Tuttle Creek Ashram Stone House
Scenic, budget-friendly campground with stunning Eastern Sierra views and easy access to Alabama Hills. Perfect for nature lovers and road trippers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect weather, not too hot or cold.
Tuttle Creek Ashram Stone House
Best Time
Perfect weather, not too hot or cold.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic, budget-friendly campground with stunning Eastern Sierra views and easy access to Alabama Hills. Perfect for nature lovers and road trippers.
"Dry camping in one of the most beautiful campgrounds you'll ever visit."
💰 Budget-Friendly Camping
Enjoy incredible views for just $8-$10/night. Senior/access pass holders get a discount! :moneywithwings:
🚗 Arrive Early for Spots
Sites are first-come, first-served. Arrive by sunset to increase your chances of finding a great spot. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eastern Sierra Views
Campground sites
Wake up to breathtaking vistas of the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the unique rock formations of the Alabama Hills.
Alabama Hills Proximity
Short drive from campground
Explore the iconic rock formations and movie filming locations of the Alabama Hills, just a short drive away.
Manzanar National Historic Site
5 miles north
Visit the poignant Manzanar National Historic Site, a reminder of a significant chapter in American history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
First-Come, First-Served Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Seeking Campground Recommendations Between Death Valley and Lake Tahoe
💰 Budget-Friendly Camping
Enjoy incredible views for just $8-$10/night. Senior/access pass holders get a discount! :moneywithwings:
🚗 Arrive Early for Spots
Sites are first-come, first-served. Arrive by sunset to increase your chances of finding a great spot. :car:
Alabama Hills camping question
Lone Pine, CA in winter?
💧 Potable Water Available
Fresh water is available, but consider bringing extra for cooking and drinking. :droplet:
🐴 Horse-Friendly Sites
Some sites have horse paddocks, making it ideal for equestrian campers. :horse:
Camping along the 395…
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Camping
Enjoy incredible views for just $8-$10/night. Senior/access pass holders get a discount! :moneywithwings:
🚗 Arrive Early for Spots
Sites are first-come, first-served. Arrive by sunset to increase your chances of finding a great spot. :car:
💧 Potable Water Available
Fresh water is available, but consider bringing extra for cooking and drinking. :droplet:
🐴 Horse-Friendly Sites
Some sites have horse paddocks, making it ideal for equestrian campers. :horse:
📱 Strong Cell Service
Surprisingly good T-Mobile 5G service (4 bars) for staying connected. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Campers rave about the breathtaking views of the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Alabama Hills at this incredibly affordable BLM campground. The spacious sites, fire rings, and available amenities like potable water are highly appreciated. While pit toilets could use some attention, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, especially considering the low cost.
"Dry camping in one of the most beautiful campgrounds you we'll ever visit. I'm attaching the morning view.
Hot in the middle of summer, cold in the middle of winter, perfect place in spring or fall. It's Thanksgiving week hi of 65 low of 38. Perfection.
Bonus: Manzanar is only about 5 miles up the road.
I hesitate to post this because I don't want it to be too popular.
Oh, and cost is $8 a night. BLM campground baby!
Bonus 2: T-Mobile 4 bars of 5g"
Brent Smiley
"This is a wonderful simple campground in the affordable range. Well maintained with clean toilets and trash disposal. The sites are well sized and have large fire rings. The two sites next to ours had horse paddocks! You can get fresh water from the creek and the views are fabulous. We rode the motorcycle to the nearby Alabama Hills and up to Lone Pine Lake (well, almost). Definitely recommended, would stay there again."
Leonie Darsow
"Great little BLM campground! The fee is $10/night, and $5 with your senior/access pass. The views of the Eastern Sierra Mountains and Alabama Hills are unbelievable. You are close to Mt. Whitney and Alabama Hills. The restrooms are pit toilets, which could use a little love. There is a creek splitting the two sides of the campground. Bugs are biting. Potable water is available, as well as a dump station for a $10 fee. Dumpsters are at the entrance. You can stay up to 30 days with a permit from the BLM office."
Drea Ervin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The campground is accessible via a road that is easily passable for most vehicles. It's located near Lone Pine, California, offering convenient access to the Eastern Sierra region.
While possible, winter camping can be very cold. Spring and fall are generally considered the most pleasant seasons due to milder temperatures.
The road leading to and from the campground is described as easily passable, making it accessible for car camping and RVs.
Yes, the campground is suitable for car camping and RVs, with spacious sites available.
The campground is located in the Eastern Sierra region, accessible from Highway 395, a major route through the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Camping fees are very affordable, typically $8-$10 per night. Senior and access pass holders often receive a discount, paying around $5. +1
No, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Campgrounds are generally open year-round, but it's always best to check with the BLM for any seasonal closures or advisories. The camping fee is paid upon arrival.
You can stay up to 30 days with a permit from the BLM office, offering an extended opportunity to explore the area.
A permit is required for stays longer than the standard limit, obtainable from the BLM office.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The campground offers clean pit toilets, picnic tables, grills, and tent pads. Potable water is available, and dumpsters are located at the entrance. A dump station is also available for a fee.
Yes, each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, perfect for enjoying campfires.
Yes, potable water is available for campers.
Cell service is surprisingly good, with T-Mobile reporting 4 bars of 5G at the campground.
Yes, there are pit toilets available at the campground, though some reviews suggest they could use some maintenance.
📸 📸 Photography
The campground itself offers stunning views of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Nearby, the Alabama Hills provide unique rock formations and landscapes perfect for photography.
Given its remote location and minimal light pollution, the area around Tuttle Creek Ashram Stone House is likely excellent for astrophotography, offering clear night skies.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting over the Eastern Sierra peaks and the Alabama Hills, making them ideal times for photography.
The Alabama Hills are a major draw for photographers, with their distinctive rock formations. The campground also provides direct views of the majestic Mt. Whitney.
The Alabama Hills are popular for landscape photography, rock climbing shots, and even filming movie scenes due to their unique geological features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the campground has pit toilets, they are generally clean. Bringing extra water and snacks is always a good idea for family outings. The proximity to Manzanar National Historic Site also offers an educational opportunity for older children to learn about a significant part of American history.
💰 Budget Travelers
Being a dry campground means you'll need to be self-sufficient with water and power, which aligns well with the minimalist approach of many budget travelers. The ability to stay for up to 30 days with a permit also makes it an excellent base for extended exploration of the Eastern Sierra region.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Day-trippers can use the campground as a base to explore the surrounding attractions. Spend your day hiking in the Alabama Hills, visiting Manzanar, or driving up to the Whitney Portal. The easy access and beautiful scenery make it a worthwhile stop even if you're not camping overnight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Alabama Hills
Many campers at Tuttle Creek Ashram Stone House make a point to visit the Alabama Hills. It's a fantastic place for a day trip, offering a different kind of beauty compared to the mountain views directly from the campground. The terrain is rugged but accessible, with many trails and off-road opportunities for those with suitable vehicles. Remember to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes, as the desert environment can be demanding.
Key attractions within the Alabama Hills include Mobius Arch, Eye of the Desert, and the Whitney Portal Road, which offers access to higher elevations and trailheads. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and while it's largely undeveloped, it provides a raw and authentic outdoor experience. The contrast between the smooth, weathered rocks and the jagged mountain skyline is truly spectacular.
Camping Experience at Tuttle Creek Ashram Stone House
While the campground provides essential amenities like pit toilets and potable water, it's important to note that it is a dry campground. This means there are no hookups for RVs, and campers should be prepared to be self-sufficient. Dumpsters are available at the entrance, and a dump station can be used for an additional fee. The first-come, first-served nature of the sites means that arriving earlier in the day, or even the day before, can be beneficial during busy periods.
Reviewers consistently praise the spectacular views of the Eastern Sierra Mountains from the campground. The proximity to attractions like Manzanar National Historic Site and the Alabama Hills further enhances its appeal. For those seeking a peaceful, budget-friendly escape with incredible natural beauty, Tuttle Creek Ashram Stone House is a highly recommended destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit