lighted when visited at sunset.
Length: 0.6 miles
Intensity: Medium
Upper Alabama Hills Trail to Cyclops Skull Arch is an in-and-out trail located near Lone Pine, CA, that has a great view of the Sierra and Inyo Mountains. You will be treated with close-up views of Owen's Valley and Mt. Whitney.
Length: 10.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch is an in-and-out trail located near Lone Pine, CA. It begins at Mobius Arch and continues east for 0.7 miles on Movie Flat Road. The Eye of the Alabama arch is 0.4 miles to the east of Movie Flat Road.
Length: 1.1 mile
Intensity: Moderate
Lone Pine Creek's trout season opens with the Early Opener Trout Derby on the first Saturday in March, which is two months earlier than anywhere else in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Lone Pine Creek is just downstream of Movie Road and is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, some of which can reach up to 12 inches. There are pockets of water that are perfect for nymphing and larger pools for using streamers. You can also fish for bass and catfish.
The Shark's Fin is a scenic rock formation in Alabama Hills that is a popular rock-climbing destination. Because of the popularity of this site, you will want to arrive early in the morning. There are six climbing routes, with the north and south areas recommended for beginner to intermediate climbers. The approach is approximately 0.25 miles from the parking lot.
Candy Store is a collection of boulders that offers a great experience for beginners. The routes consist of sport and top-roping paths, with most routes rated as Class 4 scrambles on the backside of the rocks. Recommended routes for beginners are Tootsie Pop, Marzipan, and Rock Candy. Candy Store can be reached by taking a few turns from Horseshoe Meadow Road.
The Alabama Hills wilderness is home to many desert animals. You will have ample chances to see snakes, lizards, coyotes, woodrats, jackrabbits, kit foxes, ringtails, shrews, sage grouse, and grasshopper mice.
When searching for BLM camping near me in Alabama Hills, you will find that there are several options for RV camping. Lone Pine Campground is six miles west of Lone Pine, CA, and has both electric and non-electric campsites, but it is closed in winter. Tuttle Creek Campground has 80 sites for RVs, trailers, and tents and features views of Mt. Whitney, and the sites are large enough for most longer rigs. With 20 sites, Portuguese Joe Campground is the smallest campground in Alabama Hills. You will have access to vault toilets, fire rings, water spigots, and picnic tables.
Bureau of Land Management free camping in Alabama Hills is available throughout the area for dispersed (not on designated campsites) camping. All camping within Alabama Hills is "dry camping," which means there are no bathrooms or waste receptacles, and potable water is only available at some of the campgrounds under certain times and restrictions.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the Alabama Hills Wilderness area are primitive campsites, and you will need to bring in all your necessary supplies. A good working list of items should include a first-aid kit, basic camping tools, toilet paper, disposable bags, detergent, linens, seasonable clothing, sturdy shoes, hiking sticks, food and drinks, water, flashlights, and rain gear. Make sure you have directions and maps, GPS coordinates for your location, and the local weather conditions. Before you leave on your BLM RV camping trip to Alabama Hills, make sure you visit our blog for everything you need to know about BLM camping.
When visiting any BLM camping spot, be aware that there is a general "leave no trace" policy in effect. This means that there are no available trash disposable collections, and you are responsible for carrying out any waste products. It also means that you should not change or alter any of the surrounding environment.
From Bishop, CA, take Highway 395 to Lone Pine and turn west at the stoplight onto Whitney Portal Road. Continue driving 2.5 miles to Movie Road, and turn right.
Address: US-395 and CA-136, Lone Pine, CA 93545
Ready to visit Alabama Hills? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
