Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Camping around Whitney Portal end of Oct?

I am planning hiking up Whitney on Oct 31. When checking the Whitney Portal campsite, it says it is closed. What alternatives do I have this time of year? Right now I have a reservation at a motel in Lone Pine (which can easily be canceled), but I would like to be at a higher elevation before the hike.

Late in the season, after the portal campgrounds close, there are few people up in the parking lot. I usually drive up to the portal and just set my tent next to my car in the parking lot. No one is really up there to bother you. Just a few cars from people up on the trail.