Emigrant Gap sits at 5,200 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where cool mountain air creates distinct camping seasons between May and October. Winter snowfall often exceeds 12 feet annually, transforming the landscape and closing many camping areas. Most campgrounds open by late May when daytime temperatures typically range from 65-80°F with cooler nights in the 40-50°F range.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake of the Woods offers ideal fishing conditions with a small lake perfect for kayak fishing. "Campground is beautiful. Spots are first come first served and can fill up quickly. Small lake perfect for kayak fishing," notes a visitor to Lake of the Woods.
Pacific Crest Trail access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to this famous long-distance hiking trail. At East Meadow Campground, campers enjoy "access to the Pacific crest trail & many other hiking routes" according to reviews, making it an excellent base for day hikes or backpacking segments.
Swimming spots: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake offers family-friendly swimming options. "Sand Pond is great for swimming," reports a camper, while another notes the campground is "situated nicely with perfect trees for our hammocks" and features "gorgeous views of the lake and boulders - and even waterfalls."
Sierra Buttes hike: For challenging terrain, try the Sierra Buttes trail near Sardine Lake Campground. "I would recommend hiking up to the Buttes if you're looking for a challenge. Be sure to stop at Bassett's for some icecream on your way out!" suggests a regular visitor.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Many Emigrant Gap campgrounds feature clean, accessible facilities. At Inn Town Campground, campers appreciate that "the campground is exceptionally clean and meticulously maintained" and that the "owners really have thought of everything."
Swimming lakes: Natural bodies of water provide recreation without crowds. "Nice water for swimming. Fire rings and benches for each site," reports a visitor to Lake of the Woods, while another camper mentioned the "great little Lake for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding" at Thousand Trails Snowflower.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Emigrant Gap, California, several campgrounds offer these accommodations. Inn Town Campground provides unique lodging with unexpected comforts - "We even had a heated mattress pad in our glamping tent to keep warm," notes one visitor.
Mountain scenery: The Sierra landscape creates a dramatic backdrop for camping. "The typical Sierra granite spires around the lake make for the scenery," writes a camper about Sardine Lake, while East Meadow Campground offers "beautiful campgrounds with access to sandy beaches from your tenting spots."
What you should know
First-come sites fill quickly: Many campgrounds operate without reservations. At Lake of the Woods, "Sites are free, first come first served. There was still snow blocking the road the Memorial Day weekend but by June 6th, the road was clear and passable with my Honda Fit."
Road conditions: Access to remote campgrounds requires planning. A visitor to Lake of the Woods notes, "A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars."
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is essential in this region. At Coyote Group Campground, facilities include "3x Bear food and 4x trash/recycling bins" with one camper noting they "ended up using the extra bear-proof trash bins as overflow scented item/food storage."
Mosquito presence: Some areas have significant insect populations. A camper at Thousand Trails Snowflower observed their "group's collective joy was short lived after we were beseeched with mosquitos" and concluded it was "likely due to limited air currents through this secluded part of the forest."
Tips for camping with families
Safe swimming areas: Locations with gradual entry points work best for children. At Thousand Trails Snowflower, families appreciate that it's "very clean, family and pet friendly campground" with lakes that are "very nice for fishing and kayaking."
Multiple activities: Campgrounds offering diverse recreation keep children engaged. Sardine Lake Campground is "a great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area."
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with room for games and exploration. One visitor to William Kent Campground found "the site itself was huge and really nice for my large family."
Clean facilities: Family-friendly bathrooms reduce camping stress. Inn Town Campground receives praise for having "the absolute nicest, cleanest bathrooms/showers I've ever seen in a campground," making it suitable for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. At William Kent Campground, an RVer noted "our pad was really not very flat so leveling the trailer was tough" and "with my husband's truck it was definitely a tight squeeze."
Limited hookup options: Plan for self-contained camping at most locations. Thousand Trails Snowflower provides some services, but "RV sites are mostly electric and water only, and many aren't anywhere near level," according to one reviewer who added, "If you prefer parking lot RV parks though, go somewhere else."
Dump station availability: Plan for potential waiting times when departing. At Thousand Trails Snowflower, a camper reported they "waited 30+ minutes to dump" because "only one dump station was open," though they noted the campground offers "a honey wagon service for $40.00 available 2 times a week."
