Portuguese Joe Campground
00 review1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States
Portuguese Joe Campground
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground charges $14 per night per site, payable through a solar-powered machine using cash or card. A receipt is issued to display on site posts.
About this campground
Tucked away on the banks of a gurgling stream, Portuguese Joe Campground offers an authentic slice of California's outdoor heritage. This intimate retreat features just 20 sites, creating a peaceful atmosphere where campers can truly disconnect from the crowds. As your gateway to the legendary Alabama Hills and the towering presence of Mt. Whitney, this hidden gem delivers spectacular adventures at budget-friendly prices. Here, the simple pleasures of camping—morning coffee by the creek, evening stargazing, and the sound of water over rocks—take center stage.
Portuguese Joe Campground offers only standard non-electric campsites. The sites are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options.
Historical SignificanceThe spirit of the Old West lives on at Portuguese Joe Campground, named in honor of a cherished Lone Pine resident whose legacy continues to welcome visitors today. This storied ground serves as your basecamp for exploring layers of American history—from the golden age of Western films celebrated at the nearby Lone Pine Museum of Western Film to the profound stories preserved at Manzanar National Historic Site. Every corner of this region whispers tales of pioneers, filmmakers, and the enduring human spirit.
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint Portuguese Joe in different colors throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, crystalline days averaging 48°F, with nights that dip to a refreshing 33°F—perfect for campfire gatherings. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures soar above 90°F, making the creek's cool waters especially inviting. Spring and fall emerge as the sweet spots for camping, offering goldilocks conditions with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. While rain and snow make only rare appearances, each season brings its own magic to this high desert oasis.
ElevationPerched in the dramatic Sierra foothills, Portuguese Joe occupies that perfect sweet spot where desert meets mountain. This moderate elevation provides the best of both worlds—accessible year-round camping without the extreme conditions of higher altitudes, yet close enough to the peaks to feel their majestic presence and enjoy cooler temperatures than the valley floor below.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry surrounds you at Portuguese Joe, where a melodic creek fed by Los Angeles Aqueduct waters creates a ribbon of life through the landscape. Mature cottonwoods and willows spread their generous canopy overhead, offering dappled shade that dances across your campsite. The babbling brook provides a natural soundtrack while dramatic mountain vistas frame every view. Keep your camera ready—deer, rabbits, and countless bird species regularly grace the campground with their presence, turning ordinary moments into wildlife encounters.
Geological RegionPortuguese Joe sits at the crossroads of geological wonders, where the weathered granite spires of the Alabama Hills meet the soaring Sierra Nevada range. This remarkable landscape showcases millions of years of Earth's sculptural work—from the ancient, rounded boulders that have served as backdrops for countless Western films to the sharp, glacially-carved peaks of Mt. Whitney, standing proud as the highest point in the contiguous United States. The controlled waters of the Los Angeles Aqueduct have transformed this high desert terrain into an unexpected oasis, where mountain streams flow year-round through a land of extremes.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campsites are standard size, with maximum equipment lengths varying between 30 to 40 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies across the sites. Some sites, like the high-numbered walk-in sites, are more spacious and private, while the reservable sites are closer together.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor a quieter experience with better spacing, choose higher-numbered walk-in sites. Sites near the creek, like 16 and 17, provide the relaxing sound of running water.
Best CampsitesSites 16 and 17 are noted for their soothing creek sounds. Site 18 offers extra amenities like two picnic tables but lacks a fire pit, while Site 19 has two picnic tables and two fire pits.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit defined.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people per site.
Groups
No group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out with 20 sites, some of which are first-come, first-served, while others can be reserved.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at the campground's solar-powered payment machine on-site, but not reliably online according to user reviews.
Walk-in AvailabilityHalf a dozen sites (1, 2, 17, 18, 19, and 20) are held for first-come, first-served use, as mentioned in user reviews. Sites may fill quickly during holidays.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy details provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Portuguese Joe Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and ATV riding. The creek that runs through the campground provides a serene ambiance, although it is noted to be shallow and not popular for fishing.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are less than a mile from the campground, with trails leading to scenic views and outdoor adventures.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Although fishing is listed as an activity, the shallow creek running through the campground does not appear to support abundant fish populations, as mentioned in user reviews.Biking
Biking opportunities are available, with trails less than a mile from the campground.Wildlife viewing
The area is frequented by wildlife, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts. Visitors are advised to store food safely to avoid attracting animals.Winter Activities
Winter activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are not mentioned in the provided data.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but campers must buy firewood locally.
- Quiet hours are No defined quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include ants, local stray dogs, and shallow water in the creek, which limits fishing opportunities. Some sites have large trees, making them challenging for larger rigs. Users have reported occasional issues with payment machines.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 14 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital: Southern Inyo Hospital in Lone Pine (approximately 1 mile away). Police station and ranger station also located nearby in Lone Pine.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash and bottle-and-can recycling are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to a small stream with controlled runoff.
Common complaintsComplaints include sites being too close together, limited amenities, and occasional nuisances like stray dogs and ants.
HostNo specific mention of hosts.
Campground Map
1360 N. Main St., BISHOP, California, 93514, United States
Driving directionsVia U.S. 395, turn west in Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road, 1-mile to Tuttle Creek Road, turn south to campground entrance.
The campground is accessed via paved roads in Lone Pine, making it easily reachable for most vehicles. However, some sites have large trees overhanging them, which might make it difficult for larger rigs to utilize.Nearby places
Lone Pine (1 mile, approximately 5 minutes), Independence (16 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Bishop (42 miles, approximately 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Lone Pine, just 1 mile away, which offers grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Portuguese Joe Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews with some highlighting the scenic creek, clean facilities, and proximity to key attractions, while others criticize the lack of spaciousness between campsites and the condition of amenities like fire pits and tables.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Scenic views, clean and well-maintained bathrooms, proximity to attractions like Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney, and the relaxing ambiance of the creek.
Common Concerns
Campsites are close together, limited amenities, shallow creek, and some users reported issues like ants and stray dogs.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Choose high-numbered walk-in sites for more privacy and spacing. Be prepared for basic facilities as there are no showers or hookups available.
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are popular but can be busy, and occasional issues with campsite overbooking were reported. Winter visitors appreciated the quiet atmosphere.
Camper Quotes
“The stream running through the middle was very relaxing.” - John Graham; “Very nice campground…clean bathrooms and can’t beat the incredible view!” - Angela Sandhu; “You pay at a machine here…” -...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 16 and 17 are noted for their strong creek noise and extra amenities. Site 18 lacks a fire pit or BBQ but has extra picnic tables. High-numbered walk-in sites are more spacious and private.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users caution about stray dogs wandering the area.
Last updated August 10, 2025