We couldn’t put together this list without including Alabama Hills, one of our favorite free camping spots in our home state of California. Located in Lone Pine, along HWY 395, in the Eastern Sierras, Alabama Hills is one of the most interesting and beautiful places you could spend the night. Nestled beneath Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, this entire area is owned and managed by BLM, so you can camp anywhere you’d like that is off the road. There are hundreds of different little nooks beneath rock formations that make this the perfect car camping area. Make sure that you practice Leave No Trace principles, and pack out what you pack in. Fires are allowed unless otherwise specified. Try to keep your fires only in pre-made fire rings. There are no amenities at Alabama Hills, so make sure you bring everything you need (and pack everything out). Lone Pine is a short drive from the area though, so if you want to go out to eat, or need to grab anything from a store, you’ll easily be able to. During the summer, this area can get very hot during the day. We recommend checking out the 4-mile round trip trail to Lone Pine Lake to get out of the heat. The trail starts at the Whitney Portal, just above Alabama Hills. This area is also super popular among climbers and photographers - it’s an excellent spot for night photography on a clear night. If you don’t want to make your own food, there are several restaurant options in Lone Pine, as well as a grocery store. If you’re visiting on a weekday, we highly recommend checking out Tacos Los Hermanos Food Truck for some of the best tacos you may ever eat, north of the border. Also, try to catch at least one sunrise from Alabama Hills in your lifetime. The Alpenglow on the Sierras is unparalleled.

Located about a 15 minute drive from Mammoth Lakes, the Whitmore Hot Springs recreation area is a must do while visiting the Eastern Sierras, even if you aren’t camping. There are a number of hot spring pools in the area for you to explore. Some are easier to get to than others, depending on the type of vehicle you have. Most are accessible with 4x4 or AWD vehicles. The entire area is owned and operated by the Bureau of Land Management, so you can park and camp any where that is off a road. This means you can camp and wake up right next to some of California’s best natural hot springs, all while enjoying the incredible mountain views of the Eastern Sierras. Some areas may be more flat to park on than others, so you may want to bring some blocks to put under your tires if necessary. Campfires are allowed in fire rings or grills unless otherwise specified during fire season. Pets are allowed, but be respectful of others in the area. This area is pretty popular, and can get crowded. The only time you might be able to be alone in the hot springs is at sunrise. There are no amenities anywhere in Whitmore Hot Springs area, so make sure you bring everything you need (and pack everything out with you). If you forget anything, Mammoth Lakes is a short drive away and offers shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking to grab a quick breakfast on your way down going north to south, stop at Walker Coffee Co. They have great coffee, breakfast burritos, and outdoor seating.

Known for its unique limestone rock formations, this hot spring is worth a stop. The pools can get pretty hot, so make sure you test the waters before you get in. You’ll follow a dirt road to the parking area, and from there you can walk to the pools. There are also a set of pools lower on the hill past the main ones that don’t have the limestone formations, but are beautiful all the same.

Located a little ways off the highway, this historic ghost town is a great little side trip if you’re interested in the history of the area. Bodie was in its peak as a mining town in the late 1800’s when the population was about 10,000 people. It was known for it’s “Wild West” craziness, Reverend F.M. Washington described it as “a sea of sin, lashed by the tempests of lust and passion.” The town isn’t large, but it’s a good idea to carry a physical map while visiting, as you probably won’t have cell service. Tours are offered, or you can feel free to explore on your own.

Known for its famous limestone tufa formations, Mono Lake is like no other landscape you’ll see in the area. There is a small fee to get into the area, but if you have a National Parks Pass, that’ll cover it. You can walk up to the lake, or hike around it. Camping is also available.

Just north of Mammoth, this beautiful lake offers great camping, hiking, and driving. The June Lake Scenic Loop is worth a drive any time of the year. You can get out at multiple different viewpoints to take in the beauty of the area. There are lots of great hiking trails nearby as well. Our favorite is the Parker Lake Trail.

If you’re looking for a good tacos restaurant in Bishop, Amigos is the way to go. Their shrimp tacos are the perfect post-hike meal, or post sitting in the car meal...whatever works best for you!

This spot has the best tacos on the 395, but sometimes it’s closed, so check their times before going. The salsas are super spicy, but yummm our mouths are watering just thinking of these.

This lake is located 2 miles up the Mt. Whitney Trail, starting at Whitney Portal. The trail is mostly uphill, but not terribly hard except for the elevation (the lake is at 10,000ft.) It’s a great hike if you’re looking for something that’ll take a couple of hours. Make sure you leave time to enjoy the lake, it’s breathtaking. This hike is a great way to escape the heat of Alabama Hills if you’re camping there in the summer, or an excellent way to stretch your legs if you’re on a long drive day.

This isn’t technically on Hwy 395, but if you’re coming down toward LA, it’s worth a stop. The rock formations are awesome, and the campsites are beautiful if you’re looking for a place to spend the night. They’re all first-come-first-serve, so it’s best to come early, or visit on a weekday.