Mosquito Lakes Camping
Mosquito Lakes are at Pacific Grade Summit, 6 miles east of Lake Alpine. The lakes are very popular for fishing. A small campground is situated near the lakes, and another campground is located a mile east of the summit in Pacific Valley. Besides fishing, the area around Pacific Grade Summit offers good hiking and horseback riding trails. The highway usually opens from its winter closure around mid-May.
Both Mosquito Lakes Campground and Pacific Valley Campground are in the Stanislaus National Forest.
Mosquito Lakes, Alpine County, California
Mosquito Lakes Campground
Mosquito Lakes Campground rests at an elevation of 8,000 immediately across the road from the lakes. Most of the campers at Mosquito Lakes enjoy the relaxed fishing along the banks of the lakes. There is no piped water available at the campground. Spectacular views of the mountains and canyons to the northeast can be seen from a pullout, and unofficial viewpoint, a half mile east of the lakes.
Directions: From Alpine Lake follow Highway 4 six miles east to Mosquito Lakes. Look for the campground on your left.
Fees: $8 per night
Reservations: None
Mosquito Lakes Campground Amenities
- 11 campsites for tents or small RVs
- No piped water, vault toilets
- Picnic tables
History Note:
The old Big Trees and Silver Valley mining road ran across Pacific Grade Summit, as did an earlier emigrant trail known as the Big Trees Road. Remnants of the old routes can be seen by walking out the notch at the bend of the road by the upper lake. Traces of rust from early wagons' wheels can be seen on the rocks along the trail heading downstream from the lower lake.
Pacific Valley Campground
Pacific Valley Campground is located at an elevation of 7,500 feet a mile east of Pacific Grade Summit. The campground has potable water available in the summer. Fishing, hunting, and horseback riding are favorites among campers here. Equestrians with horse trailers may camp at the southern end of the campground, near the trailhead.
Directions: Follow Highway 4 seven miles east from Lake Alpine. At the bottom of the steep grade on the east side of Pacific Grade Summit, look for the turnoff onto the half-mile long road leading into Pacific Valley Campground.
Fees: $10 per night
Reservations: None
Pacific Valley Campground Amenities
- 19 campsites for tents, not recommended for trailers
- Potable water in summer
- Vault toilets
History Note:
A distinct section of the old 19th century mining road that ran from Silver Valley to Big Trees can be seen by walking east a quarter mile on Highway 4 from the campground entrance, crossing the highway to the north side, and venturing into the trees for less than a hundred feet. The old road is clearly marked with rocks along its shoulders.
