Availability
Rae Lakes and South Fork Woods Creek are mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.
Backpacking camp
Rae Lakes camp area
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California
About this place
Rae Lakes 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
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
Rae Lakes is a mapped waterbody; USGS does not classify it here as seasonal or year-round. Confirm current level, access, and quality. South Fork Woods Creek is classified as perennial in USGS hydrography, but current flow still must be confirmed.
- Rae LakesLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
- South Fork Woods CreekRiver or stream · at the camp areaMapped perennial source — verify current flow · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Fire planning
Campfire & stove rules
Campfires prohibitedCampfires
This camp's approximate 10,558-ft elevation is above the applicable park-side campfire limit. Where fires remain legal, use an existing ring only; wood-burning stoves follow the campfire rule.
Backpacking stoves
Gas backpacking stove allowed. A purpose-built gas stove using its designated fuel remains allowed under the current Stage 1 order. Wood-burning and twig stoves follow the campfire prohibition.
Permit
No separate California Campfire Permit is identified for purpose-built gas stove use inside the national parks; the wilderness permit and park rules still apply.
Current restrictions
SEKI Stage 1 restrictions currently add a campfire ban below 6,000 feet in undeveloped backcountry camps. Recheck park conditions before departure.
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
Cedar Grove, Mineral King, Big Meadows, and high-elevation park roads have different snow closures and operating seasons; winter access can end far below the summer trailheadPlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of Rae Lakes is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approaches: Road's End Trailhead, Wolverton Lakes Trailhead, Crescent Meadow Trailhead, and 5 more. Cedar Grove, Mineral King, Big Meadows, and high-elevation park roads have different snow closures and operating seasons; winter access can end far below the summer trailhead.
Before driving
Check current park roads, construction, gates, and permit-station instructions for the exact entry. Seasonal opening dates move with snow and repair work.
Approach, parking, or service windows
- Highway 180 Cedar Grove winter closureUsually mid-November → Usually the fourth Friday in AprilOfficial source
Highway 180 from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove and Road's End generally closes in mid-November and reopens around the fourth Friday in April, subject to snow, rockfall, and repairs.
- 2026 Mineral King Road winter closureOctober 28, 2026 → Spring reopening; date not yet publishedOfficial source
The park's 2026 construction schedule states that Mineral King Road closes for winter on October 28, 2026. The trailhead is not reachable by vehicle after the gate closes.
Mapped approaches
Choose a trailhead for Rae Lakes 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.
- Road's End Trailhead16.1 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Marvin Pass Trailhead36.0 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- JO Pass Trailhead37.9 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Big Meadows Trailhead42.7 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Lodgepole Twin Lakes Trailhead44.5 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Lewis Creek Trailhead45.5 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Wolverton Lakes Trailhead47.7 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Crescent Meadow Trailhead48.1 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Sawtooth Pass Trailhead50.0 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Tar Gap Trailhead85.5 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
- Atwell Mill Trailhead86.5 mi awayView trailheadBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 36.805135° N
- Longitude
- 118.402998° W