High Sierra Topix

I agree with WD's post. Lake South America is probably the worst location for camping in the Upper Kern. If you can make it to East Lake, then making it to Lake Reflection is not that much further and worth the effort. The Avalanche Pass trail is a real grind with lots of stone steps. A few miles up after the steps end, there is an excellent campsite at the Sphinx Creek junction about 100 yards up to the left. Also, if you wade the Kern-Kaweah at Gallats Lake there are good campsites far from the trail. Further down the trail to Junction Meadow most campsites are close to the trail.

Great choices!
The link below will show you a few spots to camp along Sphinx Creek/Avalanche Pass. I normally camp at what I have marked as "Camp 3". "Camp 6" is really nice if you have the water.
Roaring River has quite a few sites. Don't be shy if you get a chance to talk to the ranger there.
Also, that first day is no joke. The last climb up Silliman Pass usually catches folks off-guard. No worse than anything you find on the Wonderland, but the elevation might sap you a bit.

https://caltopo.com/m/DPBT

Thank you so much Robo Hiker for the map of camp spots along the Sphinx area. Good to know the options and would love to break the ascent up if possible...most likely weather will dictate where we end up. (Probably true of all camp destinations.) Also thanks for the heads up on Silliman Pass - we may be underestimating it...so good to be aware of its challenges.

Wandering Daisy...love your pics! I was not aware of that area. They have inspired me to plan an Upper Kern adventure - hopefully a fall 2022 trip if possible.

Frankly, I really appreciate the feedback from everyone here...helps me feel like this really can and will happen! Now, the biggest stress is the weather and fire possibilities. Right now in the Pacific Northwest we are enduring through an epic heat event that appears to have no real end in sight - according to the forecasters. It's downright depressing. Checking NOAA frequently for the Sierra area weather...anyone on the ground down there who can provide some wisdom or sage guesses as to what we might expect in 3 weeks????

Last question: I've been reading trail reports about a number of unnamed streams already drying up - any thoughts on water availability on our route?