Mosquito Lakes Campground

How does Mosquito Lakes Campground compare to your typical alpine camping destination? With just 11 first-come, first-served sites situated across the road from two serene reflective lakes, this campground offers a remarkably tranquil and intimate alpine experience. At an elevation of 8,000 feet in California’s Stanislaus National Forest, it is a haven for anglers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude amid striking natural beauty.

The campsites are suited for tents or small RVs and include picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. While vault toilets are available, there is no potable water or trash service, so visitors must take a pack-in, pack-out approach. The lack of modern conveniences underscores its appeal to campers craving a more primitive and immersive outdoor experience. The lakes themselves are excellent for relaxed trout fishing, often from rocky banks or the lakeside highway.

Located six miles east of Lake Alpine along the scenic Ebbetts Pass on Highway 4, Mosquito Lakes Campground provides easy access to hiking trails, including routes to Heiser and Bull Run Lakes. Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the area's pristine scenery, from glassy lake reflections to panoramic mountain vistas just east at Pacific Summit. Facilities may be minimal, but the peace, proximity to nature, and historical significance of nearby emigrant trails make this a rewarding destination for weekend getaways or brief outdoor escapes.