Whitney Portal Campground

Majestic views all around. Sheer granite cliffs surround you. The flow of Lone Pine Creek right beside our campsite was natural white noise. Towering pines allow for dappled shade throughout. A beautiful place overall. Site managers Bob and Emily were terrific hosts and super nice. Vault toilets, no showers. Closest public showers are at the hostel in town. As others have mentioned, be bear aware. A young bear was already waiting at our campsite when we arrived around midnight from town, with a car full of food. As my friend was unloading the car and about to put all the food into the bear locker, a bear was already at the other side of the car. After she backed away, I saw from afar the bear opened the car door. Then walked towards us, so of course all food and backpack was dropped and w

Area is absolutely beautiful. Drive is easy, just 20 minutes off the 395 North. Campsites are all full of trees, lots of shade. You can hear the rush of Whitney creek even when you're not right next to it. We stayed in the first site you come to as you drive into the campgrund--site 42. It was a Wed. in August and no one was in the sites around us. Even with use of bear box and keeping food within arms reach, bear came within 2-3 feet of my friend and took our food. Bear would not be scared away even with yelling and rocks being thrown. We went to find campground host, and the sign on the door said: Don't knock for bears. I can do nothing. In the morning, had conversation with host and he said bear encounters were happening every single day. Would not tent camp there again. If you do, keep

Unfortunately there was a lot of black bear activity. (7/29-8/1) Very bold trying to open car doors and attempting to get into the bear boxes. Very sneaky bear stole food from us 6 feet away on the picnic table as soon as the sun went down. Be vigilant with putting all food up in the bear boxes before dark. Beautiful campsite with rainbow trout in the stream. Great place to stay before Hiking Mountain Whitney.

Terrific campground. Like many California state campgrounds the bathrooms are eh but the hosts were incredible. Friendly and very helpful. Would come back just for the good vibes. We climbed Whitney and used this as our base camp for the night before and after.

The campground is at elevation, so during the summer the temperatures are much more comfortable than in the valley. Sites are mostly spacious, shade can vary depending on the area. Lots of green pollen from the trees, bear proof boxes, fire rings, restrooms, no showers. Small river flowing nearby. A mile up the road is a convenience store with some souvenirs, coffee, ice cream, meat and drinks, some simple food options. Tip: the entire area has no cell phone reception, the only place with signal is the coffee area in the store!