Rae Lakes Camping

Kings Canyon National Park

Rae Lakes, Kings Canyon National Park, California
Rae Lakes, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Rae Lakes Camping

Kings Canyon National Park


Camping among the Rae Lakes

Campsites are plentiful around the Rae Lakes and back down the trail at Arrowhead Lake. There are bear boxes near all the lakes from Arrowhead on up. Because of the popularity of the area, camping is limited one night at each of the lakes from Dollar Lake to Glen Pass. Two bear boxes are located at the middle lake with numerous campsites around them. A staffed ranger cabin is just off the trail part way along the shore of the lake.

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Fishing

Fishing has always been excellent in the Rae Lakes and in most of the neighboring lakes and connecting streams. Anglers usually land rainbow and brook trout.

Rae Lakes campsite, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Rae Lakes Campsite

Camping at Dollar Lake

Camping is possible in the vicinity of Dollar Lake by avoiding the no camping areas. The one-night limit includes Dollar Lake.


60 Lake Basin, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Sixty Lake Basin

Explore the Area


After completing a tour of the Rae Lakes, you may wish to venture off to Sixty Lake Basin. The trail begins on the west shore of Upper Rae Lake and within a mile climbs a low ridge just south of prominent Fin Dome. Sixty Lake Basin is scattered with alpine lakes. Mount Cotter rises to the west.

Note that fish have been removed from many lakes in Sixty Lake Basin to protect the mountain yellow-legged frog.

Another side-trip from Rae Lakes is Dragon Lake, less than a mile southeast of Rae Lakes and 500 feet in elevation gain. Although an approximate trail location is shown on maps, it is not to be trusted. Set out on the faint trail through the meadow between middle and upper Rae Lakes, but stay somewhat to the left, avoiding the waterfall, and seek out a faint use-trail.

Pretty Dragon Lake is nestled at the foot of Dragon Peak. Fishing is good, and campsites are available.



Peak Bagging

For experienced mountaineers, several of the surrounding peaks have class 2 and class 3 routes. Among them are Mt. Rixford, Mt. Cotter, and Painted Lady. For route descriptions consult R. J. Secor's The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails.