Long Lake | Kampilo

About this place

Long Lake is one of the most scenic camping destinations in Little Lakes Valley, stretching beneath a dramatic wall of granite peaks in the John Muir Wilderness. The lake sits farther up the trail from Heart Lake and Box Lake, giving it a more remote feel while still remaining relatively approachable for a short backpacking trip from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead. Its long shoreline offers expansive views, clear alpine water, scattered trees, and numerous rocky areas where campers can take in the surrounding mountain scenery. Long Lake is especially appealing for hikers who want a quieter overnight stop with easy access to additional destinations deeper in the valley, including Chickenfoot Lake, Gem Lakes, and Morgan Pass. The combination of high-elevation scenery, nearby fishing opportunities, and straightforward trail access makes it one of the standout places to camp in the Little Lakes Valley area.

Campfires & stoves

Campfire rules: Normally allowed at this developed campground, subject to Inyo National Forest fire restrictions; hot/dry conditions can prohibit campfires and charcoal. A California Campfire Permit is not required within the developed campground. If collecting firewood, hand-collect only dead-and-down wood, up to 1/4 cord for campground use; chainsaws are prohibited in campgrounds and unused wood may not be removed from the forest. Drown, stir, and feel the fire out; use water rather than dirt to extinguish.
Stove rules: Allowed in the developed campground. A California Campfire Permit is not required for normal stove use inside this developed recreation area. Propane and other open-flame stove use remains subject to any Forest Order that specifically restricts stoves.

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

Water planning

Water at this camp

Natural water at or near this camp area

Availability

Long 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

Long 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.

Long 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 Long 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 Long 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 Trailhead2.5 mi awayBuild from here

Map

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Latitude: 37.405605° N
Longitude: 118.759133° W

Sources