Sites 43 and 44 are known for bear traffic. TeamBruin (BruinDave) and TeamDanu (+ @ti2d) know that all too well. They are the first campgrounds before heading into WP. Bit of a walk from the trailhead and the Store, but worth the isolation. Lone Pine Creek flows nearby. There is a pit toilet and a spigot. Site 44 is huge and accommodate at least 4 six-person tents. There are 3 bear boxes (2 near the parking area, 1 near the campsite). Plenty of trees to hang a hammock (bears don't like them).
For those who do not want the Portal and prefer Lone Pine Campground (along Whitney Portal Road), the eastend sites near the creek have ample shade. There are spigots and pit toilets as well as firewood for sale from the camp host. We have not encountered any bears down there, but there are plenty of rattlesnakes so be careful where you tread at night and keep that tent zipped up at all times. We prefer Site 017 although it is a ways to either toilet. Each site has those huge bear lockers.
On the westend of LPG, Site 001 (the one with the big rock) is ideal. It has one tree and is adjacent to the creek. It is just a few steps away from the pits. The other sites provide no shade. There are also walk-ins on the westend.
One note about LPG is that the Whitney Portal National Recreational Trail starts here at the westend. It is an 4-mile hike to the WPS with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It is a beautiful hike. The trail empties out at the bridge near the pond at WP. It also runs adjacent to and through some of the campsites at WP. It can be done as a roundtrip. During July and August, it might be best to start your hike early. Beware of bears. The trail is in excellent shape and easy to follow. The only watering points are near the creek as you near the campsites. When the store is open, you can blow the froth off a couple while eating a Mooseburger and fries. If you are an angler, bring your tackle.
If you are really crazy and gung-ho, start your Mt. Whitney hike here at the WPNRT TH!
And if you are really, really lucky, you may know someone who owns one of those cabins at WP. We had the good fortune of staying at one of those cabins during our hike in September 2007. The cabin we stayed at was just a stone's throw from Meysan Lakes Trail. Those cabins are awesome!
I hope this little bit of information helps you during your planning.
We got dibs on site 44!
Make reservations here. Have fun.
