Mosquito Lakes Campground draws a good number of visitors to its scenic location on Pacific Grade Summit, 7 miles east of Lake Alpine. A pair of shallow lakes rest side by side, often with families of ducks paddling around the edges. Anglers appreciate being able to cast their lines into the lake only a few steps from their cars. Many visitors sit along the lake's edge on little folding chairs and drop their lines into the lake.
Surprisingly the small campground often has empty spaces. Lack of potable water may be one of the reasons. Those who do camp at Mosquito Lakes Campground get to walk out to the edge of Pacific Grade Summit at night and gaze up at the starry sky and eastward to the dark forms of the mountains. During the Gold Rush era, emigrants brought wagons over Pacific Grade Summit, coming south from the Carson Pass area via Blue Lakes and Hermit Valley.
| Mosquito Lakes Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Mosquito Lakes Campground Location: | 7 miles east of Lake Alpine, off Highway 4, at the top of Pacific Grade Summit |
| Elevation: | 8,050 feet |
| Miles/Driving time: | Stockton - 107 miles, 2:15 |
| Campground Open: | Late-May through October, depending on weather |
| Number of Sites: | 11 |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2, fee for 2nd vehicle |
| Maximum Length of Stay: | 14 days |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Stanislaus National Forest |
| Calaveras Ranger District: | (209) 795-1381 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| No Reservations: | All the campsites at Mosquioto Lakes Campground are first come, first served. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 16 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $8 per night |
| Check-in, check-out: | Any time, Noon |
| Mosquito Lakes Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, no water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Attractions near Mosquito Lakes Campground: | Enjoy Lake Alpine for boating fishing, and swimming. Hike on nearby trails into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Visit Lake Alpine Lodge for supplies and its restaurant. Drive down to Bear Valley for shops and restaurants. Head up Ebbetts Pass and discover the dramatic eastern side of the pass. Explore Pacific Valley and Hermit Valley. Try Fishing at Kinney Lakes. |
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate
Mosquito Lakes Campground
Visitors camping at Mosquito Lakes Campground in the Stanislaus National Forest in Calaveras County don't have to travel far to find great adventures.
Check Stanislaus National Forest - Mosquito Lakes Campground for any campground updates.