Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Can I camp at Lone Pine Lake?

I searched for information about this in other posts but was unable to find anything so I apologize if this has been discussed before. I am asking this after reading the post about the garbage that was found up there this past week.

A few years ago, when I climbed Whitney, we hiked down after summiting and spent the night by the lake. I know it is off the regulated main trail but wanted to be sure this is not one of those places where camping is not allowed. If not, is there any other places that would be a nice camp site away from the main trail?

Thanks all!
Sandy

Yes. The only places on the main trail where camping is not allowed are Mirror Lake and Trailside Meadow. Just follow the general wilderness permit regulations of staying at least 100 feet away from the lake and the trail.

Thank you so much for responding. I would hate to have camp all set up only to be told to move it along.

It's a great place to camp. The advantage of LPL over Outpost Camp is the day hikers don't come through it in the early morning when you are trying to sleep making noise.

With the MMWT now a pack it out trail, I expect LPL to see more campers.

We have camped there a few times. It is a nice place to camp.

The recent discussion revolved around the fire ring and the garbage left behind. Don't build a fire there and leave no trace.

Hello fellow hikers.

I've been monitoring this site for a few months. I will be hiking via the main trail on May 29th as well with two other friends. We've never attempted this before, and we've done a few peaks in southern Cali in preparation.

Looking forward to it, this board is great!

When I stayed at LPL previously we didn't have a fire nor did we even consider one. I assumed that they were not allowed. We had the lake all to our selves but if I recall it did get very windy when we were there.

Only three more weeks..... =o)

I took my best friend to Whitney many moons ago. The plan was to camp at TC and summit the following day. We camped at the Portal before heading up. I remember some really nice guys making a pancake breakfast for us before we strapped on our packs. I was carrying the tent and the cookware as my friend had not done much hiking (she was in good physical condition though). At that time the store was just off the main trail and we had to stop for something. I remember vividly my friend saying to me “how much further is the store”? She was struggling with the weight of her pack. I quickly came up with plan “B” and we camped at LPL. Took a day hike to ML the next day. We ended up having a great “camping” trip and had LPL to ourselves. Spending some quality time at the lake was magical. Of course, we left “no trace”.

This may well be a camping trip for me this time. I haven't had as much time to train so the backup plan is to 'camp' while the others climb.

Be sure to bring your bug dope. They're pretty thick at LP Lake.