Young Lakes Camping

Yosemite National Park

photo of Young Lakes, Yosemite National Park, California
photo of Young Lakes, Yosemite National Park, California

Young Lakes Camping

Yosemite National Park


Camping at Young Lakes

On busy summer weekends it is difficult to find a spot around the lower lake that isn't within eyesight of another camp. A small beach stretches along the west side of the lake and secluded campsites can be found nearby, tucked back among the trees. Find more privacy at the middle lake, which has some good camping spots among the trees along the north side of the lake. For even more secluded camping, make the stiff climb to the upper lake. However, campsites there are more exposed.

Shop Amazon for:
Backpacking Tents


Middle and Lower Young Lakes, Yosemite National Park, California

Middle and Lower Young Lakes

Fishing

All three lakes have good fishing for brook trout, with the best fishing in the middle lake.


Fisherman at Young Lakes, Yosemite National Park, California

Fishing Middle Young Lake




Explore the Area

The trail up to the upper lake involves a little scrambling as it passes a small waterfall, but the views from the lake are well worth the hike. Experienced cross-country hikers might set out for Roosevelt Lake by traversing from Middle Young Lake. About 2½ miles one way. There are no fish in Roosevelt Lake; it has been turned over to the frogs.

Fishing along Conness Creek, downstream from Young Lakes, is quite rewarding, but the approach requires some cross-country hiking, descending about 700 feet. The best route is from the area between the two lower Young Lakes, traversing north away from the creek. Then as the terrain becomes easier swing to the west and intercept Conness Creek. This route is intended for experienced cross-country hikers. Carrying a GPS device such as the Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS is recommended. Fish for brook and rainbow trout.

Peak Bagging

For experienced mountaineers, Ragged Peak has a class 2 route from its southwest slope. Popular Mount Conness has a class 2 route from Young Lakes.

Read details in R. J. Secor's The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails.