Horseshoe Meadows has a campground and I would imagine you'd be able to camp in the van there. I've spent a few days up there acclimating before climbing Whitney.
The Whitney Portal elevation is only 8,300 feet. This is probably my favorite campground in the world, but a lot of other people agree as getting a reservation is very tricky. I snagged the last spot the night before before my summit date this coming July. There are walk-in spots available but you wouldn't be able to drive to those, and again, that won't get you to 10,000 feet. The closest option would be to start the hike and camp at Lone Pine Lake, but that too requires the elusive overnight permit (even though it's not technically in the Whitney Zone.)
I'd shoot for Horseshoe Meadows personally (Cottonwood Pass is the campground I stayed in.) Those are walk-in sites so they don't require a reservation.
Best of luck on the climb!
Last edited by Andrewzuber; 03/25/21 05:18 PM.
