Manzanar National Historic Site
Independence, CA
One of ten camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. The old auditorium houses the visitor center and a gravel auto tour passes reconstructed barracks and the cemetery; entry is free.
Manzanar in the Owens Valley was the first of ten camps in seven states set up after Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 of February 19, 1942, to confine about 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry. In August 1942 about 10,000 people lived on the 640-acre site, surrounded by barbed wire and eight guard towers, with 504 barracks in 36 blocks. The restored auditorium houses the visitor center, with about 8,000 sq ft (740 m²) of exhibits.
The 3.2-mile (5.1 km) auto and bicycle tour leads to sentry posts, Block 14, the cemetery monument and the hospital grounds. 150 people died in the camp. On foot you can explore garden remains and building foundations. Vehicles and bicycles must stay on the roads. The site lies about 9 miles (14 km) north of Lone Pine on US 395. Admission is free. Bring water and sun protection, and check the visitor center's current hours in advance.
- Nearest town
- Independence, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.7284, -118.1543
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, September and November. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Independence Creek CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 29 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Lone Pine CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Manzanar National Historic SiteTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Portuguese Joe CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 22 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Ravine CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Manzanar National Historic SiteTentsDrinking water
- Boulder Creek RV ResortMotorhome stopover14 mi from Manzanar National Historic SiteTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWi-Fi
- Taboose Creek CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 35 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Manzanar National Historic Site?
Manzanar National Historic Site is in Independence, CA, at GPS 36.7284, -118.1543. It is about 10 mi from Lone Pine.
Can you camp near Manzanar National Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Independence Creek Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Manzanar National Historic Site?
Manzanar National Historic Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: US-395: Alabama Hills, Manzanar and the bristlecones.
What is there to see near Manzanar National Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Alabama Hills (8 mi), Whitney Portal (11 mi), Zumwalt Meadow (25 mi) and Grizzly Falls (33 mi).
When is the best time to visit Manzanar National Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)