Availability
Lakes #3 and #5 and Lake Number Three are mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.
Backpacking camp
Lakes #3 and #5 camp area
Desolation Wilderness, California
About this place
Lakes #3 and #5 is an official itinerary area, permit zone, or source-backed named overnight reference represented by a reachable point on the pinned agency trail network in Desolation Wilderness.
The marker is a route-access reference, not a tent pad. Move off the trail only where travel is permitted, remain inside the authorized zone, and choose a legal durable site under every current setback and closure.
Water planning
Water at this camp
Natural water at or near this camp areaDrinking safety
Natural water is not verified potable. Filter and disinfect it or boil it according to the linked land-manager guidance before drinking.
Seasonality
Lakes #3 and #5 is a mapped waterbody; USGS does not classify it here as seasonal or year-round. Confirm current level, access, and quality. Lake Number Three is a mapped waterbody; USGS does not classify it here as seasonal or year-round. Confirm current level, access, and quality.
- Lakes #3 and #5Lake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
- Lake Number ThreeLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Fire planning
Campfire & stove rules
Campfires prohibitedCampfires
Wood, charcoal, and open campfires are prohibited throughout Desolation Wilderness.
Backpacking stoves
Backpacking stove allowed with permit. Use a portable controlled-fuel stove only when current forest restrictions allow it.
Permit
Carry a valid California Campfire Permit for stove use.
Current restrictions
Check the Lake Tahoe Basin and Eldorado alerts immediately before departure; temporary orders can restrict stoves as well as fires.
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
Desolation Wilderness remains winter backcountry, but several summer trailhead roads and facilities close or become snow routesPlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of Lakes #3 and #5 is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approaches: Echo Lakes Trailhead, Eagle Falls Trailhead, Bayview Trailhead, and 5 more. Desolation Wilderness remains winter backcountry, but several summer trailhead roads and facilities close or become snow routes. Highway snow controls, Sno-Park rules, and avalanche conditions can change access.
Before driving
Check Lake Tahoe Basin alerts, the exact access road, and current snow conditions; do not infer vehicle access from an open wilderness permit season.
Mapped approaches
Choose a trailhead for Lakes #3 and #5 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.
- Rockbound Trailhead7.4 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Twin Lakes Trailhead8.3 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Loon Lake Trailhead9.8 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Eagle Falls Trailhead15.4 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Bayview Trailhead15.5 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Glen Alpine Trailhead19.1 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Echo Lakes Trailhead20.7 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Meeks Bay Trailhead28.0 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 38.924297° N
- Longitude
- 120.230429° W