Box Lake | Kampilo

About this place

Box Lake sits just beyond Heart Lake in Little Lakes Valley, surrounded by the dramatic granite peaks and open alpine terrain that make this part of the Eastern Sierra so memorable. The lake is reached by an easy-to-moderate hike from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead and feels slightly quieter than some of the lower lakes along the trail, while still remaining very accessible for an overnight backpacking trip. Its rocky shoreline, clear water, scattered pines, and expansive mountain views create an excellent setting for camping, photography, fishing, and simply spending time in the high country. Box Lake also works well as a base for exploring farther into Little Lakes Valley toward Long Lake, Chickenfoot Lake, and Morgan Pass, making it a good choice for campers who want a scenic campsite without committing to a long approach.

Campfires & stoves

Campfire rules: Allowed only in the designated metal fire ring or grill outside the park’s annual June 15–October 1 campfire/charcoal closure and other high-fire-danger closures. Keep fires small enough to be quickly controlled. Bring your own firewood; collecting living or dead park vegetation is prohibited. Pallet wood may be burned only if all nails are removed and the wood fits within the ring. Extinguish with water; do not bury or cover hot ashes.
Stove rules: Allowed during the annual fire closure only if the device has a shutoff valve and uses gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel. Stoves and lanterns must be monitored at all times and may not be used inside buildings.

Human waste

Human waste rules: Bury solid human waste 6–8 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.

Dogs

Dogs allowed?: Yes
Dog rules: Dogs are allowed. Keep dogs under control at all times; on wilderness trails they must be under strict leash or voice control, and any leash must be no longer than 6 ft. Leash dogs around packers, horses, and stock animals. Keep dogs in the tent at night. Bury dog waste at least 100 ft from water or trails. Dog food must be stored in a bear-resistant container.

Fishing

Fishing allowed?: Yes
Fishing rules: Open all year. Trout: 5 per day; 10 in possession. Brook trout: open all year; limit 10; size limit less than 10 inches total length. Brook trout bag limits may be taken in addition to statewide trout daily and possession limits.
Fish species: Brook trout; Brown trout; Rainbow trout

Water planning

Water at this camp

Natural water at or near this camp area

Availability

Box Lake and Unnamed mapped stream or river are mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.

Drinking safety

Natural water is not verified potable. Filter and disinfect it or boil it according to the linked land-manager guidance before drinking.

Seasonality

Box Lake is a mapped waterbody; USGS does not classify it here as seasonal or year-round. Confirm current level, access, and quality. Unnamed mapped stream or river is classified as perennial in USGS hydrography, but current flow still must be confirmed.

Box LakeLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinking
Official source
Unnamed mapped stream or riverRiver or stream · at the camp areaMapped perennial source — verify current flow · Treat before drinking
Official source

Seasonal access

Closures & seasonal access

High Sierra approaches can be snowbound well into summer, and several roads, shuttles, and remote spurs operate only seasonally

Place closure

No recurring date-based closure of Box Lake is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.

Seasonal access

Source-connected approach: Mosquito Flat Trailhead. High Sierra approaches can be snowbound well into summer, and several roads, shuttles, and remote spurs operate only seasonally. Desert and foothill entries may remain physically reachable in winter but can become unsafe in storms, heat, or after washouts.

Before driving

Check the exact county, highway, Forest Service road, gate, and shuttle status immediately before departure; a wilderness permit does not guarantee vehicle access.

Mapped approaches

Choose a trailhead for Box Lake camp area

Each option has a sourced trail route to this camp area. Choose one to open its itinerary builder with this destination in context.

Mosquito Flat Trailhead1.6 mi awayBuild from here

Map

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Latitude: 37.414917° N
Longitude: 118.754160° W

Sources