The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Tuttle Creek Campground offers 83 tent and RV campsites close to Sequoia National Forest and the John Muir Wilderness. The campground is open all year long but only provides potable water seasonally. While no RV hookups are available, each site has a picnic table, lantern holder, and fire pit. It costs $10 to stay here per night and $10 to use the dump station. Tuttle Creek Campground is operated by the Bishop Field Office, one of many Bureau of Land Management (BLM) branches across the United States. The BLM is a federal organization that oversees 15 million acres of land in the Golden State alone. Death Valley National Park is a little over two hours east of Tuttle Creek Campground. The joint entrance to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park is about 265 miles away. The nearby Route 395 Scenic Byway will give you access to Lone Pine, a census-designated place in Owens Valley.
This easy path can be accessed on foot or by ATV or car. There's little shade, and much of the trail is loose sand. You'll see several prominent landmarks and formations, including the Cyclops Skull Arch. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash. Length: 1.7 miles Intensity: Easy
The first half of this trail promises excellent views of Mount Whitney and Owens Valley. In the second half, you should expect some scrambling to reach the two arches toward the end. If you're visiting during the summer, bring plenty of extra water. Length: 10.4 miles Intensity: Moderate
You'll find trout, bass, and catfish in local rivers like Symmes Creek, Independence Creek, and Cottonwood Creek. The 80-acre Diaz Lake, only three miles from Lone Pine, promises various fishing and water sports opportunities. Motorized boats are only permitted on the water between May 15th and October 31st. However, you can use your canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized watercraft year-round. The Diaz Lake campground has a boat ramp and an accessible fishing pier. Fishing licenses are necessary for all anglers over 16 years old.
Experienced and novice climbers alike shouldn't miss the rock climbing challenges available in the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area. The Alabama Hills Dome isn't far from Horseshoe Meadows Road. Try your hand at the 5.10a Gone with the Wind route, considered one of the best in the area. The Blockade Runner route has a 5.10c rating and provides excellent edge climbing. The bolts were replaced recently to make the climb more leader-friendly. Campers are encouraged to stay at Tuttle Creek Campground rather than near the crags.
The diverse landscape and elevation provide the perfect environment for animals like owls, gray squirrels, roadrunners, sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and foxes to thrive. Other local species include gopher snakes, white-footed mice, spotted skunks, pocket gophers, and California quail. In addition, the mixed forests of pine and fire are full of hermit thrushes, pileated woodpeckers, swallows, flycatchers, warblers, and rosy finches.
The 18,610-acre Alabama Hills National Scenic Area has several restrooms and campgrounds where you can rest, plan your meals, and take photos of the gorgeous landscape. More than 400 movies have been filmed in this region since 1920. Unfortunately, there are no trash services, so it's vital to pack all your food waste and garbage. If you don't have access to a bathroom, use a WAG bag or RV toilet.
Sequoia National Park is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, which you can view from the Wuksachi Lodge. With an elevation of 7,200 feet, this lodge is far from any light pollution. Stop by in the fall to see hundreds of shooting stars during the Perseid meteor showers. The Sequoia Parks Conservancy also regularly holds a one-hour Night Sky program that takes you on a guided tour of California's breathtaking skies.
Tuttle Creek Campground offers spots for RV camping and group camping. The group section is the size of four individual spots and includes four fire pits and six picnic tables. You can fit up to four RVs in the group area. The two sites with horse corrals can be reserved ahead of your arrival. Campfire permits aren't necessary when you use the rings in established campgrounds. Additional RV camping options are available nearby at the 20-site Portuguese Joe Campground. Amenities include tables, grills, potable water, vault toilets, and fire rings. The campsites can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet long. The fee is $14 per vehicle per night, which you pay in cash or card to the automated station.
At least six portable restrooms have been placed in the Alabama Hills to minimize human impact and assist dispersed campers. Visitors often park their RVs along the nearby Horseshoe Meadows Road and Whitney Portal Road. You can also boondock along Route 395, Scenic Byway. Finally, don't forget to check out the spacious parking lot and campsites around the Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead.
High desert environments are susceptible to extreme weather and precipitation changes. You must dress in layers and wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective footwear. Don't forget to carry at least one gallon of water per person while you hike. Always have a trail map with you, and watch the terrain for dangerous wildlife. If possible, travel with others and leave an itinerary of your schedule with trusted friends or family members. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Protect yourself and the environment by sticking to established trails and campgrounds. Some vegetation can take years to recover after being trampled underfoot. If you must clear away any underbrush to make a campfire or set up your tent, replace the items you disturb before you leave. Your visit should include the "Leave No Trace" practices. Removing natural things like leaves, stones, and petrified wood in many protected places and national parks is illegal.
Start in Lone Pine and drive about 3.5 miles west on Whitney Portal Road. Turn south on Horseshoe Meadow Road and go for another 1.5 miles until you see the signs for the campground.
Address: Movie Road, Lone Pine, CA 93545 Ready to visit Tuttle Creek Campground? An RV rental is a terrific 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, enjoying 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.
