Availability
Second 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.
Backpacking camp
Second Lake camp area
Big Pine North Fork — Inyo National Forest, California
About this place
Second Lake is one of the most recognizable lakes in the Big Pine Lakes basin, known for its vivid turquoise water and the dramatic granite spires of Temple Crag rising directly beyond the western end of the lake. The surrounding terrain combines open granite, talus slopes, scattered pines, and small pockets of vegetation, with much of the shoreline offering unobstructed views across the water toward the Palisade region. Camping areas are found primarily on benches and ledges around the northern and eastern portions of the lake, where the elevated terrain provides broad views of the basin. Second Lake sits between First and Third Lakes along the main North Fork Big Pine Creek route and makes a central base for exploring the lower portion of the lake basin.
Campfires & stoves
- Campfire rules
- Allowed in the provided campground fire ring when Cleveland National Forest restrictions permit. Campfires and charcoal may be prohibited during hot, dry conditions. Keep fires within the developed fire facility and buy firewood locally/burn it onsite rather than transporting firewood long distances.
- Stove rules
- Portable camp-stove use is governed by the current Cleveland National Forest fire order. The campground page does not publish a permanent stove exemption, so do not assume a gas stove is exempt from a posted restriction; follow the fuel/device and permit requirements in the active order.
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 or counterbalanced at least 15 ft above the ground and 10 ft horizontally from a tree trunk.
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; Rainbow trout
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
Second 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.
- Second LakeLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
- Unnamed mapped stream or riverRiver or stream · at the camp areaMapped perennial source — verify current flow · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
High Sierra approaches can be snowbound well into summer, and several roads, shuttles, and remote spurs operate only seasonallyPlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of Second Lake is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approach: Big Pine Creek North Fork 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 Second 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.
- Big Pine Creek North Fork Trailhead4.5 mi awayBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 37.123748° N
- Longitude
- 118.487580° W