Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion camping at lone pine lake - whitney permit?

We were thinking of starting our trek the day prior to our permitted entry date. We were going to camp at lone pine lake though I've heard that although day hiking is permitted to LPL, camping there without a valid permit is not? How much of a risk are we taking camping the night before our permit entry date @ LPL. I've heard you have to appear in court in Lone Pine if you get caught.
Thanks.