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

My group is meeting on a Thursday night for a weekend climb. Many of us will be getting there late, well after dark.

Is there a place to meet and camp close to where you park? I know there is a campground before the permit line, but is this far up the trail?

If so, is it conspicuious and easy to find in the dark?

Thanks.

Greetings jakegordon,

You can find info on the portal campground at http://reserveamerica.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/nrrs/ca/whtp/newindex.html

You will likely need a reservation though. I'm not sure what you mean about a campground before the permit line. The line that I've used for permits is at the ranger station in Lone Pine, quite a ways from the trail. I don't recall a campground nearby, but there are a number of reasonably priced roadside motels.

Best Regards,
A 'C' Student

There is an overflow campground 7 miles from Lone Pine. Here is a link to info on <A href="http://www.reserveusa.com/nrrs/ca/lonp/">Lone Pine Campground</A>. That may be your best bet if you come in late.

As for backpacker sites, there are a few in the Portal just below the trail head, but they may be occupied by the time you arrive.