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Best Camp at Alabama Hills National Recreation Area | Overlanding Highway 395 In California

Updated: Feb 16

We discovered the campsite offering the most stunning views in a park where magnificent landscapes greet you at almost every corner. Map


So, Movie Road was closed off, but we totally stumbled upon a sneaky little detour by scaling this super steep hill. We kicked it into 4Low and locked the axles, and before we knew it, we were on our own little adventure! After some exploring, we ended up on this dirt road with a bunch of empty campsites. But let me tell you, there was one campsite that totally outshone the rest—it was absolutely stunning!



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Incredible Campsite With Awesome View!



Jeep Gladiator Ecodiesel, Exventure XV-3 Off-road Trailer, Camped at Alabama Hills National Recreation Area
Campsite at 4000' Looking Down On Movie Road Across the Valley to Mt Whitney and Sierra Nevada Mountain Range

Alabama Hills Was The Third Choice: We Got So Lucky!


The plan was Overlanding with our Jeep Gladiator and Xventure XV-3 Trailer to Anza Borrego. Traveling east, at the bottom of Tehachapi Pass, the destination changed to Joshua Tree. A few miles farther at Mojave California we turned north at Highway 14 towards Lone Pine CA. Final destination the popular Overlanding destination of Alabama Hills California. Our plans are always flexible.


Alabama Hills: Extremely Popular California Overlanding Destinations


Honestly, I'm not a big fan of crowds. Places like Joshua Tree and Alabama Hills just aren't my vibe. For me, the perfect Overlanding trip is all about those quiet moments—like spending three days in the desert without running into another soul. So, you can imagine how amazing it felt to stumble upon this National Scenic Area and have it all to ourselves. Total win!



Panoramic view of our rock formations and Sierra Mt Range in the distance. Our Jeep Gladiator is also in the picture.
Panoramic View Of Our Alabama Hills Campsite

 

Related Content From Muddy Ruttzz


 



Alabama Hills Was First Overlanding Trip Using Jeep Gladiator Ecodiesel Towing Xventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer


Muddy Ruttzz standing in front of Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Ecodiesel with Xventure XV-3 attached. The Sierra Mountain range is in the backround
Jeep Gladiator Ecodiesel XV-3 Off-Road Trailer



Our previous Overlanding trips were driving our Wrangler Willys Ecodiesel. Several months prior to this trip I began outfitting the Gladiator for Overlanding. That consisted of adding:

Added safety factors to already capable Rubicon Jeep.









Driving Highway 395 to Lone Pine California | Awesome Way To Start A Overlanding Trip To Alabama Hills


Stretching from Southern California to Northern Oregon, Highway 395 passes through some of the most picturesque locations in the Western United States. Our camping spot was at Jawbone Canyon OHV near Highway 14. The following day, we headed north on 14 until we reached the junction with 395. During the journey, we made a stop at Fossil Falls to marvel at the ancient dry waterfall. Our next stop was Lone Pine, where we had a view of Alabama Hills and the Sierra Mountains from the town. (Alabama Hills BLM Information)



Finding a Campsite at Alabama Hills National Recreation Area: From Whitney Portal Road to Movie Road


Wow, California really had a winter for the books this year! The rain was relentless, leaving some roads in the park pretty banged up. Movie Road had a closed sign after about three miles, which was a bummer. With limited access to the park, it felt like everyone and their dog was out camping and enjoying the day use areas. But we were determined to make the most of it!

We hit the trail leading up a steep hill and engaged the lockers on our Gladiator. It was a blast to tow our XVenture XV-3 up and over the hill, and it got us around that pesky road closure. After a couple of miles, we found a sweet little 4-wheel drive road that led us to some remote, unoccupied campsites. It was just what we needed for a little peace and quiet!



Jeep Gladiator towing xventure xv-3 off-road trailer on our way to find the most awesome campsite at Alabama Hills
Gladiator & XV-3 On Our Way To Find Awesome Alabama HillsCampsite

Is This Really The Best Campsite at Alabama Hills? Rangers And A Overlander Tells Us Yes It Is


We stumbled upon some awesome campsites, but when we reached this one, it was clear we had hit the jackpot! The view of Movie Road and the Sierras to the West, plus the Inyo Range to the East—just stunning. After we got our camp all set up, we couldn’t resist taking a moment to soak it all in and snap a few photos!



Picture of our camp at Alabama Hills with Xventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer is foreground and Mt Whitney and Sierra Mountain Range in the Backround
XVenture XV-3 Trailer & Magnificent View of Sierras


Magnificent Sunsets By The Campfire Capped Off Our Alabama Hills Overlanding Trip


So, we whipped up some dinner, and my wife even got a campfire going! We kicked back, sipped on some hot tea, and soaked in the amazing sunset. The next day, we unhooked the Jeep and set off on an adventure. Check out the whole experience in my Alabama Hills video on YouTube here.


Enjoying the sunset at Alabama Hills with a campfire and cup of Tea looking west towards the Sierras
Sunset and Campfire Alabama Hills National Recreation Area
Map To Alabama Hills National Monument In California


Best Campsite At Alabama Hills?

Saw it with our own eyes, heard what the Rangers and Campers we met had to say. This campsite appears to be the best in Alabama Hills, undoubtedly providing the most breathtaking view in the park. Don't worry, if you don't get this camp there are many more magnificent spots at Alabama Hills.


Alabama Hills Best Campsite GPS Coordinates

N 36°36.9795' - W  118°06.5170'








 

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