The 13 Best Campsites on the John Muir Trail
The John Muir Trail is every backpacker’s fantasy trip. High alpine lakes, lush meadows, cascading creeks, and big, bold mountains. Nearly every sight on the trail is photo-worthy. If you are planning a trip along the John Muir Trail, and are looking for the most picturesque and perfect campsites, keep reading on!
Upper Cathedral Lake
SOBO mile: 17
An absolutely gorgeous spot, just slightly off the trail. Views of Cathedral Peak, great swimming, and really nice tent sites on the southern end of the lake.
Lyell Fork
SOBO mile: 34.5
Amazing views of Mts. Maclure and Lyell. Access to fresh water from the creek. A great spot to set up for a morning ascent of Donohue Pass.
Thousand Island Lake
SOBO mile: 43.5
One of the most scenic lakes on the whole trail, with the stunning Banner Peak dominating the skyline. This area is very popular, and camping is prohibited within 0.25 miles of the outlet, so you have to hike a little off the JMT to find a spot, but it is so worth it! Finding a site to completely stake down your tent can be difficult, so make sure to use rocks to secure your guylines. There are also random tentsites on the bench above the lake, further north along the trail if you’d like more of a bird’s eye view and don’t mind camping away from a water source.
Lake Virginia
SOBO mile: 74.1
This is such a heavenly spot that I wish I camped at. The tenting areas are nice and soft, with easy access to the lake for getting water. Its also a really nice swimming lake! The only downside about camping here is the condensation you might experience on your tent.
Sallie Keyes Lakes
SOBO mile: 103.5
Sallie Keyes might not have huge mountain views, but it is a very idyllic spot to camp within the pine trees at the lower lake. Easy access to water and swimming! The upper lake also has some sites, but they are right on trail and on hard ground, without water nearby. Mosquitos can be an issue here in the early season, though.
Evolution Meadow
SOBO mile: 119
In a departure from the rest of my list so far, the Evolution Meadow camp is not at a lake! It is in a serene meadow next to Evolution Creek, with views of mountains in the distance. Mosquitos are likely to be here in the early season, but otherwise this is a must-stay spot.
Evolution Basin
SOBO mile: 123
Starting at the north end of Evolution Lake, there are many campsites scattered in the area, all with stunning views of the lakes and mountains in the basin. The sites at Evolution Lake are the most protected, found up on the hillside away from the water. There are some more exposed ones to the northwest, closer to the outlet. There are a few more sites on the eastern side of the lake as you continue south on the trail. And the sites near Sapphire Lake are pretty hidden, usually tucked behind large granite boulders to protect from the wind. No matter where you camp in the basin, just make sure it is legal (100 feet from the trail & water), and well protected from wind.
Lake Marjorie
SOBO mile: 159.5
You don’t necessarily need to camp at Marjorie: there are a few tarns in the area just north of Pinchot Pass that you could camp near. Some of them aren’t right on the trail, but you can still find a spot if you look for a bit. Pinchot Pass is really unique because of the red color of the mountains around it! So being in the area for sunrise is really why this campsite rocks.
Woods Creek Suspension Bridge
SOBO mile: 168.5
While there aren’t sweeping views here, or a lake to swim at, this is truly a great campsite. There is easy access to Woods Creek for water, and you can take a little dip here if the flow isn’t too strong. There are many tent sites to choose from, and they are all nice and flat, with lots of rocks and logs to sit down on. If fires aren’t banned for the season, you can have a fire here, too. This spot also sets you up nicely for the hot and exposed climb up to Rae Lakes. It does get a little crowded as it is right on the trail, and it’s also on another popular backpacking loop, but I think the pros outweigh those cons. Just makes sure to not camp in the restoration areas, and keep all of your scented items & food in a bear canister. There have been many reports of bear activity here!
Middle Rae Lake
SOBO mile: 175
Rae Lakes are super popular, and for good reason! I think Middle & Lower Rae Lakes have the best camping available, with Middle Rae winning out just because camping here will make your life slightly easier on your way up and over Glen Pass in the morning (if you’re going SOBO). Middle Rae Lake has a beautiful view of the Painted Lady, easy access to water for collecting and swimming, and lots of tent sites scattered in the rocks on the peninsula. This area can get really crowded, so if you’re not a fan of fellow humans, Lower Rae Lake would be a better option.
Bubbs Creek
SOBO mile: 184.5
This campsite is probably one of the most gorgeous lower-elevation spots on the whole JMT! Beautiful mountain views, lots of trees, and easy access to the creek. This spot might not be so serene in the early season with tons of snowmelt swelling the creek, but its an idyllic paradise later in the summer! There are many reports of wildlife sightings in this area too, mainly black bears and deer.
North of Forester Pass
SOBO mile: 186.3
Right at treeline, there is a little shelf in the hillside with nicely protected tent sites. Not only are the views absolutely spectacular from this site, but there is also a small stream to easily filter water from, and plenty of rocks for furniture. If you travel a little further south, there are a few more less protected sites with grander views. This is a really great spot if you are ascending or descending Forester Pass.
Guitar Lake
SOBO mile: 206
Guitar Lake is a world-class campsite. It has gorgeous views and plenty of water. Just be sure to protect this sensitive area by only camping on rock & sand, and by using your WAG bag for your poops! :) This is the perfect spot to set up for the summit of Mt. Whitney. It can get pretty windy, cold, and crowded at this alpine lake, so make sure you are prepared!
Ready for your John Muir Trail trip?
You’re going to need a wilderness permit to camp at any of these locations. Read my guide on how to get backcountry permits for the John Muir Trail.