Diaz Lake Campground
✓ Sites AvailableLone Pine, CA — swim, fish, and boat at $14/night
Diaz Lake Campground is a hidden gem just outside Lone Pine, CA — a perfect midpoint between Reno, NV and San Diego, CA. Set at the base of the Sierra Nevada with views toward Mt. Whitney, the campground offers roughly 50 primitive sites with mature shade trees, picnic tables, fire rings, and flush restrooms. The lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating, and the water warms up nicely by July. The town of Lone Pine is just 2 miles away for supplies, gas, and food. Whitney Portal — the gateway to Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 — is 13 miles up the road. Alabama Hills, where more than 200 Hollywood westerns were filmed, is a 5-minute drive.
Things to do nearby
Best For
Site Types
Amenities
2:00 PM
12:00 PM
Year-round
6 people
Known Issues
Primitive sites, no hookups. Can get hot in summer — shade trees help. First-come, first-served.
Why campers love Diaz Lake Campground
Diaz Lake sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada just outside Lone Pine — the only campground where you can swim in a lake, stare at Mt. Whitney, and sleep for $14. It’s a genuine hidden gem on the Reno–Los Angeles corridor: most road trippers speed past on US-395 while regulars quietly book the shaded sites every weekend.
What's new in 2026
Diaz Lake is operated by the City of Lone Pine. Rates have been $14/night. No reservation system — first-come, first-served. Check with Lone Pine Parks Department for seasonal updates.
What campers say about Diaz Lake Campground
"Best $14 I’ve ever spent camping. Woke up to Mt. Whitney right in front of me."
— AllStays reviewer
"Perfect midpoint on a Reno to San Diego drive. We stopped here instead of a motel and woke up on a lake."
— CamperWatch community
"Bring plenty of water and shade provisions — it gets hot by 11am. But the lake breeze helps."
— The Dyrt reviewer
Not the right fit if…
- ✕You need hookups — this is primitive tent and self-contained RV camping only
- ✕You need cell service for work — signal exists but isn’t reliable for video calls
- ✕You expect a lush, forested setting — this is Eastern Sierra high desert
Frequently asked questions
How much does Diaz Lake Campground cost per night?+
What season is Diaz Lake Campground open?+
Does Diaz Lake Campground have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Diaz Lake Campground?+
How do I make reservations at Diaz Lake Campground?+
What is the cell service like at Diaz Lake Campground?+
How far is Diaz Lake Campground from the nearest town?+
No fees added by CamperWatch.
Own a campground nearby?
List free on CamperWatch — we take 5% only on bookings we send. No monthly fee.