Chicken Ranch Sites 43-45

Chicken Ranch is an out-and-back spur off of Moffat Ranch Road. It leads to dispersed campsites 41, 42, and 43 and the Chicken Ranch Mine. The views of the Eastern Sierras and the surrounding areas are rather good. Being out of the main area of Movie Flats, it's evident this road is not as traveled as much. The road does have a few erosion washouts, and anyone attempting to tow a long trailer beyond the first site may find it difficult; otherwise, any high clearance vehicle not towing will have no issues.

About camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Below is a brief description of each site:

• 43: Good for a smaller trailer or two vehicles. Large enough to fit more, but only a small portion is level. It is a pull-through style site and does not have a tent pad.
• 44: Good for a small trailer or 2-3 vehicles. The bulk of the site is level with a view of the mine, but the site is right off of the road.
• 45: Best for vehicles and tents, two max. Not very level as a whole, and it is right off the road.