Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Whitney Portal walk-in campsites

Anyone have experience with the walk in campsites at Whitney Portal? I hear there are 10 of them. My party of three or four intend to camp there 7-16 the night before out dayhike up the Mountaineers Route. What are the chances that we can get one of these campsites if we arrive around 2 PM? Also, anyone heading up the MR on Thur 7-17? It's our first time that route and I'm kind of hoping to follow or join somebody that knows the way. I have all the MR links and have been studying and taking notes. When we return to the Portal that afternoon or evening am I allowed to get another walk in campsite there and spend another night?

I have an overnight permit for the MR going up Lone Pine Creek in August. After camping one night then summiting the next morning, am I allowed to go down the regular Main Mt Whitney trail?