When I planned my Mirror Lake hike, this is where I thought I was going to camp as I assumed that this was an actual campground at the trailhead. It actually isn't that at all.

Mirror Lake trailhead is essentially parking along HWY 26 - there are about 20 spots and on a not very busy mid-week morning I waited about 15 minutes for a hiker to finish so I could get their parking spot. The hike is super popular (and it is gorgeous), so it is worth doing. You will need a recreation pass in advance for parking here (and you cannot buy one here, and there is no turn around, and you won't want to lose your place in the parking line to go and buy one, so make sure you have one in advance)

There are technically walk in "campsites" at Mirror Lake. These are essentially a few small cleared areas around the lake. There are no tables or fire-rings or toilets, or water (apart from the lake), so you'll need to carry everything in with you - which is a 1.7 uphill hike in.

The area is beautiful for camping, and going to sleep and waking up at the lake before the crowds descend is the biggest bonus.

If you want to do this hike early in the morning without the crowds, but aren't prepared for primitive walk-in camping, Camp Creek Campground is just a few miles down HWY 26.