Highway 395, the scenic road which gives you access to the Eastern Sierra, stretches from Palm Springs to Mount Shasta. This old trade route has now become the land of adventure for many reasons. Access to some of the best backpacking, trail running, and hiking in the United States is here in the Eastern Sierra. Because of this access, the Eastern Sierra house some of the best camping spots, but where are they?
The Eastern Sierra, along highway 395, are home to the best camping spots like Temple Crag, Ansel Adam’s Wilderness, Dusy Basin under North Palisade, Rae Lakes, and Kearsarge Pass. All of these camping spots are located in the backcountry, making them the perfect overnight backpacking destination.
Read on to learn about these camping spots trailheads, time it takes to get there, popularity, and so much more.
A self portrait taken at sunrise from the iconic lake three campsite under Temple Crag. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Temple Crag
Trailhead for Temple Crag camping:
South Fork of Big Pine
Click here for driving directions to the South Fork of Big Pine
What makes camping at temple crag special?
Camping at third lake, under Temple Crag, is GORGEOUS! From the morning light touching the tips of Temple Crag to the glacier fed lake, this spot holds magic. The unique color of the water comes from the minerals run off of the Palisade Glacier several hours futher down the trail.
How long does it take to hike to and camp at temple crag?
The hike to third lake of Big Pine, with a fully loaded pack to stay the night from the parking lot, will take an average roughly 5 hours. Reaching Temple Crag takes perseverance as the whole hike is uphill.
How popular is camping at temple crag?
This trailhead and camp spot is one of the most popular, and always growing, especially lake three.
Additional Notes about camping at temple crag:
Temple Crag, the awesome peak in the back, is home to several climbs on my tick list. While I have not climbed any yet, I am excited for the day! The rock is supposed to be average to a bit loose in comparison to the Palisades, just behind. If rumors hold true, the rock is probably still good.
A night under the Milky Way, well into the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Photo by Dalton Johnson
North to South Lake Loop
Trailhead for North to South Lake Loop camping:
Since this trip is a loop, you can start at either North Lake or South Lake of Bishop’s Pass. I suggest starting at North Lake… permits are easier
Click here for directions to North Lake Trailhead
What makes camping the North to South Lake Loop special?
Seclusion. The North to South lake loop is remote, offering time alone in the wilderness. Additionally, this loop winds between two ranges of granite mixed with gorgeous lakes.
How long does it take to hike to and camp at North to South Lake Loop?
Backpacking the full North to South Lake Loop takes 4-5 days. Some backpackers choose to stop half-way for a rest day so they can swim in the lakes.
How popular is camping at North to South Lake Loop?
Close to the trailhead, you will see several day hikers. However, once you are a day, or two, into the backcountry, you will not see many other groups.
Additional Notes about camping at North to South Lake Loop:
The camping in the area is limited as there is a large lake, a tallus slope, and little room to put a tent. We arrived in the middle of a storm, so setting up our tents and hiding as quickly as possible was key. However, once the storm had past and the sky cleared, the stars came out in full force. Actually, I was able to see comet Neowise with my naked eye, now that was an experience!
My tent glows in the dark of night, resting under the Palisade range of the Eastern Sierra Mountains in CA. Photo by Dalton Johnson
the Palisades in dusy basin
Trailhead for the Palisades camping:
Dusy Basin is just over Bishop Pass, so you will take the South Lake Trailhead
Click here for directions to South Lake Trailhead
What makes camping at the Palisades special?
Camping in Dusy Basin is remote, offers easy access to the highest concentration of 14,000 foot peaks in the lower 48, and catches the sunset light, iconic to the Eastern Sierra, perfectly.
How long does it take to hike to and camp at the Palisades?
Hiking to the Palisades takes a full day. The push over Bishop pass will leave you with a thigh burner. The good news is that once you reach the plataue of Bishop’s Pass, it is all downhill after that.
How popular is camping at the Palisades?
Camping in Dusy Basin is not popular, however Bishop’s Pass offers access to several other backpacking trails, so be ready to see others until you turn off the trail and head for the lakes under the Palisade Range.
Additional Notes about camping at the Palisades:
The Palisade Range is home to the most 14,000 foot peaks in the lower 48. Housing 5 peaks, this range is the perfect training ground for bigger objective, so I have been told. I have summited several of these peaks, but have not been to any of the greater ranges, like Alaska, Andes, Dolomites, or Himalayas. However, these peaks alone are enough for those looking for a challenge. The best part, once you start, there are games you can start to play within the community. From speed records to first ascents, the possibilities are left to your imagination.
Kristin enjoys a slow morning in her sleeping bag just before hiking back to the cars. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Kearsarge Pass
Trailhead for Kearsarge Pass camping:
To reach Kearsarge Pass, take the Onion Valley Trailhead
Directions to Onion Valley Trailhead
What makes camping at Kearsarge Pass special?
While this is a popular trailhead to access the Rae Lakes Loop when the Kings Canyon-Sequoia National Park permits are taken, this spot doesn’t not have many camping. Most people skip these early lakes and make their way over the pass.
How long does it take to hike to and camp at Kearsarge Pass?
Hiking into the first couple of lakes of Kearsarge Pass will take between two and three hours.
How popular is camping at Kearsarge Pass?
Camping at Kearsarge Pass is not competitive and permits are readily available, however there will be a lot of people hiking along the trail.
Additional Notes about camping at Kearsarge Pass:
Make sure to stop at one of the many lakes along Kearsarge Pass on your way in, or out, of hiking into Sequoia NP. Even if this is only for a quick dip into the water, this spot has wonderful views, good camping, and easy access. If you are leaving your car late, this spot is great. If you are coming out and can stay one extra night, you are only a couple of miles from your car, so take the extra night and head out early the next morning.
Abi makes breakfast at Rae Lakes after a long night in a downpour. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Rae Lakes Area
Trailhead for Rae Lakes Area camping:
Reaching Rae Lakes from highway 395, begin at Onion Valley Campground trailhead.
Directions to Onion Valley Trailhead
What makes camping at Rae Lakes Area special?
Come on, just look at that view! You have towering mountain peaks surrounding lakes, holding in crystal blue water, that are perfect to swim in.
How long does it take to hike to and camp at Rae Lakes Area?
Reaching Rae Lakes from highway 395 takes a couple days. You will need to cross three mountain passes. Along the way, keep an eye out for some of the more breath taking lakeside views imaginable.
How popular is camping at Rae Lakes Area?
Camping around the Rae Lakes area is one of the most popular camping areas in all of the Eastern Sierra. So, even though this a couple of days into the backcountry, be ready to see people. Heck, we struggled to find a place to put our tents!
Additional Notes about camping at Rae Lakes Area:
Rae Lakes loop has exploded over these last few years. The reason, it is freak’n gorgeous! As backpackers escape to the woods, it is important to easy the impact on trails—hence the quota system. So, if you are desperate to get back here, you can make the trek up and over Kearsarge pass into the Rae Lakes basin. From here, do the loop and head on out!
Mount Whitney glowing golden at sunset, captured from the Alabama Hills. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have learned about the best camping spots trailheads, time it takes to get there, popularity, and so much more, it is time for you to explore the Eastern Sierra for yourself. I would love to hear about any trip you have taken to the Eastern Sierra in the comments below.
