Know the land before you walk it.
Maps, campground guides, and curated links to the agencies and resources that help you plan a safe, informed trip into the Mokelumne Wilderness and Carson Pass area.
Mokelumne Wilderness overview
The Mokelumne Wilderness spans portions of three national forests. Use the interactive maps below to orient yourself to the terrain, trailheads, and surrounding roads before heading into the backcountry.
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Carson Pass area campsites
Several developed campgrounds serve as base camps for day-hikes and multi-day trips through the area. Most sites require advance reservations through Recreation.gov during peak season.
Caples Lake Campground
On the south shore of Caples Lake at 7,800 ft. 35 sites, flush toilets, water. Direct access to Emigrant Lake and Thunder Mountain trails.
Woods Lake Campground
Small, quiet campground at 8,200 ft near the Round Top Lake and Winnemucca Lake trailhead. 25 sites, vault toilets, no hookups.
Silver Lake Campground
At the north end of Silver Lake on Hwy 88. Multiple loops totaling over 60 sites; boat launch nearby. Good base for exploring the north Mokelumne.
Kirkwood Lake Campground
Quiet, non-motorized lake at 7,600 ft. 12 primitive sites; vault toilets, no water. Walk-in feel with vehicle access. Ideal for families.
CARSON PASS MANAGEMENT AREA
Backcountry campsites
The Carson Pass Management Area contains several pristine alpine lakes with designated backcountry campsites. Permits are required for overnight stays. All sites are walk-in only — leave no trace principles strictly apply.
Lake Winnemucca
A shallow glacial lake set in an open cirque at 8,980 feet, reached in roughly two miles from the Woods Lake trailhead. Sites are clustered on the north and east shore on granite benches above the waterline.
Round Top Lake
Tucked below the steep north face of Round Top Peak at 9,380 feet. A longer approach from either Woods Lake or Carson Pass. Sites are dispersed across granite slabs on the west shore with panoramic views of the crest.
4th of July Lake
The most remote of the three, sitting at 8,880 feet in a forested cirque below the Devils Peak ridge. Sites are spread through timber and open granite, offering the most sheltered camping in the management area.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Useful links for planning your trip
Eldorado National Forest
Trail conditions, fire restrictions, and permit information for the west side of the Sierra Nevada.
Recreation.gov
Reserve campsites, wilderness permits, and day-use passes for Carson Pass and surrounding areas.
CalTopo
Free topographic mapping and route-planning tool. Download offline maps for the Mokelumne before you leave cell range.
NWS Reno — Sierra Forecast
National Weather Service zone forecasts for the Sierra Nevada crest, updated twice daily.
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Conditions reports, permit guidance, and water sources along the PCT where it crosses the Mokelumne Wilderness.
Humboldt-Toiyabe NF
East-side access, Carson Pass regulations, and backcountry permit details from the Toiyabe ranger district.
El Dorado National Forest Interpretive Association
The ENFIA volunteer organization supports interpretation and education at Carson Pass and across the Eldorado National Forest.
Carson Pass Information Station
Follow the Carson Pass Information Station on Facebook for seasonal updates, trail news, and volunteer highlights from the gateway to the Mokelumne Wilderness.
VOLUNTEER DOCUMENTS
Volunteer Documents
Volunteer forms and required agreements are available on the Regulations & Safety page under the Volunteer Resources section.
View Volunteer Resources