camping very close to Lamarck Col

[jbullock35]

I'm planning a late-summer trip that will take me northeast over Lamarck Col, heading toward the Lamarck Lakes. If need be, is it possible to camp just after passing Lamarck Col—that is, somewhere around 37.19194, -118.66530?

I don't plan on camping there, but I'd like to know how feasible it will be to do so if my plans should change during the hike. Aerial photos make the area look smooth and barren, but I understand that the area just to the west of the col is very rocky. And topo maps leave me unsure of whether the area will be level enough. I can't find a discussion of anyone camping there in the past, which makes me wary.

[Jim F]

Yes, it is feasible to camp in the area.

The terrain just past the tarn has acres of scattered rocks, typically separated by sandy level areas. Large boulders could provide shelter. Likely, the tarn will be the only water source in late summer.

Jim

[stevet]

Cowboy camping at the tarn below the pass on a still night is magical. If dry, the first certain water is the outlet of Upper Lamarck Lake. There is camping off to the left (south) side of the lake and also south above the trail a hundred feet or so below the lake outlet.

[Gogd]

I'd carry water from Upper Lamarck Lake, as the tarn can get brackish.
Ed

[thegib]

There's also good camping at about 12200' where the trail curves NE and leaves the stream. I've found the stream flows later in the season then seems reasonable, but of course there's no guarantee.