Diaz Lake Recreational Area is located just south of downtown Lone Pine and it seems to be a semi-hidden gem of a campground.

About the Campground

This campground lies on the left side of Highway 395 going north. You enter into a wide parking area for boat loading and unloading. There is a small check-in building (it’s alway empty when I have visited), a picnic area, a playground, and the lake–family and dog-friendly.

The backdrop is the beautiful Sierra Mountains saturated with that stunning alpine glow in the mornings and evenings. The campsites lie on the other side of the lake when you follow the road that wraps around towards the back. The first campsites on the right contained sun cover from trees, but the rest had no shade cover, nor privacy.

This campground had many RV’s, and did not lack space for multiple cars. Most sites contained a picnic table, grassy area, lake access, and fire pits. No bear boxes, but there was ample room for 4+ tents. The bathrooms were just pit toilets that sat out in the sun all day, and neighbors were commonly seen walking through other campsites to access the lake. 

About Our Campsite

Our campsite did not have any privacy at all, nor did it have any surrounding trees, beside the one. During the summer months, I would recommend a campsite with shade cover, but otherwise, an umbrella would be helpful. Our campsite felt almost too large for just the two of us, but all the others were sized similarly. Despite the lack of privacy, we didn’t have any immediate neighbors, and everyone near by was quiet and kept to themselves. I feel indifferent to this particular campsite, and may book a different site in the future just to experience something different. But overall, the location and views captivated me.

What is Nearby this Campground?

Just 30 minutes south lies the scenic Owens Lake, and as previously mentioned, this spot lies south of downtown Lone Pine. There are various options for food just a short drive away, as well as convenience stores, and gas stations. Lone Pine is home to the infamous Whitney Portal Rd, as well as Alabama Hills and dispersed camping. Nearby campgrounds include Portuguese Joe Campground, and Tuttle Creek campgrounds.

In addition, some historical spots include the Gravesite of the 1872 Lone Pine Earthquake Victims, and the historical Manzanar War Relocation Camp (for Japanese immigrants, and Japanese Americans) is only about a 20 min drive north.

Additional Thoughts & Experiences

I think the convenience this campground provides remains a favorite. With Alabama Hills’ more recent restrictions on dispersed camping, Diaz Lake is a perfect alternative. It lies in a favorable middle spot if you’re traveling from LA/southern CA towards Mammoth Lakes or Lake Tahoe.

During our time there, we made multiple runs to the convenient stores in Lone Pine, as it was so close. We spent the day enjoying the sun & water, fishing, and getting wet. This was the location where we began our outdoors adventures regarding food. We ended up eating a shockingly satisfying steak & ramen meal in our car, with plates that were too small, while trying to avoid the bugs.

Coincidently enough, I had stumbled across this spot on my first road trip with my dad, but never remembered the name or place. Years later, my boyfriend at the time and I spontaneously booked a site there and I gleefully discovered that it was this pretty place.

In conclusion, I will definitely be back, even if it is just to hang out for the day. It’s a perfect location for lunch’s break, or a pit stop to sleep.

For more great campground locations along Highway 395, visit here.

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