Tuttle Creek Campground
4.3798 reviewsnull
Tuttle Creek Campground
$10.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsites are $10 per night; group site costs $30 per night; horse corrals are $10 per night. Dump station fee is $10 (no discounts), and...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$40.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-872-5000null
About this campground
Perched at the gateway to the Eastern Sierra, Tuttle Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences without breaking the bank. This hidden gem features 83 thoughtfully spaced campsites nestled among desert terrain, including 10 convenient pull-through spots perfect for RVs and a spacious group site ideal for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Each site comes equipped with sturdy concrete picnic tables and fire pits where stories are shared under star-filled skies. While embracing a rustic camping experience with vault toilets, the campground provides seasonal potable water for your convenience. A dump station is available for $10 during operating seasons, ensuring a comfortable stay for all types of campers.
Tuttle Creek Campground offers standard RV/tent sites, a group camping area, and equestrian accommodations. The campground is primarily first-come, first-served, using a 'scan and pay' system.
Historical SignificanceStep into the silver screen legacy of the American West at Tuttle Creek, where the nearby Alabama Hills have served as nature's movie set for countless Hollywood westerns and blockbusters. This storied landscape has witnessed the galloping horses of classic westerns and the thundering action of modern films, making every sunrise feel like a cinematic moment. The nearby town of Lone Pine adds layers of cultural richness, offering a glimpse into the region's mining heritage and serving as a basecamp for generations of mountaineers pursuing their Mount Whitney dreams.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of desert seasons at Tuttle Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter nights whisper with temperatures dipping into the low 20s, creating crystalline mornings perfect for hot coffee by the fire. Summer arrives with intensity, bringing scorching days that make early morning hikes and evening stargazing the activities of choice. Spring transforms the campground into a photographer's paradise, with snow-capped peaks creating stunning backdrops against wildflower-dotted terrain. Fall offers the sweet spot for camping, with gentle temperatures and golden light that bathes the desert in warm hues.
ElevationAt 5,000 feet above sea level, Tuttle Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot in the high desert ecosystem, where crisp mountain air mingles with the warmth of the desert sun. This elevation gifts campers with noticeably cooler temperatures than the valley floor below, offering respite from summer heat while maintaining the stark beauty of desert landscapes. The altitude creates perfect conditions for spectacular stargazing and provides just enough elevation to catch cooling mountain breezes without the challenges of higher altitude camping.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic views that stretch from the towering granite walls of the Sierra Nevada to the sculpted formations of ancient desert terrain. A melodic creek winds through the campground, providing a soothing soundtrack and attracting local wildlife to its banks. Seasonal transformations create an ever-changing canvas: winter and spring crown the surrounding peaks with pristine snow, while summer sunsets paint the sky in impossible shades of orange and purple. The sparse desert vegetation frames unobstructed views, allowing the raw beauty of this transitional landscape to take center stage.
Geological RegionTuttle Creek sits at the dramatic intersection where the Mojave Desert meets the Sierra Nevada, creating a geological wonderland of contrasts. This rugged high desert terrain showcases millions of years of Earth's history, from the weathered granite formations to the alluvial fans spreading from mountain canyons. The campground offers front-row seats to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, while the otherworldly rock formations of Alabama Hills provide an accessible playground for exploration. Sparse vegetation punctuates the landscape, allowing the raw geological features to dominate the scenery with their ancient stories written in stone.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed in official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeStandard sites with some larger options; RVs up to 30 feet are supported, and the group site accommodates up to four RVs or trailers.
Sites PrivacySites offer a mix of privacy levels; some are closer together while others, especially creek-side, provide more seclusion. Users report that sites vary in spaciousness.
Total Campsites83 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose even-numbered sites (1-28) for proximity to creek. Avoid sites without shade during summer. Larger rigs should opt for pull-through sites.
Best CampsitesSite 38 offers magical views and proximity to the bathroom. Creekside sites, such as Site 8, are highly recommended for peaceful water sounds.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 days per visit, not exceeding 28 days per calendar year across all Bishop Field Office campgrounds.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Tent camping group site accommodates up to 15 people. Standard campsites accommodate typical occupancy limits typical to BLM campgrounds.
Groups
The group site can comfortably accommodate up to 15 people and is equipped with six picnic tables and four fire pits. RV/trailer space within the group site is limited to four, and adjacent sites can be rented for additional space.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops with 83 sites, including 10 pull-through spots. Sites are well-spaced for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsPayments are made on-site via Scan & Pay or with Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Visitors pick a site and pay using drop box or app. Campground tends to fill up more on weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds or modifications are allowed due to Scan & Pay system. Payments are made via dropbox or Recreation.gov app and are non-refundable.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and access to a creek for fishing. Nearby attractions include the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney. Seasonal conditions influence activity enjoyment, with some trails becoming inaccessible due to weather. Star-gazing is a popular night-time activity.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, including a 10-mile round trip hike to a historic ashram. Difficulty levels vary; the ashram hike involves significant elevation gain.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the creek running through the campground, with some reviews mentioning trout. Fishing success may vary by season.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as a highlight, with reviews mentioning the scenic surroundings and occasional sightings of local fauna.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited due to seasonal closures of water and dump stations. The cold weather contributes to activities like star-gazing, given the clear night skies.Water Sports
Creek-related activities, such as wading, are possible but not organized.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed within established rings. Seasonal restrictions may apply during high fire risk periods.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWind gusts of up to 50 mph during certain seasons. Moth infestations reported in warmer months. Lack of shade in most campsites increases sun exposure risks.
Active alertsSeasonal closures of water spigots and dump station starting October 31. Fire restrictions during high-risk periods.
Weather forecast
51
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Inyo County Sheriff (760-873-7887); Mono County Sheriff (760-932-7549); Call 911 for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season mentioned, but summer months are popular for camping.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available near the entrance of the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresTuttle Creek flows through the campground, providing limited access to cool mountain water during warmer months.
Common complaintsIssues with site availability confusion due to first-come-first-serve system. Noise from generators at night. Moth infestations during specific seasons.
HostHosts are reportedly helpful and friendly, although not consistently present. Seasonal host changes noted.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Highway 395, drive 3.5 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road, then 1.5 miles south on Horseshow Meadow Road, follow signs to the campground.
The road is paved but becomes narrow and challenging for larger vehicles. Some reviews recommended avoiding certain routes such as Whitney Portal with large rigs due to twists and dips.Nearby places
Lone Pine (5 miles northeast)
Bishop (approximately 40 miles north)
Mammoth Lakes (approximately 60 miles north).
Nearby supplies
The nearest amenities are 5 miles northeast in Lone Pine, including grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies. Showers are available in Lone Pine.
Camper Reviews
4.4
98 reviews
Tuttle Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Tuttle Creek Campground is praised for its affordability, scenic views of the Sierra Nevada, and spacious sites. Visitors appreciate the clean restrooms and the creek running through the campground. Complaints include strong winds, moth infestations, and limited shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 98 reviews
What Campers Love
Affordability at $10 per night; clean vault toilets; beautiful mountain views; spacious sites; proximity to attractions like Mount Whitney and the Alabama Hills; quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Based on 98 reviewsCommon Concerns
Strong winds in certain seasons; moth infestations during warmer months; limited shade; occasional generator noise disrupting the quiet; uneven and sloping sites.
Based on 98 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Stake down tents due to windy conditions; bring layers for cold nights; check site markers for availability before parking; use nearby Lone Pine for supplies and showers; choose creek-side sites for...
Based on 98 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter: Low occupancy, no potable water, and dump station closures; cold but excellent star-gazing. Spring/Fall: Ideal for mild weather and scenic views; group site usage increases. Summer: Hot and...
Based on 98 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Spectacular views all times of day, incredible stars." - Scott Keck. "The views of Mount Whitney were incredible especially capped in snow." - Roxane McCosh. "The stars were worth it!" - Scottimus...
Based on 98 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 38 is noted as 'magical' for its convenience and views. Specific reviews praise sites near the creek (e.g., Site 8) for their tranquility. Site 19 is described as offering 'million-dollar views.'
Based on 98 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific information on accessibility features or user experiences is provided.
Based on 98 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the campground is noted as dog-friendly. Visitors recommend bringing leashes and ensuring pets are comfortable with the campground's dry, open terrain.
Based on 98 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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