Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Campground

Looking for a high elevation campground that doesn't require a reservation, or even just a place that you can pitch a tent. Any suggestions with in a few hours of Whitney?

Horseshoe Meadows.

Does it fill up, is there a limit? Or can you always be guaranteed a spot to pitch your tent? Trying to plan a trip 3 months out.

+1

I haven't been turned away yet (been in both June and August). The number of sites is plentiful and I suspect it doesn't attract the usual weekend car campers because it is a walkin campground (you have to haul your stuff from the parking lot to the campstie). If you can try to get there at least a day or two early to give yourself more time to acclimate and also to do some hiking around the area. The trails are very scenic and easy so it won't wear you out for Whitney plus it will give you a good chance to stretch your legs which will aid in the acclimatization process.

I think this fits the bill, is the campground managed by the Forest service or are you on your own?

Kevin, there are actually two campgrounds at HM - Horseshoe Meadows and Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead. Combined, they have 30 walk-in sites, all first-come-first-served. It's a USFS-operated campground, the fee being $6/night. Potable water and vault toilets. Sites have a picnic tables, bear vaults and fire rings. Very pretty area to camp and great place to acclimate. Also used heavily by equestrian riders. Here's a link for more info.

How far from car park to these campgrounds?

Not far - a few yards for some, a few dozen for others. You won't need a yak.

What are the odds of getting one on July 3rd. Are there any areas such as White Mountain that has no limit on camping sites?

Kevin,

Just go on to Horseshoe. If a site is not available, look for a larger one and go meet somebody. I have asked and offered to share a site. There are nice people out there. You may even pay for the shared site as a thank-you.

In the words of Alford E, Newman," What me worry? ".

Ended up talking to Doug tonight and I booked three nights at his Hostel instead of camping. what a great guy, private room for a lot less than the Dow.