Availability
Jamison Lake and Gold Lake are mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.
Backpacking camp
Jamison Lake camp area
Lakes Basin Recreation Area, California
About this place
Jamison Lake is a named destination on the official Lakes Basin trail map and is reachable from the Jamison/Smith Lake network.
Dispersed camping must use a durable legal site; treat all water and confirm Gold Lake Highway, snow, and fire conditions.
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
Jamison Lake is a mapped waterbody; USGS does not classify it here as seasonal or year-round. Confirm current level, access, and quality. Gold Lake is a mapped waterbody; USGS does not classify it here as seasonal or year-round. Confirm current level, access, and quality.
- Jamison LakeLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
- Gold LakeLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Fire planning
Campfire & stove rules
Campfire only when Plumas restrictions allowCampfires
Lakes Basin is dispersed National Forest camping. Use an existing safe site only where current Plumas orders permit fire and never build a new lakeshore ring.
Backpacking stoves
Controlled-fuel stove with permit. Use a shutoff-valve gas or pressurized-liquid-fuel stove; twig and wood stoves follow the campfire rule.
Permit
Carry a valid California Campfire Permit for an allowed stove or fire.
Current restrictions
Check Plumas alerts immediately before departure; seasonal restrictions can prohibit campfires or all flame devices.
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
Lakes Basin trails and Gold Lake Highway approaches can remain snowbound into summer; wildfire, storms, wet trails, and forest-road work can close individual access pointsPlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of Jamison Lake is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approach: Jamison Mine Trailhead. Lakes Basin trails and Gold Lake Highway approaches can remain snowbound into summer; wildfire, storms, wet trails, and forest-road work can close individual access points.
Before driving
Check Plumas alerts, county road status, and the exact Jamison, Grass, Smith, Rock, Hidden, or Wades approach before travel.
Mapped approaches
Choose a trailhead for Jamison 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.
- Jamison Mine Trailhead4.0 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 39.670223° N
- Longitude
- 120.657211° W