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Dispersed Camping

Florence Lake Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Florence Lake Dispersed is located near Florence Lake in California, surrounded by rugged terrain with a mix of forested areas and open spaces. The area experiences temperatures ranging from the 30s in winter to the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include Florence Lake itself, offering opportunities for fishing and boating, and the John Muir Wilderness, which provides numerous hiking trails.

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Location

Florence Lake Dispersed is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.22599972 N
118.86489118 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Mono Hot Springs

Mono Hot Springs

2 hrs 6 min away

Mono Creek

Mono Creek

2 hrs 17 min away

Drive Time

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Florence Lake Dispersed needs a permit.

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General Info


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1 Review

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2018

Good spot after a Muir Trail Ranch resupply

After Marie Lakes we had a very short 300 foot climb up and over Selden Pass and then a long decent past Heart Lake, Sallie Keyes Lakes (where the traditional Indian wood flute was being played) and a major 2000 foot switchback decent to Blayney Meadows and Muir Trail Ranch. MTR closes at 5pm so we were eager to get there and get our resupply. Ironically enough most of my resupply I dumped and grabbed a few things from the free hikers buckets. I wasn't eating nearly as much as I had planned and didn't crave anything I had in my resupply. I really just wanted apple sauce and mashed potatoes. After a nice couple hour break at MTR we headed back towards the JMT on the Florence Lake Trail. It runs along the San Joaquin River and had the most incredible trees surrounding us. The trail runs about 1.5 miles to jump back on the JMT and the camp site is close to the end of that. Maybe less than 1/2 a mile till the merge. It is open along the river and several others chose to camp in this area. The river is fast moving so not one to frolic in but easy enough to wash up and get water. Their is little privacy so a steep ascent up the hill on the other side of the trail is where you'll need to take care of "personal Matters" there's a bit of a trail that'll take you up there if you can find it. We hoped for clear skies and low winds that night as the trees we camped under were so large a pinecone would have caused so serious damage had it fallen on us. It was nice having others around as this area felt a bit like bear country and we weren't keen on uninvited guests. The next morning we would travel a short way to hop back on the JMT and meet up with the Piute Pass Trail.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Florence Lake Dispersed by Steph H., September 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Florence Lake Dispersed by Steph H., September 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Florence Lake Dispersed by Steph H., September 16, 2018
  • (16) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Florence Lake in California?

Florence Lake Dispersed offers primitive camping opportunities in the Sierra National Forest. The area provides backcountry-style camping without designated sites or formal facilities. Camping is available along hiking trails and near the lake, with many backpackers using it as a starting point for trips into the John Muir Wilderness. The area around Blayney Meadows and near Muir Trail Ranch offers spots for overnight stays. Be prepared for a true wilderness experience with minimal amenities and remember to follow Leave No Trace principles while camping in this pristine mountain environment.

Where is Florence Lake located and how do I get there?

Florence Lake is located in the Sierra National Forest in Central California, serving as a gateway to the John Muir Wilderness. The lake sits at high elevation in the Sierra Nevada mountains. To reach Florence Lake, you'll travel through a series of mountain roads including a significant descent via switchbacks toward Blayney Meadows and Muir Trail Ranch. The trail system includes Selden Pass, which connects to Marie Lakes, Heart Lake, and Sallie Keyes Lakes. Given the remote location, prepare for potentially challenging mountain driving conditions and check road status before your trip.

What amenities does the Florence Lake store provide for campers?

The Florence Lake area has limited amenities, with the nearby Muir Trail Ranch (MTR) serving as a crucial resupply point for hikers and campers. MTR has specific operating hours (closing at 5pm) and provides essential supplies for backcountry travelers. The area is quite remote, so visitors should come fully prepared with most of their supplies. For comprehensive provisions, consider stocking up before arriving at Florence Lake. Contact Muir Trail Ranch directly for current hours and available services, as mountain businesses often have seasonal operations and limited inventory compared to urban stores.