$5 / night

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Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone, near Lake Tahoe, California, is a stunning spot for those who crave a true wilderness experience. This area is all about immersing yourself in nature, with breathtaking views of alpine lakes and rugged landscapes that will leave you in awe.

Camping here is a bit of an adventure, as it’s a hike-in location with no amenities like drinking water or toilets. But don’t let that scare you off; visitors rave about the beauty of the surroundings. One camper shared, “Camping here is magical!” and many others echoed the sentiment, highlighting the peacefulness and gorgeous scenery.

You can set up camp near Tamarack Lake or Aloha Lake, both of which offer incredible views and a serene atmosphere. Reviewers have mentioned the surreal experience of walking on rock paths surrounded by water, making it feel like you’re walking on water. If you’re not up for camping, day hikes are a fantastic option, allowing you to soak in the stunning vistas without the overnight commitment.

Just remember, this is a no-frills experience—bring your own supplies and be prepared to pack out what you bring in. The area is known for its strict no-trace policies, so leave no sign of your visit. If you’re looking for a place to disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors, Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone is a top-notch choice.

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Location

Desolation Wilderness - Aloha Zone is located in California

Coordinates

38.88479571 N
120.19366167 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Lovers Leap Campground

1 hr 13 min away

Azalea Cove Campground

1 hr 28 min away

Drive Time

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2 hrs 16 min from Carson City
2 hrs 21 min from Sacramento
2 hrs 43 min from Reno
3 hrs 3 min from Yuba City

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Alcohol
Pets

Contact

General Info

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Arturo C.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 9, 2022

Beautiful wilderness

One of my top 5 favorite place to go backpacking. Love the feeling of being immersed in nature and the views of all the lakes. We took the water Taxi that shaved about 5 miles off our hike. Our first night we set up camp at tamarack lake then moved up to beautiful aloha lake. The best part of this is that if you don’t want to camp you can just go on a day hike

Month of VisitJune

Chris M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 4, 2020

unbelievable

awesome trip. we just did 20+ miles, from echo lake in, around, and out to Aloha before heading back over 2.5 days. Aloha is kinda surreal. and in places there are rock path in the middle where a person can walk in a few inches of water and appear to the viewer to be "walking on water"

it was hot in July...

Sitetamarack, ralston, & aloha

Month of VisitJuly

Sean G.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020

Backpack hike

Had a great time for 3 solid days at this lake and the area around it Very gorgeous views and friendly people around Didn’t see to much wild life but very peaceful

Christian N.

Ranger

Reviewed Dec. 3, 2019

Alpine Lakes

This is a great glimpse at what the High Sierra lakes further south look like... but better. Dispersed camp sites all over. (Make sure to follow signs and camp appropriately distanced from the lakes)

Les R.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

Lake Jabu in Desolation Wilderness

Camping here is magical! The 5-stars are not for facilities or accessibility, as this dispersed camping experience is really in the wilderness. You can hike in for 6 miles each way (12 miles round trip) via the Echo Lakes trail, or park and take the water taxi ($12) to cut off 2.5 miles of the hike each way. You must obtain an overnight wilderness permit, year round. The permits have quotas enforced April through September. Permits cost $5 per person per night for first night, or $10.00 per person for 2+ nights (14 day max). Campfires are prohibited, so bring a camp stove. They are serious about no trace here, to conserve the amazing beautiful of the area. So pack out your trash, and bury your poop deep!

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a wilderness permit required for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness?

Yes, a wilderness permit is absolutely required for all overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness, including the Aloha Zone. The permit system helps manage visitor impact in this fragile alpine environment. Permits are zone-specific, so you'll need to obtain one specifically for the Aloha Zone if that's where you plan to camp. Permits are limited and can be reserved in advance through the Forest Service reservation system. During peak summer months, permits often fill quickly, so it's advisable to plan well ahead of your trip.

What are the camping regulations for the Aloha Zone in Desolation Wilderness?

The Aloha Zone has several important camping regulations. Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, and trails. Group size is strictly limited (typically to 12 people maximum). Campfires are prohibited throughout Desolation Wilderness, so bring a camp stove for cooking. All food must be stored properly to prevent wildlife encounters. Pack out all trash and waste - this is a pristine wilderness area with no facilities. Follow Leave No Trace principles by camping on durable surfaces and minimizing your impact. The area has designated dispersed sites, so look for established areas rather than creating new campsites.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness?

Desolation Wilderness offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout the Aloha Zone. Popular access is via the Echo Lakes trail, a 6-mile hike one-way. Many campers set up around Lake Aloha itself, where you'll find scattered sites. Tamarack Lake also provides good dispersed camping options. For those wanting to reduce hiking distance, a water taxi service at Echo Lakes can cut off about 2.5 miles of the hike (for a fee). Remember to follow wilderness guidelines by camping in established sites and maintaining proper distance from lakes and water sources.

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