Availability
Third 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
Third Lake camp area
Big Pine North Fork — Inyo National Forest, California
About this place
Third Lake sits directly beneath the steep eastern face of Temple Crag, creating one of the most dramatic alpine settings in the Big Pine Lakes basin. Glacially influenced water gives the lake a distinctive blue-green color, while its shoreline is bordered by granite, moraine, boulders, scattered pines, and small flatter areas near the northwest and eastern ends. Temple Crag dominates the view above the lake, while the surrounding ridges provide glimpses toward the higher Palisade terrain. The lake lies near the junction of routes continuing toward Sam Mack Meadow and Palisade Glacier and those leading toward the higher numbered lakes, making the area a natural crossroads for exploring the upper basin
Campfires & stoves
- Campfire rules
- Campfires are allowed at campsites when Inyo National Forest restrictions permit; hot/dry conditions can prohibit campfires and charcoal. A California Campfire Permit is not required inside this developed campground. If collecting wood, hand-collect only dead-and-down wood, up to 1/4 cord for campground use; no chainsaws in the campground. Drown, stir, and feel the fire out using water rather than dirt.
- Stove rules
- Allowed in this developed campground under normal rules, with no California Campfire Permit required for normal stove use there. Portable propane/open-flame stove use remains subject to any stricter Inyo National Forest fire restriction.
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
Third 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.
- Third 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 Third 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 Third 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 Trailhead5.2 mi awayBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 37.121551° N
- Longitude
- 118.495088° W