Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Camping at horseshoe meadows

Hi all!

I'm doing a 2 day ascent in the first week of August with some friends.

We're planning on hanging out at the Portal all day the day before, then camping in HorseShoe Meadows before heading out.

I just wanted to check - is it easy to just drive up to Horseshow Meadows and set up camp anywhere? And is it then easy to find parking in the Portal from where we will head out for the summit?

Are there any bears near Horseshow Meadows? Do we need to be carrying bear mace etc?

Thanks!!