Portuguese Joe Campground
Located just one mile west of Lone Pine, California, Portuguese Joe Campground (also known as “Portagee Joe”) is a serene, primitive campground nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Situated along a small, trout-filled creek fed by runoff from the Los Angeles Aqueduct, this Inyo County campground offers a peaceful base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. The campground features 20 single-family campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grate, with some sites offering partial shade from trees, providing relief during warm summer days.
Amenities are basic but functional, including potable water, two clean vault toilets, and trash/recycling facilities. There are no showers, hook-ups, or dump stations. A modern automated pay station accepts cash and credit cards for convenience, and reservations can be made via ReserveAmerica.com, with some sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is open year-round, weather permitting, with a fee of $14 per vehicle per night and $5 for additional vehicles.
Portuguese Joe is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to hiking, fishing for trout in the creek (season: last Saturday in April to November 15, fishing license required for ages 16+), mountain biking, horseback riding, and stargazing under the clear, dark skies of the Eastern Sierra. The sites are relatively close together, offering limited privacy, but the tranquil setting and the gentle sound of the creek create a relaxing atmosphere. Reliable cell service is available for most carriers, and the nearby town of Lone Pine, just a mile away, provides restaurants, shops, and the Museum of Western Film History. As bear country, proper food storage is essential to ensure safety.
Alabama Hills
Just a short drive from Portuguese Joe Campground, the Alabama Hills is a breathtaking landscape of dramatic rock formations, natural arches, and sweeping desert vistas, set against the towering backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, including the iconic Mt. Whitney. Located on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this area is renowned for its unique geological features, formed by millions of years of erosion, creating rounded boulders, spires, and labyrinthine pathways. The Alabama Hills is a haven for photographers, hikers, climbers, and filmmakers, famously serving as a backdrop for countless Western movies, TV shows, and modern films like Iron Man and Django Unchained.
Visitors can explore the area via numerous hiking trails, such as the Mobius Arch Loop Trail, a short, easy hike offering stunning views of the arch framing Mt. Whitney. The Alabama Hills is also a popular destination for bouldering and rock climbing, with routes suitable for all skill levels. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the area (free, no facilities, 14-day limit), making it a great complement to a stay at Portuguese Joe Campground. The open landscape is perfect for stargazing, with minimal light pollution revealing a dazzling night sky. The Alabama Hills Scenic Area is easily accessible via Whitney Portal Road and Movie Road, with interpretive signs highlighting its film history and natural beauty.
Together, Portuguese Joe Campground and the Alabama Hills offer an unforgettable combination of rustic camping and access to one of California’s most iconic and photogenic landscapes, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike.