Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

punchcard · Post by **punchcard** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 3:40 am

Hi. I'll be backpacking in SEKI for two weeks and wanted to stop into Lodgepole campground to get cleaned up and resupply the day before my flight home. What is the closest backcountry site (could not get a reservation at the campground) to Lodgepole that would be good to camp at before I head home the next day?

Thank you!

AlmostThere · Post by **AlmostThere** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 8:01 am

Probably either Cahoon Gap (twin lakes trail) or Emerald Lake (designated sites, no camping at Heather which is closer in), or Panther Gap (first legal camping along the Alta trail).

zacjust32 · Post by **zacjust32** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 10:14 am

What day are you thinking of entering Lodgepole? They have over 100 sites and I doubt that all are going to be filled. There's plenty of people who either don't show up or cancel short-notice. If you go to the campground rangers they can help identify open sites and staying there. There's also a shuttle to Dorst campground which may have sites; Lodgepole camground rangers can confirm sites before you go.

punchcard · Post by **punchcard** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 10:22 am

Thanks! I'm going to be there Friday 9/23 and Saturday 9/24. I know there are a few walk up sites as well but I'd like to have a solid backup plan just in case.

I spoke to the ranger today who said I need to be 3 miles off the trailhead be officially be in the 'backcountry'. Cahoon Meadow or Willow Meadows up the Twin Lakes Trail look like the closest choice.

Appreciate any more input.

AlmostThere · Post by **AlmostThere** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 4:35 pm

Drive to Big Meadow and stay in a pullout before you get to Big Meadow itself.

Post by **maverick** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 5:04 pm

Did you check for availability at Dorst Creek or Hume Lake?

PS Just checked, there are sites available at Stony Creek and Hume Lake Campground for those dates, none at Dorst.

zacjust32 · Post by **zacjust32** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:55 pm

AlmostThere wrote:Drive to Big Meadow and stay in a pullout before you get to Big Meadow itself.

Oh, wasn't aware you had a car. In that case yeah, just drive anywhere in the Forest and camp there.

- See more at: http://www.highsierratopix.com/high-sie ... qX6yB.dpuf

This spot has awesome views and bouldering potential. Driving along the road there are many pullouts to camp at if these happen to be full. Buck Rock campground also has several non-reservable sites not far from here.

punchcard · Post by **punchcard** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 2:28 am

Sorry. No car. Just looking for the closest backcountry site I can hike to from Lodgepole. Thx

AlmostThere · Post by **AlmostThere** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 8:11 am

The shuttles run that late in season?

High Sierra Topix

Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Re: Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Re: Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Re: Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Re: Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Re: Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Re: Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Re: Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

Re: Closest camping to Lodgepole Campground??

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